2005 Press Releases
University College Cork (UCC) to host major archaeology event
The largest ever gathering of international archaeologists to be held
in Ireland, is taking place in University College Cork (UCC) from
5th-11th September 2005 as Cork City Council and UCC play host to
the 11th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists
(EAA).
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Clune, will officially open the
proceedings at 5pm on Wednesday 7th September 2005. This will be
followed by a welcoming address by Mr Batt O'Keffee, Minister of State,
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
This prestigious event, which is being held for the first time in
Ireland provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the best of Irish
archaeology to the world.
The 11th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Ireland has been
organised by representatives of all the major bodies involved in the
teaching and management of archaeology in Ireland. Sponsors include
Cork City Council and the various organisations associated with
heritage and archaeology in Ireland.
The importance of this unique meeting is reflected by the large number
of international delegates attending the event and the quantity and
range of archaeological issues which will be debated. Up to 800
archaeologists from Europe, the United States, Canada and Asia will
participate in the meeting, thus making it the most significant
gathering of archaeologists ever in Ireland. Over 400 papers will be
delivered by international scholars and approximately 60 sessions and
round table discussions will take place over the three day period of
the meeting.
The keynote address will be given by Professor P.C. Woodman, Professor
of Archaeology at University College Cork and is entitled "Playing
Catchup". Throughout the meeting delegates will discuss theoretical
aspects of archaeology, the interpretation of archaeology and the
management of the archaeological heritage. Under these core headings
delegates will be treated to an eclectic range of sessions which will
include topics such as 'Research in a time of Development led
Archaeology' , 'Roads and Archaeology', 'The Popular appeal of
archaeology in the media and popular culture', 'Globalisation for
archaeologists- Bologna and the consequences', and 'Burial monuments as
social signals'.
Dr Elizabeth Twohig, Chair of the Scientific Committee said, "We are
delighted to provide a platform where Irish and International delegates
can share and exchange information on a wide range of archaeology
issues. It is our hope that the bringing together of the international
archaeology community will allow for the collective development of
ideas which will enhance the field of archaeology."
To highlight that archaeology is not exclusive to archaeologists, the
Cork City Council in association with the European Association of
Archaeologists has organised two free public lectures which will take
place in the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery at 8pm on 8th and 9th
of September. The lectures are respectively entitled 'The Archaeology
of Irish Towns in a European Context' and 'The National Roads Programme
in Co. Cork: A Fascinating Journey of Archaeological Discovery'. A free
demonstration of replica Irish prehistoric musical instruments will
also take place at 2.30pm on 10th September near the Main Quadrangle of
University College Cork.
Members of the public can gain an added insight into Cork heritage and
history by availing of free guided archaeology walking tours of Cork
City. The tours will take place at 11am, 2pm and 4pm on Friday 9th
September and will be led by archaeologists who have been excavating in
Viking and Medieval Cork. For further information on the public
lectures and to pre- book tickets for the walking tours email
eaa2005@corkcity.ie or write to EAA Cork 2005, Planning Department,
Cork City Council, Navigation House, Albert Quay, Cork.
108MMcS
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