About Binneas
The aim of the Binneas project is to collect and preserve the musical heritage of South Kerry, to house it in an accessible archive and make it available to the general public. This website and the Binneas publications and recordings are part of achieving that aim.
The basic archive was founded in 2006 by Peter Mullarkey with the help and guidance of Seán Mac an tSíthigh in his role as ‘Heritage Officer South Kerry’ with Comhchoiste Ghaeltacht Uibh Rathaigh. Seán’s advice was invaluable in the founding years of the project bringing to bear his deep knowledge of folklore, place name and his love of his native language. Although shortly after Seán left his role as heritage officer to pursue a very successful career as a video journalist for RTÉ and TG4 he co-published ‘Amhráin Uíbh Ráthaigh volumes 1 & 2 with Peter Mullarkey and has remained a wise counsel for advice to the project. Seán’s love of people, place and their story is captured in his reports with tenderness, respect and great humanity.
The songs and tunes are of the sons and daughters of Iveragh. The events captured in the lines of the songs and the titles of the tunes were of importance and significance to the people who came before us, and it of this blood we are made. History may be agreed on by the academics but the real grass-roots history of the people is written in its song.
In the spirit of the Binneas Project, please feel free to share, disseminate and use the material that has been collected. All I ask is that you recognise and quote the source of the information, and if in a position to do so, support the collection by purchasing a publication, recording or making a donation to support the work of Binneas.
Go raibh míle maith agat
Peter Mullarkey (Custodian & curator of the Binneas Collection)