Limerick community to mark 500 years since historic treaty signing

THE COMMUNITY of Askeaton will take a step back in time as the 500th anniversary of the first signed treaty between an Irish political figure and a European power is celebrated.

Anyone with an interest in history or heritage will have plenty to choose from as a weekend full of historical events is planned for the town starting on Friday June, 23.

June 20 officially marks the 500th anniversary of the signing of the Desmond - Valois Treaty at Askeaton Castle, the former seat of the earls of Desmond.

The treaty was primarily an alliance between the Earl of Desmond (who ruled a large portion of Munster) and the French King at the time.

The year was 1523 and the Earl of Desmond was trying to ensure its autonomy against Henry the Eight of England. Henry was trying to extend the power of the English crown in Ireland and anglicise the region, which was resisted by the 10th Earl of Desmond, James FitzGerald.

“The French king was aware of the situation,” Dr Declan Downey said. Dr Downey is a lecturer in Diplomatic History in University College Dublin and will be giving a lecture on the history of the treaty on Friday, June 23.

“[The king] wanted to establish a bridgehead in the Atlantic to keep England under control to some degree… So the French came looking for this alliance with the Earl of Desmond,” he said.

The weekend of events kicks off with the formal lecture by Dr Downey about the background of the treaty and the culture, diplomacy and economic situation of Desmond.

The lecture takes place in Askeaton Community Hall at 8pm.

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On Saturday, June 24, former director of the National Museum of Ireland and native of Askeaton Pat Wallace will be giving a guided tour of medieval Askeaton.

“Limerick county has some of the richest medieval heritage in Ireland. You’ve got some fantastic medieval architecture between Limerick city itself, Kilmallock, Adare, Newcastle West and Askeaton,” Dr Downey said.

“Askeaton was the capital and the principal residence of the Earl of Desmonds between the 14th and 16th centuries.

“Pat Wallace is going to draw attention to that and the continental influences in the architecture as well. Some people think that all our medieval architecture was influenced by England. That may be the case in Dublin and the Pale but it’s not the case down here,” he added.

A reenactment of the signing of the treaty will take place on Sunday, June 25. A number of French and Irish dignitaries will be present and a commemorative procession will take place after Mass that morning and everyone will be directed into the castle where the reenactment will take place.

“A formal welcome will be given by the Askeaton Civic Trust Councillor Kevin Sheahan. Pat Wallace will be present again to remind everyone of the significance of the space they’re in and also the French dignitary present will give a speech,” Dr Downey explained.

The treaty was signed in the Great Hall in Askeaton Castle but due to the ongoing works by the Office of Public Works (OPW) they may not have access to the hall but the event will nonetheless take place in Askeaton Castle.

Dr Desmond said the OPW were incredibly accommodating to allow the event to take place as they continue their works on Askeaton Castle.