2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Heineken marks Heritage Day in Cork with donations to historic brewery collection
Located on Leitrim Street, Shandon, the Heineken factory in Cork brews the iconic beer known across the world, as well as Beamish and Murphy's stouts, Orchard Thieves' cider and other beers like Birra Moretti and Coors.
Approximately 98pc of draught beer sold in Ireland is made in the Cork factory.
Heineken's donations include a 1960s cash book and three brewing books dating from 1899-1906, which provide a unique insight into the brewery's financial transactions and its brewing processes at the turn of the 20th century.
Once cleaned and described by UCC Library staff, the volumes will be incorporated into the Murphy's Brewery Collection, which is an important resource for historians, researchers, and the public.
The Murphy's Brewery archive originally transferred to UCC Library in 1999 to preserve the proud brewery history of Cork and opened to the public in 2010.
The collection entails 91 archival boxes and 147 bound volumes, spanning from the brewery's founding in 1856 by James J Murphy and his brothers until 1992.
The archive charts over 130 years of Irish brewing and economic history, reflecting the evolution of products, technology, working life, and Cork's merchant culture. It is also an important genealogical resource, containing records of trades, employees, and wages.
Legal director at Heineken Ireland, Orla Joyce said:
'Our history is deeply rooted in Cork, and the Murphy's Brewery Collection is a powerful record of the city's brewing legacy.
'We're proud to contribute these volumes to UCC Library's archives, ensuring future generations can explore and appreciate Cork's rich brewing story,' Ms Joyce said.
The Murphy's Brewery Collection is available for consultation by appointment through UCC Library's Special Collections and Archives. A full listing of the collection is available online on the UCC Library website.
Interim head of special collections and archives at UCC Library, Elaine Harrington said:
'The addition of these four bound volumes to the Murphy's Brewery Collection will enrich this already remarkable resource. These newly donated volumes offer fresh perspectives on Cork's industrial past, connecting the city's brewing heritage to both local history and wider Irish economic life.'
'We thank Heineken Ireland for their ongoing recognition of the importance of preserving Cork's history through their generous donation of these bound volumes to UCC Library.'
