Heineken donate ledgers to University College Cork archives 

Heineken Ireland is marking Heritage Day with the donation of four additional historic bound volumes to the Murphy’s Brewery Collection at University College Cork (UCC) Library’s Special Collections and Archives.

The new donation includes 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.

Originally transferred to UCC Library in 1999, the Murphy’s Brewery archive reflects Heineken Ireland’s commitment to preserving brewing heritage.

Collection

Opened to the public in 2010, the collection comprises 91 archival boxes and 147 bound volumes, spanning from the brewery’s founding in 1856 by James J Murphy and his brothers, to 1992.

The archive charts more than 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.

Orla Joyce, who is the legal director at Heineken Ireland, said that the company’s 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,” said Ms Joyce.

Elaine Harrington, who is the interim head of special collections and archives at UCC Library, said that the addition of the new volumes “will enrich this already remarkable resource”.

“These newly donated volumes offer fresh perspectives on Cork’s industrial past,” said Ms Harrington.