A NEWLY formed heritage group is planning a series of exploratory field trips to uncover the ‘hidden’ history of the Shelburne area of south west Wexford.
The John F. Kennedy Park Heritage Group will carry out its searches at ancient sites in Kilmokea, Whitechurch and Sliabh Coillte. The members will engage in the venture during National Heritage Week which this year takes place from August 18 to 26.
The group will begin its search with visits to the three sites on Monday, August 20, beginning at 1 p.m. They members will also conduct talks and hold an open forum based on their findings at the Kennedy Park and Arboretum on Wednesday, August 22, and in Campile the following weekend.
The group plans to discuss a wide range of issues but what is sure to attract the attention of historians and locals alike is subject matter such as the location of the ‘Temple of Brightness’ and exploring the meaning of the seven spiritual sites in the area – especially Ballykelly and Ballybrasil.
Another question due to be aksed is “why we took a wrong turn in Neolithic times?” and what is the relevance of the location of standing stones in the area? The timing of the rising and setting sun will also be explored in addition to the significance of St. John’s Eve and Ballysop and perhaps, most interesting of all – how it all relates to Newgrange.
Anthony Murphy, co-author of ‘Island of the Setting Sun’, who has established geometrical and astronomical connections between Newgrange and other ancient sites throughout Ireland will join the search to guide the group.
Fr. Sean O’Duinn, of Glenstal Abbey, who has written extensively on Celtic spirituality and who recently published a new book, ‘In Search of the Awesome Mystery’, will address the talks and open forum events. Fr. O’Duinn’s book tracks the landscape evidence and pointers left in the lore of place names and in topographical artefacts.
The group plans to carry out its investigations by focussing attention on field name references, the alignment of standing stones in the area, the rising and setting of the sun, local customs, and stories connected with times, places and distinct areas.
One group member, author and solicitor, Simon Kennedy, urged everyone in the area to attend as he said it will provide people with a great opportunity to discuss their own theories and suggestions with the experts.
He highlighted the fact that the ‘Leabhar Gabhala na hEireann’ (The Book of the Invasions of Ireland), identifies the confluence of the Three Sisters – the rivers Barrow, Nore and Suir, and in particular the townsland of Kilmokea (then called Mileadach) – as the first landing place of our forefathers.
This supposedly happened at the time of the Great Flood in 2242 BC.
Mr. Kennedy also suggested that Sliabh Coillte has the significance of another Newgrange.
During the first day’s itinerary on Monday, August 20, the speakers will visit Kilmokea at 1. p.m., Whitechurch at 2.30 p.m. and Aclare (Kelly’s Rock) at 4 p.m. The group members will discuss research of any possible connection with planetary arrangements and the sites visited. They hope to compare the Newgrange experience and identify similarities, or not, in terms of provenance and tradition.
A symposium on the heritage of the areas is scheduled to take place in Campile at the weekend.
For more information about National Heritage Week and the search by the John F. Kennedy Park Heritage Group can be had by contacting Mairead Cairbre, JFK Arboretum, New Ross, Co. Wexford (051-388171) or email: [email protected]
Alternatively, information can also be obtained from John Flynn, of the JFKPHG on 087- 2996561
