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B O HERNABRE EN A
A WALK I N T I M E
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Leabharlanna Atha Cliath
COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ATHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBUN COUNTY UBRARIES
COUNTY LIBRARY, TOWN CENTRE, TALLAGHT
TO RENEW ANY ITEM TEL. 462 0000
Items should be returned on or before the last date below. Fines, as displayed
in the Library, will be charged on overdue items. ^
•••
BOHERNABREENA
A W A L K EST X I M E
t a b l e of c o n t e n t s
T H E M E A N I N G OF Fungi 15
BOHERNABREENA 2 Secrets of the soil 16
A Scattering of Seeds 16
section 1
A HISTORICAL W A L K section 3
A R O U N D T H E VALLEY 3 L I F E STYLES 21
St Anne's GAA Club 3 Glenasmole 23
St Anne's Church 3 Houses 22
Piperstown 4 Schools 23
Ice Houses 4 Weddings 23
Anne Mount 5 Wakes 23
Glenasmole Lodge 5 Way of Life 24
Ballinascorney 6 Weather Lore 24
Waterworks 7 Social Life 24
Hell Fire Club 8 Characters Past 2^
Personalities Present 26
section 2
FLORA & FAUNA 9
section 4
LOCAL BURIAL G R O U N D S 29
Introduction 9
The Heath 10 St Anne's Graveyard 20
Our Forest 10 St Anne's Well 32
The River Valley 11 St Joseph' s Cemetery 33
Birds 12 Place Names 34
Animals 13 Credits 35
An Interest in Insects 14 Sponsors 36
Flowers & Herbs 15
•••
E MEANING OF
BOHERNABREENA
BOHERNABREENA:
Extractfromarticle written by D.R Moore
and printed in Evening Press in 1961.
"The district owes its name to one of the
homes of hospitality which in ancient times, were
maintained by cheiftains for the benefit of travellers.
It was the largest of its kind, and Bohernabreena is
the phoenetic survivival of Boher-na-Bruighne - the
road of the mansion".
BOHERNABREENA:
ExtractfromHistory of Tallaght
-W.DHandcock
"Bohernabreena in old times was Boher-na-Bruighne
or "the road of the court" or "great mansion", one of
the five great palaces or breens, houses of universal
hospitality, for which Ireland was famed.
•
•••
s e c t i o n 1
H I S T O R I C A L WALK
R O U N D T H E VALLEY
ST ANNE'S G.A.A. CLUB ST ANNE'S CHURCH
We start our history where our first We continue up the hill to St Anne's
I.C.A. meeting was held on 16 March, Church.
1964 - St Anne's G.A.A. Club. The Club The foundation stone was laid in
was founded in 1937, an idea started by 1868 by one of the most distinguished
Fr George Henry, a curate in Irish Churchmen of his time, His
Bohernabreena. The first couple of years Eminence Cardinal Cullen, who had
were devoted mainly to fund-raising and been Archbishop of Dublin prior to his
playing the odd friendly or tournament appointment as the first of Ireland's
match. The first committee was elected Cardinals in 1866. It was built in the
on 10 June 1937. Around the same time, thirteenth century, French Gothic style.
Beasley's estate in Bohernabreena was The exterior stone used in the building is
being divided by the Land Commission granite, which was cut and dressed on
and the committee were successful in the Glassamucky mountain between
getting a playing pitch. It has been St Cunard and Featherbed.
Anne's G.A.A. home since 3 March All the work was carried out
1938. voluntarily by the Parishioners from
Early in 1939 the committee decided quarrying, dressing and drawing stone
to build dressing rooms at cost of £280. down from the mountain to the site.
They were completed in 1940. Camogie Sand and gravel were donated by the
was introduced at the end of 1939. well known Douglas family, some of
Socials and dances were held on Sunday whose descendants are still living in the
nights. Wall lights filled with oil formed Parish. The stained glass window behind
the lighting system and the fireplace Our Lady's Altar shows the Blessed
came from Lord Massey's mansion. Virgin on one side holding the Infant
Around 1965 the building was Jesus and, on the opposite side, facing
extended to include showers and other them stands St Joseph. The first baptism
amenities. The Club successfully applied in the church was Peter Lawless on 3
for a bar licence in 1972. On 23 May April 1868.
1977 work began on the new hall/social The People of Bohernabreena are
centre and was opened by Paddy very proud of their fine old church that
McFlynn, President of the G.A.A., on 30 was built by their fathers and
March 1978. The Club has gone from grandfathers.
success to success over the years .
—•••—
s e c t i o n 1
On the bank of the Dodder, about a During a Fenian rising, the Irish shot
quarter of a mile from Old Bawn, lies a ten or twelve English soldiers on
little house concealed by trees. The horseback in the townland of
adjoining fields were the scene of an Glassamucky. Early in the 1930s, when
execution in 1816 of three men named men were working in a sandpit near the
Kearney, a father and his two sons, for place where the soldiers were shot, they
the murder of John Kinlan, steward to unearthed bones and skulls. They are
Ponsby-Shaws of Friarstown. Kinlan had said to be the remains of the soldiers.
incurred the enmity of the Kearneys on
the Sunday prior to his disappearance. ICE HOUSES
They were heard to say they would have Many years ago, before ice was
his life. A hatchet was found near the produced by the modern method of
Kearneys with blood stains and hair on refrigeration, ice was gathered from
it, but the body was never found. It may frozen lakes and ponds during winter
have been buried in one of the bogs in and was stored in ice houses. These
the neighbourhood. consisted of large excavations in the
The Kearneys, after being convicted ground, the interiors of which were lined
were escorted by the dragoons to the with granite and roofed with thatch. In
field in which the gallows were erected. summer the ice was sold to hotels,
Their remains were brought back to restaurants and fishmongers. The
Kilmainham Gaol for burial. remains of some of these "Ice Houses"
can still be seen in the area of
PIPERSTOWN Glassamucky Brakes, Cunard and Mount
Piperstown perpetuates the memory Pelier.
of a famous piper named Cornan, who On the Featherbed Mountain is a
lived in the district and gave great cross in memory of Noel Lemass:
pleasure to his neighbours with his fine In Proud and loving memory of
piping. Captain Noel Lemass 3rd Batt.
On Piperstown Hill two mounds, Dubin City Brigade LR.A. who died
presumably ancient burial places, were that the Republic might live
discovered by a professor of University His murdered body was found on this
College, Dublin. Some years ago the hill spot 13th Oct 1923 RJ.P.
was laid bare as a result of a gorse fire
He has lived a beautiful life and has
which revealed what was once a cemetery
left a beautiful field
with paths and burial grounds.
He has sacrificed the hour to give
According to witnesses some looked like
service for all time
family plots with stone kerbs and piers at
He has entered the company of the
each corner. Apparently there were no
great and with them he will be
headstones or means of identifying the
remembered forever.
remains buried there. It is said that it
TERENCE MACSWINEY
may date back to the Famine years.
—•••—
s e c t i o n 1
ANNE MOUNT the entrance to Glenasmole Lodge. This
Some little distance down from mountain retreat, formerly known as
Glassamucky was once a monastery run Heathfield Lodge, was originally built by
by the Carmelite Order at Clondalkin. I George Grierson, the King's printer in
was founded in 1821 by Brothers Ireland. Grierson's most notable work
Maurice Collins and John Steward to included the first edition of Paradise Lost
provide education for the local children. to be published in Ireland and a
They leased the premises from Mr beautifully bound Book of Common Prayer
Charles Cabbe and with some other traditionally believed to have been used
brothers founded a monastery and a in the Irish House of Commons. It is
school. now preserved in the National Library.
Brother Maurice, who was also After Grierson's death, his three
elected Prior, was a local man who was daughters made Heathfield Lodge their
deeply conscious of the lack of home and having travelled widely abroad
educational facilities in the district. introduced many novel features to the
These dedicated men received no house and its surroundings. They
grant of any kind and were obliged to modelled the lodge after a Swiss Chalet,
rely on voluntary subscriptions and giving it a deep thatched roof, and
whatever small income they received adding a carved wooden balcony. Inside,
from their guest house as no religious ceilings were divided by beams; the
community could hold land under the polished floors were covered with skins
existing law. The Prior was the of wild beasts and antlers of every kind
proprietor of the premises which hung around the walls. Outside the doors
consisted of the guest house, some were mats made of heather in blossom,
thatched buildings which served as an renewed daily. The garden contained
oratory, school and dwellings for the many rare plants and magnificent
monks. rhododendrons.
Brother Collins was 94 when he died
in 1865 and was succeeded by Brother
Steward. By this time the community
had dwindled to a few and after his death
there was no effort made to seek new
vocations.
The school, oratory and other
buildings were damaged by fire. The
chapel was not used after 1881.
GLENASMOLE LODGE
Beyond St Anne's Cemetery the road
slopes downwards through the hamlet of
Cunard. The route leads right, leading to
•
—•••—
s e c t i o n 1
The three ladies were respected and continues along the south side of the
beloved by all who knew them. Regular valley. It emerges beyond Boherna-
visitors to the Lodge were it's occupant's breena on the road to Brittas.
brothers, George and John Grierson,
who between them founded the Dublin
Daily Express. John was a particularly
colourful character who delighted in
driving his spring-cart furiously from the
city.
When travelling after nightfall, he
gave a double warning of his approach by
mounting a tremendously powerful lamp
on his cart and blowing a trumpet every
100 Yards. The accumulated treasures of
the Grierson sisters were lost when a fire
destroyed all but the walls of their home.
The house was later rebuilt - this time
with a slated roof. The Bagnall family quarried in
In the second half of the last century Ballynascomey. They introduced the fust
it was occupied by Charles Cobbe of stone crusher to Ireland which lead to
Newbridge House, Donabate. The present greater employment in the area.
owners of the property are Charles and
June Judd, who continue to keep it in BALLINASCORNEY
immaculate condition. A short distance ahead, at the gap of
At one end of the grounds of Ballinascorney, stands a stone cross.
Glenasmole Lodge there is a huge boulder Although the cross is believed to have
into which a marble slab was inserted. been erected about 100 to 150 years ago,
On the slab is the following inscription : no reliable information is available to
FinnmaCoof one of the Irish giants, earned explain its presence there.
this stone on his shoulders from the opposite At the end of the road where it slopes
mountain on 1 April 444. He was 9ft 7 ins down again on the other side of
in height and weighed 44 stone. Ballinascorney Gap a white gate stands at
Beyond the entrance to Glenasmole an angle to the roadway. This is the
Lodge the road sweeps round a hairpin entrance to Ballinascorney House which
bend and crossing Castlekelly bridge one because of its association with Robert
enters the townland of Castlekelly. Emmett is of particular interest.
During the troubled Years (1916-1920) The house was erected by the
Glenasmole Lodge and other houses in the Dillons of Belgard during the eighteenth
townland were often hide-outs for century as a shooting lodge. It was
prominent men on the run. formerly known as Dillon Lodge. Here on
Leaving Castlekelly, the road the Tuesday following his unsuccessful
•
—•••—
s e c t i o n 1
Rising, Emmett arrived with several of The waterworks were taken over by
his followers. Fully armed and still the Dublin Corporation in 1931 and
wearing their uniforms, they were in supplies approximately 4,000,000 gallons
search of supper and a safe place to sleep. of water to the city each day. Admission
Midnight saw them settled in. Late to the pathways leading by the river and
on the following evening they left the the reservoir lakes to Castlekelly is
house and divided up to go their various allowed only on production of a pass
ways. Some set out for their native obtained from the Waterworks Section
Kildare, others went quietly back to their of Dublin Corporation. A caretaker's
homes in the mountains. Emmett cottage marks the commencement of the
returned to Dublin to the tragic end that lower lake and a similar cottage is passed
awaited him in Thomas Street. as we ascend to the upper lake.
Unfortunately the house was destroyed As we proceed along the margin of
by fire in 1988, shortly after it was the upper lake we can see ahead of us the
vacated by the last owners, namely the brown furrowed slopes of Kippure, on
late Doctor Niall O'Rahilly and his wife which the head waters of the Dodder,
Patricia. Slade, Brook and Cot Brook take their
origin. As an alternative to going by the
waterworks Castlekelly can be reached
by taking the road past Bohernabreena
chapel, up the steep hill by entering
Friarstown Glen and following the
course of the stream which flows
through it until the road is met at
Glassamucky. Higher up the slope of the
valley and on the upper road is
Piperstown. About half a mile beyond
Glassamucky was formerly St Anne's
monastery. A few miles further, a windy
pathway leads to the ruined church of St
WATERWORKS Anne's.
The Waterworks dams were built Crossing the road at Old Bawn and
around 1882, by a Scottish team of continuing straight ahead into Oldcourt
contractors, Messrs Stanford and Road, immediately on the left is the ruins
Faulkner, for the Rathmines of Allenton, an old fashioned house of
Commission. One was intended to the 18th century with high pitched
supply to the township and adjacent gables, deriving its name from Sir
areas, while the other was for local use, Timothy Allen, Lord Mayor of Dublin
serving the various mills in Tallaght, in 1762, who made it his residence. In
Firhouse, Templeogue and so on. The the interior of St Maelruan's Church at
dams were constructed of stone obtained Tallaght are a monument and memorial
from the Carraig mountain. tablet to Sir Timothy Allen.
-•••
s e c t i o n 1
THE HELL FIRE CLUB in Ireland.
There is not much of an interest The old house remains a ruin and is a
attached to the Hellfire except some great landmark today.
folklore and ghostlore. The house was Down through the years there has
erected in 1720 for the Rt. Hon. William been little or no change in the area of
Connolly, the speaker, as a summer Bohernabreena. Although so close to the
residence or shooting lodge. The stones capital city, its varied flora and fauna and
used were from the old cabin that stood the unique beauty of the area makes it
on the same spot. one of the untouched beauty spots in the
It is a solid stone structure, consisting county.
of a 2 storey building. Soon after it's These invaluable assets should be
erection the roof was torn off by a storm. preserved so that future generations will
A stone roof was put on in 1735. It was have the opportunity to see and enjoy
James Worsdale the painter and Richard this rare and very beautiful land of
Parsons, first Earl of Rosse, who made it Bohernabreena.
the headquarters of the Hell Fire Club in
Ireland.
It was a great place for gambling.
One of the rules of the club, one had to
drink 10 glasses of whiskey before dinner
and 4 glasses after and failure to do this
meant being expelled. There are a lot of
weird tales told. Satan was supposed to
preside at the meetings. Some people
claimed to have seen him returning from
these meetings, but word has it, it was
one of the members dressed in the skin,
tail and horns of a cow who would roam
about at night terrifying the local people.
Another story goes that to be a
member you had to drink this brew made
by churning whiskey and butter
together, known as Scattleen. A special
man was hired to make it but he got to
know too much about the Club. Word
has it the poor man was forced to drink
till he was stupid and that the members
tossed him into a blazing fire and the
poor unfortunate man was burnt to
death. The club carried on for some
years after but was eventually abandoneds e c t i o n 2
FLORA & FAUNA
INTRODUCTION
Bohernabreena's terrain is mountain- terrain and soil we enjoy a fascinating
ous, consisting of both acidic and abundance of flora and fauna.
alkaline soil. While we always appreciated our
A carpet of heather on the higher surroundings, our research gave us a
ground gives way to bracken forest, river deeper respect and understanding of
valley and finally to the patchwork effect nature. We set out with binoculars,
of small fields, bordered by stone walls, heavy shoes, handbooks, pencils,
on the lower reaches. notebooks and great enthusiasm.
The Dodder river and the Reservoir In the following pages we present a
built on it are the dominant features of simple introduction to Bohernabreena's
the area. Because of the diversity of flora and fauna.—•••—
s e c t i o n 2
THE HEATH by an Act of Parliament and came into
Bell heather dominates the higher operation on 1 January 1989. It is
slopes, consisting of three types. Cross responsible for the commercial
leaved heather thrives on the wetter soil management of our forests.
while the pretty bell heath prefers the Conifer leaves are thin and needle
drier ground. Gorse grows in the driest sharp, exposing only relatively small
soil and bears yellow almond-scented surfaces to the atmosphere. A waxy
flowers that appear in any month of the surface helps keep water inside. This
year, giving rise to the saying: When makes them suitable for the drier slopes.
Gorse is out of flower, Kissing is out of A dominant evergreen is Norway Spruce
Season. - miniatures are used for Christmas
Archaeologists can find old sites from Trees. European Larch, Scot's Pine,
growth patterns of gorse because it Silver fir and Yew are also plentiful.
grows more readily on disturbed ground. Deciduous trees have thin, broad
Rabbits eat gorse to the ground with the leaves that lose water readily.
tougher bracken taking over, and in this Consequently, they thrive in areas of
way the heath decreases. high rainfall, and Bohernabreena is an
Bracken, a fire resistant fern, differs ideal environment. The kinds of trees
from most ferns as it grows in mainly dry that dominate a deciduous woodland
ground. A tall plant, it turns a copper depends upon the soil. Oak and Birch
colour in autumn. At this time of year, prefer the acid soil of the higher reaches
the purple tones of heather, dotted with while Beech and Ash thrive on limestone.
wild flowers, the golden gorse and Elm, Horse Chestnut, Sycamore and
copper bracken, make for a riot of Beech are also found in the area. An
colour. interesting fact about the majestic Oak is
that the acorn was formerly used as an
antidote to poisoning. It was also ground
OUR FOREST as a substitute for coffee.
When the land was transferred to
tenants under Gladstones Land Act of
1881, Landlords, who up to then had
conserved woodlands, sold off the timber
for ready cash. Fuel storages during two
World Wars led to the devastation of the
remaining woods.
The early 1900's saw the beginning
of public forestry in Bohernabreena, and
the State has been responsible for the
bulk of the area's afforestation
programme. Coillte Teo was established
•—•••—
s e c t i o n 2
The composition of undergrowth clusters in the water margin mud. It's
and ground flora varies with the type of star-shaped rosettes are often the only
tree which dominates. Oak woods often green to be seen in winter. Bulrushes,
include Hazel, Hawthorn, Brambles and aggressively creeping perennials, form-
Honeysuckle. Beech trees, cast a deep ing extensive patches, flower in high
shade, so the underflora is sparse. spikes during summer.
Dogwood, Old Mans Beard, and In the river itself, we find a small
Woodruff does grow underneath as well variety of fish. Brown Trout like the
as Ivy, which is a creeper as well as a fast flow of the Dodder, while Rainbow
climber. Trout prefer the tranquillity of the
It is no accident that most flowers reservoir. Brown Trout can be
growing under deciduous trees recognised by four or more gill cover
Bluebells, Primroses, Wood Anemoes, spots while Rainbow Trout have red
Lesser Celandine - grow and bloom early stripes across their right sides.
in Spring, before the leaves arrive to blot Sticklebacks, the best known fresh
out the light. water fish, are small with blue-black tops
and reddish underbellies. Males build
nests of plant material glued together
THE RIVER VALLEY with kidney secretion, and then invite
The Dodder River Valley is a 10,000 mates to lay eggs in them. They fan the
year old flood plain formed in the Ice eggs themselves until hatched.
Age. The river itself is a mountainous Stoneloaches are slender fish with six
torrent falling 350ft in the first two miles barbels around their mouths. They live
from its source at Kippure. Because of under stones and weeds, feeding
frequent flooding, a reservoir was built in nocturnally. Minnow also frequent the
1883 and a second smaller one was added Dodder. Dark lively fish with dark
later to supply water for the mills further markings, they lay 2 00-1000 eggs. They
downstream. are fishermen's favourite bait. Lampreys
The river banks were planted with are permanent residents of the river. The
smaller trees and shrubs - the most adult dies after spawning - no doubt
common being the Osier, a long straight exhausted after laying 500-2000 eggs!
flexible twiggy shrub bearing attractive Insects who provide food for fish are
yellow7 catkins. The Alder is also a Mayflies, Common Aeshnaes, large
common riverside tree with a black Hawker Dragonflies, Stoneflies, Great
fissured bark. The Crack Willow is much Silver Waterbeetles, Whirligigs,
in evidence and it is the largest of the Mosquitoes, Waterboatmen and
species. It has long glossy green leaves. Pondweed Bugs.
Blackthorn, also known as Sloe, belongs
to the Rose family.
The underflora consists of Common
Water Starworth which grows in dense—•••—
s e c t i o n 2
The stems are used in basket-making. summer visitors from Europe and Asia.
Branched Bur-reeds and Butter-bur are Bramblings only appear in winter,
also in evidence. Pondweed, a common flying from Scandinavia while
rooting aquatic, sometimes covers the Chaffinches are seen the whole year
entire surface of the water with round. The Finch family also includes
submerged and floating leaves. Siskins, RedPolls, Linnets, Greenfinches
and Bullfinches. All these flock together
in search of food, mainly berries. Many
BIRDS are similar in appearance. It takes
Birds form one of five groups of discerning eyes to distinguish them.
'higher' animals. Many people study Pugnacious Robins, Shy Wrens and
birds as a hobby and all worthwhile the lively Tit family are easily identified.
birdwatching is founded on correct Blue Tits learned to peck through milk
identification. bottle tops in winter - a habit which has
During walks on the heath, we spread to other birds.
noted the following species: Larks, Kestrels, commonest bird of prey in
Pipits, Stonechats and Wagtails being Europe swoops in over the valleys and
the smallest and Ravens, Pheasants and hills, scanning the ground for mice and
Grouse the largest. Ravens are only grass hoppers. Here also are Redshanks,
found in the Glenasmole area of shy noisy birds frequenting the water-
Bohernabreena and are the largest crows margins, and Lapwings, aggressive
in Ireland. Acrobatic birds, they even fly winter visitors from Africa and America
upside down. Pheasants tend to run for are found near the Dodder rivercourse
cover rather than fly, while Grouse can sand margins. Kingfishers are only seen
reach speeds of up to 63mph over short as flashes of blue speeding along the
distances. Dodder. Grey Herons are patient
In the forest, we noticed that brightly fishermen, standing for hours at the
coloured birds nested high up in trees water-edges waiting for unwary fish and
while duller species favour the frogs. Sandmartins are summer visitors
undergrowth. For instance, Goldcrests - to the valley, gathering in large parties in
the smallest birds in Bohernabreena reed beds. Dippers are the rarest
prefer the tops of confers to escape the waterbirds in Bohernabreena. Herring-
attention of predators, while Dunnocks - gulls and Black-headed Gulls are
inconspicuous birds - are well common along the Dodder and
camouflaged in undergrowth. Reservoir, the nearby tiphead being one
reason for their presence. Only a few
Spotted Flycatchers, aptly named,
Mallard and Swans favour die sluggish
catch insects in flight. So too
deep waters of the reservoir.
Treecreepers creep up trees, picking Our fondest memory of many
insects and on reaching the top flit down pleasant walks is listening to the call of
and start all over again. the cuckoo in Ballinascorney Woods.
Willow warblers and Chiffchaffs are
•—•••—
s e c t i o n 2
ANIMALS passed to pay a bounty of 12p for the tail
Mammals are warm blooded of every fox or badger.
vertebrates which grow hair and suckle Hedgehogs are also nocturnal in
their young. They are today's most habit. Distinctive coats of spines and
advanced animals, including Bats, strong muscles enable them to curl up
Rabbits, Hares, Rodents and Deer. for protection. Good swimmers and
Pygmy Shrews, plentiful in climbers, their diet consists of slugs,
Bohernabreena, are the smallest shrews mice, rats, frogs, berries and acorns.
in Ireland. Numerous mice provide food With the exception of birds, Bats are
for Kestrels and Foxes. Irish Hares, the only surviving animals that use true
found on heathland and in forests, are flight. Also nocturnal, insects are their
smaller than Brown Hares. Normans are staple diet. We found some under
credited with introducing Rabbits to bridges on the Dodder.
Ireland. They can produce litters of up We discovered that Otters are much
to eight young at intervals of one month reduced in numbers due to hunting,
from January to June. This was helpful water pollution and lack of food.
when myxomatosis nearly wiped them Cheviot sheep are Bohernabreena's
out in 1954/55. most common domesticated animals.
Badgers, a protected species, have Bred for meat and wool, they are
distinctive white stripes. Their lower profitable for our hill farmers since the
jawbones are joined to the upper ones by introduction of E.C. subsidies.
ball and socket joints. This accounts for
the fact that their grip is almost
impossible to loosen. They are suspected
carriers of tuberculosis and are
considered a menace to farmers.
Grey Squirrels are ousting Red
Squirrels because they are more efficient
breeders. They eat acorns, nuts,
toadstools and botelus. They live in
dreys and can find their buried food by
scent even when snow covers the ground.
Red Squirrels can live at higher
altitudes.
Red Foxes, solitary animals, are
nocturnal in habit spending daylight
hours in Earths. They eat rats, mice,
hedgehogs, squirrels, frogs, snails,
beetles, birds and lambs. In the reign of
Elizabeth I an Act of Parliament was—•••—
s e c t i o n 2
AN INTEREST IN INSECTS Two-banded Longhorns are common
Judged by their number and variety, insects found in rotten tree-trunks. Elm
insects are surely the most successful Bark Beetles lay larvae under the bark of
group of creatures, inhabiting every Elms. These spread a fungus called
available habitat apart from the open sea. Dutch-Elm Disease that eventually kills
They constitute 80% of the known kind the trees. Woodlice stay in the woods
of animals. Roughly 900,000 species and we are happy to report no evidence
have been described and named and of Body Lice - they live on humans!
7,000 new species are discovered each Ants are more numerous than any
year. other species. They live in colonies
Calculating the number of individual beneath stones, in rotten tree-stumps
insects in an area the size of and mounds of earth. A fascinating fact is
Bohernabreena is impossible, so we shall that ants are actually farmers: they love
describe those we found most Honeydew, a substance produced by
interesting. Aphids, and are known to herd aphids to
Butterflies and Moths are insects favourable locations.
with veined wings covered in scales. On the heath, turf-cutters can testify
Their life history has four stages: egg, that Biting Midges are a nuisance at
larva, pupa and adult, We noted the dusk. We also have Non-Biting Midges
following species: Red Admiral, and Common Gnats (Mosquitoes).
Common Blue, Meadow Brown. The fantastic success of insects is due
Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Cabbage to their adaptability to every type of
White, Orange tip and Small Tortoise. environment and rapid rate of
Six-spot Burnets are Daytime Moths reproduction.
while Tiger Moths are common at night.
Seven-spot Ladybirds, found on
lower vegetation, eat greenflies and
other pests, making them good friends of
gardeners. Grasshoppers are also
plentiful.
Bees flourish on the heath and are
essential to the pollination of flowers and
shrubs. Bumblebees, who live
underground, are the largest of the
species. Larvae eat Royal Jelly Produced
by the Queens.
In the forest we discovered two-
pronged Bristletails under fallen leaves.
We also saw Earwigs who are useful
scavengers but harmful to plant life.—•••—
s e c t i o n 2
FLOWERS AND HERBS they were used only in a vanished rural
Before our research began, we would way of life. Actually, Herbalists still treat
have trampled Docks, Sorrels, Nettles patients successfully.
and Goosefoot. We discovered however, Drug companies use plants in many
that in their natural habitat and not our cures. Menthol clears blocked noses,
gardens, they have a certain beauty of while Morphine is used as a painkiller.
their own. Digitalis, extracted from Foxgloves and
Bog Pimpernel, Bog-cotton, Bog- Lily of the valley, relieves heart disease.
bean, Speedwell, Common Butterworth, Many plants make tisanes that
Mares tail are all found on the heath. relieve symptoms varying from
Common grasses here are Red Fescue, indigestion to arthritis. These include
Bent Species, Sheep's Fescue and Purple Dandelions, Meadowsweets, Betony,
Moor. We also have Roundleaved Feverfew and Comprey. Many of these
Sundew, Lesser Water Plaintain and are also used in cosmetics and
Marsh Arrowgrass. Bilberry bushes winemaking and all grow in profusion in
intercept the heather - their edible fruit the hedgerows, woods and bogs of
are known locally as Frockens. Bohernabreena. Woodruff is used for
We tread carefully so as not to pomanders and Lady's Bedstraw was
disturb a carpet of bluebells on the forest once used in mattresses.
floor - an unforgettable sight in Spring.
The Pink Family is also in evidence, FUNGI
featuring Thyme-leaved Sandworth, Fungus is the name given to any one
Common Mouse ear, Ragged Robin and of a large group of plants, including
Red Campion. Hard Ferns are moulds, mushrooms and toadstools.
commonest, but we also have Male Fern, Fungi are unable to make their own
Lady Fern and Wall Rue which food living as uninvited parasites on
resembles Parsley. Herb Robert, plants, taking food from their host.
Woodsorrel, Sweet Violets, Mountain Fungi have no roots, stems or leaves
Pansies and Pyramidal Orchids like flowering plants. Botanists know of
complete this kaleidoscope. about 37,000 species. We found Honey
The Reservoir features beautiful Fungus on dead tree trunks, and
Rhododendron's,Honeysuckle, discovered it causes a white rot which
Snowberries, Lilac and Hedge kills more trees than any other Parasite.
Bindweed. Field flowers include Daisies. Parmelia Laevigate is a grey-green lichen
Field Scabious, Clovers, forget-me-nots, found on mature tree trunks. We also
Yarrows, Corn Marigolds and Lady's found Hypogmania Physodes and Permedia
Bedstraw. Common field grass is Perlata, which are similar in appearance .
Greater Tussock.
Many people are aware that herbs
have medicinal values, but imagine that
•—•••—
s e c t i o n 2
Some wild mushrooms are edible: spring and autumn, becoming dormant
Penny-buns, Honeyfungus and Lawyer's in winter and summer.
Wig are used in cooking, while Common
Ink-Cap is edible but dangerous when A SCATTERING OF SEEDS
combined with alcohol. Watch out for If seeds from plants fell directly to
Flyagaric, a highly dangerous species, the ground, seedlings would have to
easily recognisable from its scarlet cap, compete with their parents for sunlight,
spotted white. minerals and moisture. T o ensure the
Fungal Parasites are a menace to survival of plant life, seeds have diverse
agriculture, but on the other hand, methods of scattering.
certain fungi are of tremendous benefit Sycamores have winged fruit called
to man. Antibiotics such as Streptomycin samaras that are carried on the wind.
and Penicillin, used in treating diseases, The Ash blades spin away as they fall.
are products of fungi. Mistletoe seed is carried by birds. Ants
distribute gorse seed, eating the oily part
SECRETS OF THE SOIL and leaving the rest to grow. Some seeds
Far from being dull and lifeless, the grow in pods and scatter as the pod
soil is actually teeming with fascinating bursts when ripe. Squirrels carry nuts
forms of life. Scientists have discovered long distances and some are dropped and
that as little as 25 grams of soil may take root. Many plants have burrs that
contain 4000 million bacteria and other cling to animals and are carried away.
microscopic forms of life. This is
fascinating when one considers there are
less people in the world. To conclude, we thoroughly enjoyed
All soil creatures are important, ourselves - we sincerely hope you have
constantly breaking down organic enjoyed following our exploits.
matter, thus improving the quality of the
earth. Mites, eelworms, springtails,
millipedes, centipedes, ants and fly larvae
live beside woodlice, earthworms, slugs
and snails. Their life consists of one long
round of searching for food: sometimes
preying off each other, and hunting for
more suitable homes in the soil. When
they die they are still important as their
decaying bodies are used by other
organisms for food.
There are seasonal changes
underground, and many creatures lie
dormant when temperatures are low.
Some organisms are most active in
•.DUBLIN
"19 9 1 =
'**«,•••
s e c t i o n 3
LIFESTYLES
GLENASMOLE
In dear old Ireland is a valley,
Away up in the Dublin hills,
and as for beauty none can compare,
with it's heather clad mountains and flowing rills,
and in the evening when work is over,
how pleasant His to take a stroll,
and bathe your eyes on the lovely scenes,
that surround the valley of Glenasmole.
There is an air ofpeace in this humble valley
you will match it where cer you go,
I am certain it can compare with
'Green Killamey" or to 'Fair Dungloe\
ifs People too they are kind and cheerful,
they work with zeal to achieve their goal,
You may sing the Praises of far offplaces,
my choice will ever be Glenas?7iole.
JOHN LEE
•s e c t i o n
HOUSES which held the hooks for the kettle and
The houses were mostly three pots to hang on.
roomed. Some had a small loft or attic Almost every day the woman of the
over one room where the houses were house baked. First she heated the pot
built on a slope. There was a very large over the big turf fire. After placing the
kitchen cum living room in the centre dough in the pot the griosach was taken
and two large bedrooms. The roof was of from the centre of the fire and put on the
thatch or slates and very few ever sealed. lid of the pot.
The doors were very lowr and sometimes For the Christmas pudding a large
narrow. The entrance door always had a blay cloth was greased with lard, into it
latch and handle. Hung on the outside was put the pudding mixture which
of the door jam was a half door; this was weighed about 5/6 lbs. It was tied on top
also closed during the day. The half door with cord and boiled in the pot over the
was handy for keeping the children in turf fire. On the chimney board stood an
and the hens out; or to lean on when oil lamp casting light on the house and
having a chat with a neighbour. ornaments, tea-caddy, spare clay pipes,
The windows too were very small matches etc. Electricity came to the area
and there was seldom a window in the only in 1949.
back of the house. The floors were Part of the furniture of every kitchen
sometimes made from lime and sand or was a large dresser to display the delph;
paving stones. Most houses had large and a settle bed on which the son of the
open grates and a granite hearthstone. house slept. This was used for a seat in
Some houses had a large hooded the day time. Most houses had a
chimney breast. There was a bench on grandfather clock which stood in the
each side of the hearth where two people corner beside the fire.
could sit. Inside the chimney was a bar—•••—
s e c t i o n 3
SCHOOLS WAKES
There were two schools - a boys and When a person died at home as most
a girls - in Glenasmole. Each school had people did in those days, local women
two teachers. The children had to walk came along and laid the corpse out for
to school: some came from as far away as waking. The men tied two ropes from
Upper Ballinascorney, Old Bawn and the rafters from one side to the other of
Kilakee . They came by woods, fields the kitchen or living room. Sheets were
and paths . laid out over these near the back wall to
There was a fire grate in each school form a canopy. A large table was placed
Fuel was never provided except for a few under this and made up like a bed. On
bags, which was collected once a year at this the corpse was placed to be waked.
the church door. Most of the children The head of the house generally went to
who lived near always brought along a town with some friends in the horse and
sod of turf, or a brasskin or sticks. It was cart, and the coffin, beer and provisions
only the infants who got any heat from for the wake were brought home on it.
the fire. During Lent rabbits and ling In the lower end of the valley in the wake
were dried by the heat of the fire. was one night at home and one night in
the church. In the upper valley, which
WEDDINGS was too far away from the church, wakes
were two nights and sometimes three if
Weddings were generally at 3pm or
they had to wait for relations to come
4pm in the afternoon. There was no
from England.
Nuptial Mass then. After the ceremony
the couple and about twenty of the Everyone went to wakes in those
family went for a drive in the carriages to days. The house was always packed right
some place such as Lucan or Blessington. through the night. You might not be on
They returned about six or seven to the speaking terms with the people of the
Bride's house where local women had house but you still went to the wake. At
dinner prepared. Around 9 o'clock all most wakes there was plenty of beer, tea
the locals were invited to come and there and sandwiches; cheddar cheese and
was dancing and singing, with plenty of biscuits were also very popular then.
beer and food, until morning. The Rosary was recited about three
It was the custom for those who were times during the night. A plate of snuff
not invited, to come about outside and was placed on the table with the candles
blow horns made from broken bottles or and holy water. When some young
pieces of pipe. People seldom people spread this around and got
honeymooned then. Sometime during everyone sneezing it caused a lot of
the night the bride and groom merriment. They used to sing and play
disappeared or eloped from the house games back in the early twenties. The
and made their way to where they were Button and How goes Oats in the market
going to reside. were two of the games.—•••—
s e c t i o n 3
WAY OF LIFE cat turned her back to the fire. Rabbits
During September or October the and hares coming close to the house also
hay was nearly all mown with scythes Indicated a storm.
and made by hand with forks and rakes. When the curlew roared it was
Each year the farmer went to town and calling for rain.
brought home a ham or two and a half When the fox barked frequently in
barrel of Porter. This he got for about October it predicted a heavy fall of snow.
two pounds and ten shillings. He would Sheep coming down to the gate of the
ask his neighbours to come on a house in winter also meant a big fall of
particular day to bring in his hay. They snow.
came, drew it in and put it in rick. There If the leaves remained on the trees
was always a special man to supervise the well into October it was a sure sign of a
building of the rick. cold winter.
They worked and drank and ate, and A green Christmas made a fat
when night came they unyoked their graveyard.
horses and went into the house. If there
were girls there, and someone came SOCIAL LIFE
along with a melodeon, they would have From February 1st until the
a sing song and a dance; and if not a card beginning of Lent each year the menfolk
game was played until the early hours of of the valley formed what was called a
the morning. Breedogue in honour of St Brigid.
Thrashing was done mostly with a Twenty or thirty men and boys dressed
flail which was two sticks linked together up in fancy dress with home made masks.
with a leather strap. One stick, which was One man with a melodeon or fiddle, led
like a spade handle, was called the staff by one dressed as an old woman carrying
and the other, which was thinner and a rough wooden doll, visited four or five
made of blackthorn or holly, was called a houses in the area each night. They were
bolteen. generally welcomed. They sang a few
Local men around Mount Pelier songs, did a half set or waltz, and the
earned their living by breaking stones householders usually joined in.
and bringing them by horse to the The people always had a practice
crusher at Old Bawn Bridge. which they called mitching: this was
visiting other houses at night time.
WEATHER LORE There were even special mitch houses in
Before weather forecasts were almost every area where people collected
broadcast on the radio, the locals had on winter nights to read the paper,
their own way of foretelling the weather: discuss the weather, politics and the
crops, and hear all the goings on.
-When the wild geese flew from the
hills, they were flying in front of a storm.
Storms were also expected when the
•-•••—
s e c t i o n 3
There was generally a game of cards: jam jars.
penny twenty-fives or nap or three Matt the Jewman - who walked
fifteens were played and went on until from Rathfarnham via Featherbeds to
the early hours of the morning. Mat Kearnes and back by the valley every
Another popular occasion was the Tuesday. He always carried a large sack
crossroads dance, which went on until and from it he could sell you a suit length
well after midnight. In those days there or a pair of boots or tobacco or
was no tarmac so the dancing had to be cigarettes. He always gave children a few
on rough roads, wearing out the sole of bulls eyes, so they never molested him.
many a shoe. The music was mostly Penny Man - so called because he
supplied by a button accordion. was always asked for a penny. He
Punchestown races was another very travelled from the city once a week to
important event for the people of the buy hens and eggs and always gave
area. Quite a number of them went children sweets and pennies.
there: some by pony and trap, some Matt the Harness Maker - who
cycled, others walked to Tallaght and got would go round all the houses
the tram from Foxes to Blessington and mending all the harnesses and would
walked across the hill to the race course. always sleep in the loft. He had a habit
People seldom went to town other of running around the valley before he
than for provisions. If you had no horse, settled in.
or did not cycle, you had to walk to Jack Lambert - who lived by
Tallaght and get the steam tram. It only poaching rabbits. He was always in
went about three times a day and if you trouble with the game keepers. Children
missed it in Terenure you might walk were afraid of him. All you had to say to a
home. young boy or girl was "I'll give you to
Jack Lambert" if they misbehaved.
CHARACTERS PAST When Jack died he left a large sum of
About sixty years ago, quite a number money.
of characters or travelling people (then Jack Martin - the ballad singer who
called tramps) used to visit the valley. must have been coming and going to this
These included : valley for fifty years. He came at
Ragged Clark - so called from the Christmas and Easter and when anything
clothes he wore. He used to go around in important was happening. He sang
the winter time to dig stubble or thresh. ballads at most houses, sold a few ballad
In return he got a couple of shillings, sheets and collected a few coppers. He
some food and a bed in the barn. stopped about a week and got enough
Mary Essie - a middle aged woman food going from house to house. He was
who once a month pushed her three very inoffensive and claimed that he slept
wheeled barrow full of delph all the way only in the open or in a shed since his
from Francis Street. She traded cups, school days.
saucers and plates for rags, bottles and
•—•••—
s e c t i o n 3
Alivo - who used to push his three Association. She will always visit the sick
wheeled-barrow from Terenure to wherever they are. If anyone is in trouble
Castlekelly selling herrings. she is first at the door. As a result of her
Michael Grumley - who the girls life's work in the parish, she was
used to tease with "What are you doing honoured with the bestowal of the
there Mick?" and he would say "I am Benemerenti Medal by Pope Paul VI in
watching the rabbits in their pretty little December 1976. Benemerenti means: to
habits, and they've all got mates but me". one truly deserving.
He was always quoting sayings as he Larry McMahon - came to live in
walked along the road. Bohernabreena in 1932. He was
Johnny Anderson, Jim Flood, educated in Firhouse N.S. He opened
George Carter - who all drove their his own business as victualler in 1959.
horses and carts with hay to the market He was a long distance runner with
and delivered it to whoever bought it. Dublin City Harriers. He entered
Simon the Postman - who walked Politics in 1970.
many a mile delivering post for forty five William Murphy - one of only two
years until he retired. He was always in men to have achieved the distinction of
good humour and you heard him winning both senior tractor and horse
whistling before you saw him. ploughing All-Ireland championship
Joe the Granny - who lived in competition, a record which is now
Collins in Piperstown. He was making unlikely to be equalled again. His record
his way home with his messages during a in this field is highly impressive - five
snow storm and died on a path at the senior tractor All-Ireland titles, three 1/4
sand pits under Jim Murphy's house. furrow All Ireland titles, and two junior
Nellie Walsh -who had a wee corner horse All-Ireland titles. He began serious
shop in Friarstown and sold everything. competitive ploughing in 1929. He
It was the local meeting place. Pitch and quickly reached a high proficiency and
toss was played outside by up to thirty missed only a few years in All-Ireland
men and it was a great place for a game championship competitions between
of cards. It was the first house in then and 1949. William represented
Bohernabreena to have television. Ireland on what was then the maximum
three occasions in Killarney when he
came fifth and in France and Canada.
PERSONALITIES PRESENT Obviously, ploughing is something that
Rose Corcoran - a native of runs in the blood, William's daughter
Bohernabreena, a stalwart of the Church Maura, was Queen of the Plough in 1971
and one time Lord Mayor of and 1972 and his son, John, won the All-
Bohernabreena. Over and above her Ireland College's event. An
duties as sacristan, she is a flower internationally recognised trainer,
arranger, choir mistress, organist, fund exhibitor, and judge of border collies he
raiser and member of the Pioneer takes pride in the fact that every dog he
ty—•••—
s e c t i o n 3
ever ran at trials was trained by him. He throughout Europe and America during
was a member of the Irish international the 60's and 70's. The blended yarns and
team which took part in sheepdog trials colours were her box of paints and she
in England, Ireland and Wales. He was found the age old craft very satisfying
featured on the BBC documentary "One and stimulating. At present she and a
Man and His Dog" where he spoke neighbour hand spin, weave and hand
about his involvement with sheepdogs. knit a variety of sweaters and wall
Patricia Quinn - former nurse, has hangings as part of a Community
since spent her married life, with the Development Project in the parish.
help of husband Michael, learning, Noirin continues to combine colours
researching and putting into practice the for rugs, scarves and stoles to be woven
principles of Natural Health. She has at a Mill in the South of Ireland for
written twro books: Food at ifs Best and tourists and the export market.
The Silent Disease. The O'Rourke Family - Dr Angus
Patrick Pye - the well known painter O'Rourke was a GP until 1988. His wife
and stained glass artist, lives in Esme ran an Antiques Shop for several
Piperstown area. Having spent much years and is now running a restaurant
free time in his youth cycling the valley, with the help of the family who are
he recalls the beauty of the tree lined qualified chefs. Mary spins and dyes
country roads. wool. The family also spins from time to
Many of his wTorks can be seen in time. They run a craft shop.
Churches and Colleges throughout the Essie Brady - one of our present day
country. One of his works was locals, is a warm friendly person. Not
reproduced as a Christmas Card by many pass her door without calling in for
U.N.LC.E.F. He is one of the few Irish a chat. It is almost impossible to leave
artists to receive this international without having a cup of tea.
distinction. Rosie McNally - is our oldest
The Mater Dei Institute houses a resident. She is 96 years old. From age
tapestry designed by Pye. It is hoped that eight she set seed potatoes for farmers.
a bequest to the Dioceses by Mgr She also culled, snagged and thinned
Feichin O'Doherty of Pye's early turnips for local farmers.
paintings of the Virgin Mary will soon be Carmel McNally - has for many
on permanent display for the public to years specialised in breeding various
view. strains of fowl. Carmel nurses back to
Noirin Kennedy Pye - is herself a health sick or injured wild birds or small
hand weaver and spinner in the Donegal animals which she then releases on
tradition. She spent many an hour recovery. She is very interested in
weaving tweeds, which made The preserving the environment as well as
Weaver's Shed quite well known plants, weeds, herbs, shrubs and trees.
•s e c t i o n
John Gerard Lee - was born in Abstinence Association of the Sacred
Glenasmole on 21 August 1906 and died Heart, Bohernabreena and first wrote in
in January 1982. His parents were John it's books on 17 September 1927. He was
Lee and Mary Jane Lee (nee Douglas). very active, even up to the time of his
All through his life he wrote many death, in many local organisations too
stories and poems and collected many numerous to mention. He contributed
items of local interest. He was one of the greatly to the quality of life in Tallaght.
founder-members of the Pioneer Total•••
s e c t i o n 4
L O C A L BURIAL G R O U N D S
ST ANNE'S GRAVEYARD The most noted people know to be
St. Anne's graveyard has the buried in St Anne's were the monks from
reputation of being one of the oldest in Anne Mount - remembered by a
Ireland. How this old graveyard came to headstone that reads: Erected by a few
be known as St. Anne's is probably on friends as a token of respect to Maurice
account of it's close proximity to St. Collins, for 44 years Prior of St. Anne's
Anne's Well, which is only 300 yards Monastery, who died Slst January, 1865
away. It was always a free graveyard. aged 94 years.
The stone also lists Anne Mount's
religious:
Andrew McGuirk
Died 13.11.1842 Age 46
John Farrell
21.01.1854 Age67
Patrick McGuirk
Diedl 6.09.1867 Age69
Matthew Kelly
The ruins of Ireland's oldest church Died 22.06.1873 Age68
are being rebuilt. The church of Saint John Steward
Santan is sometimes also called St. Ann's Died 12.04.1887 Age93
because of Saint Ann's graveyard in
which it stands. It was built on a hillside
above the valley of the church
(Glenasmole) about 3 miles from
Tallaght at the foothills of the Dublin
mountains. The tiny church was
mentioned in Rome by Pope Innocent
III in 952 and was confirmed as a church
in 1216. The church suffered during a
troubled period and the country around
it was laid waste in 1294. It is thought
that it was used again in 1541. Its ruins
which are 36 feet long and 16ft. 4 ins.
wide are now being rebuilt.•••
on 4
Also buried at St. Anne's was Hannah closed by local people, friends of the
Farrell of Kilmashogue who died in 1935 deceased; relatives never helped: this was
aged 112 years. The oldest headstone an old belief. After the soil had been put
recorded is that of Stephen Lamb - 25th back on the grave it was then covered
July 1792 - aged 20 years, also his son with green sods, and clapped well. If
Edward who died young on the same there were not enough sods, some were
day. dug from wasteland near the wall.
When a priest was not present to say
prayers a local man recited the De
Profondus. After that the relatives knelt
around the the grave for some time in
prayer. They did this even when the
ground was mucky. There was never any
rush at funerals; it sometimes took hours.
Every family in the district had a
burial plot in St. Anne's. When members
of these families married and went away,
they were nearly always brought back to
The entrance to the graveyard is St. Anne's to be buried. Sometimes
down a a steep lane about 1/4 mile long, quite a number of families held a claim
through a field and then through a heavy on one plot.
wrought iron gate in the wall. Hearses
could not come further than the top of
the lane. Here four large stones were
placed on the road and bier was laid on
these; the coffin was tied onto the bier
and carried down to the graveyard.
It was customary to carry the coffin
around by the walls and then back to the
grave. Graves were always dug ands e c t i o n
Funerals were not very frequent in and will still hold a small amount of
St. Anne's: sometimes a period of six water.
months would pass without one.
However, it was a belief that when one
went in, two others would follow within
a short period. In 1919 during the flu
epidemic, three funerals were held in one
day. This was thought to be a record.
Just inside the gate is a large stone
Holy Water font: it is damaged on one
side and would weigh almost one ton.
There is a story that some hundreds of In the centre of the graveyard, over-
years ago a rich landowner in the district grown with ivy but still in a fair state of
thought that this font would come in preservation, part of the walls of the old
handy as a drinking trough for his church can be seen.
horses, so he ordered his men to move it On entering the graveyard, the
to his yard. His men objected to corner furthest away on the right hand
meddling with it, but he insisted they side was known as the 'Strangers
move it. Corner'. In this section people who had
When the horses were yoked to it no burial plot were buried, as were the
they broke their reins and traces but the bodies of members of families who came
font did not move. The horses were to reside in the district from other parts
yoked again and one of them reared and of the country. One of the headstones in
badly injures his steward. The landowner this part of the graveyard read:
still insisted and one of the horses
dropped dead. In desperation he took up Here the body ofsomeone lies
a sledge and broke the side of the font, Nobody laughs and nobody cries
saying it would never hold water for Where he came from and how he fares
anyone else. There it remains to this day Nobody knows and nobody cares.—•••—
s e c t i o n 4
Unfortunately, this stone is no ST. ANNE'S WELL
longer visible. Another historic spot in our valley is
Soldiers from the 1916 Rising were St. Anne's Well. A winding pathway
also buried in St. Anne's. leads to the ruined church and holy well.
During the gravediggers strike in the This old church is properly St. Sanctan's
1920s several people from the city were or Sentan's, the name Sentan having
buried there. The practice of bringing been corrupted into St. Anne.
dead babies out from the city and The well is surrounded by a granite
burying them there was kept up until the wall, which is only noticeable at close
graveyard was closed. If any of the locals quarters because grass grows to its verge,
saw three or four men carrying a small and an ash tree leans protectively over it,
coffin down to the graveyard around shading it even in the height of summer.
midnight or after, they never thought of About fifty years ago the large ash tree
ghosts - it was quite a usual thing to see. guarding the well was blown down in a
In 1940 the Dublin Board of Health storm and within a couple of years the
decided to close St. Anne's Old present tree began to grow almost in the
Cemetery on account of its close same place.
proximity to the Corporation Reservoir, In the old days this well was always
and they claimed that it was over- visited on the feast day of St. Anne's -
crowded and hadn't been kept in proper 26th July. The people of the district had
order. The closing was opposed by the great belief in the curative properties of
local community. the well water and came there in
At a Court of Inquiry held later, the numbers to pray and drink from its clear
Council decided to close the cemetery cold depths.
for burials with exception of the The water from the well is known to
seventeen widowers or widows whose cure sore eyes and stomach pains. Many
partners were already buried there. They still come there to pray and take away
did however, give permission to grant a water for sick friends and relatives.
special concession to Andy McNally, Without any doubt it would attract many
Conard, a 103 year old bachelor who more pilgrims if it were better known
wished to be buried with his people. He and did not lie so far off the beaten track.
died while saving hay a year later and was The going is somewhat rough in parts,
buried in the cemetery. although the view of the surrounding
The last people to be buried in the hills is superb.
cemetery were Thomas Corcoran,
Glassamucky, in 1960 and Michael
Lawless, Oldcourt, in 1982.
In August 1982 the first Mass was
celebrated in the graveyard by rev. Fr. D
Begg; this new custom has continued
with a large attendance every year.You can also read
