Heaven meets Earth at spectacular Mass on the Kilkenny-Tipperary border
From the Windgap-Tullahought notes inside this week's Kilkenny People
There was a great attendance at the annual mass which was celebrated by an tAthair Fearghus Ó Fearghail under blue skies at the Ormond Slatequarry, in the heart of the Lingaun Valley, on Thursday evening.
Accompanied by Kilkenny's own Callan Gospel Choir and a sound system provided by John Ryan, the proceedings and memories resonated off the amphitheatre style cliff face and shining water.
A wonderful tradition, it sees heaven and earth meet right on the border of Kilkenny and Tipperary.
This year, the fine weather provided an extra blessing.
The evening closed with the attendance being treated to refreshments.
The Lingaun Valley is home to some of Ireland’s most important heritage sites including the megalithic double passage tomb at Knockroe where hundreds of people will gather to celebrate the solstice on December 21.
Knockroe is as old, if not older than Newgrange, and is 600 years older than the Giza Pyramids in Egypt and 1,000 years older than Stonehenge, In addition, it is the only passage tomb in the world with both a sunrise and a solar alignment.
Other notable sites in the valley include the Killamery High Cross, which was also commissioned by Cerball in the 8th Century, Kilkieran High Crosses, which date back to St Kieran, Kilmacoliver Stone Circle, Carrigadoon Hillfort, Owning Portal Tomb, Lamogue Ogham Stone and the Ahenny High Crosses, which were commissioned in the 8th Century by Cerball mac Dunlaighe, the High King of Ossory at the celebrated site of the early Christian Kilclispeen Monastery.
The Lingaun Valley is also home to the Slate Quarries (where the above Mass was celebrated).
These were property of the Earl of Ormonde and whose slate was renowned for its quality. It won a gold medal at a world show in London in the 1880s and was used in the Palace of Westminster in London.
There is a powerful sense of magic at play in this valley which is home to some of our most important national heritage treasures, yet it is still largely undiscovered by many.