Tara Day Report

national | environment | press release

Tuesday August 16, 2005 00:04

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save TaraSkryne

muireann at taraskryne dot org

www.taraskryne.org

087-9249510

People respond to invitation to Tara Day

The people of Ireland responded to the invitation to visit Tara on Monday 15th August and groups such as Shelltosea and The Rolestown St. Margaret’s Action Group and Residents against Radiation and those objecting to the Kilsaran Quarry joined the Save TaraSkryne Group in a show of solidarity at Tara. People gathered from 3 pm and brought picnics and discussed the various issues that concerned them.

They were joined by Ciaran Cuffe of the Green Party, and Senator David Norris addressed the gathering. There were aerial photographs taken of the crowd as they stood in a circle on Tara. Photographs were also taken of the archaeological sites along the route. Local people, farmers were present along with those who travelled from as far afield as Galway, Armagh and Cork.

The crowd was also addressed by Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin, Julitta Clancy of the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society and by representatives of the other groups present.

David Norris said: “I praise the valiant people who are bravely fighting for these causes all over Ireland. Tara is the heart of Ireland. When you look at this marvellous view it is criminal to even consider building a motorway in the Valley.”

Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin, PRO for the Save the TaraSkryne Valley Group said:

“This date has been chosen as it was the occasion of a Monster Meeting held by Daniel O’Connell in 1843. It was attended by an historic 750,000 thousand people. Then they were united in a call for Repeal. We call for the repeal of the Amendment to the National Monuments Act 2004 that drives a coach and four through our past and our history. Tara epitomises what it is to be Irish.”

The crowd were reminded that the place names and the related stories, the history and literature show the importance of Tara, the Gabhra Valley and Achall (Skryne). This landscape is alive with tales of the Fianna, the god Lug, Cú Chulainn and the kings such as Cormac mac Airt.

An aerial shot was taken of the crowd on the Hill at 7pm and people were shown the maps and photographs of sites being excavated and of the stories associated with Tara.

The NRA has concentrated on the archaeology. The importance of Tara, Skryne and the Gabhra Valley lies also in the history and the literature where Tara is undoubtedly the centre of all sources from the beginning of writing in Ireland.

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Comments (2 of 2)

will there be peace in the valley or will the arrogant rattling of 'pots and pans' prevail?

by form letter 01

Tue Aug 16, 2005 07:14

Dear Editor,

First the Tara brooch-shaped building for Trim and now an anxiety to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Noel Dempsey is suddenly aware of our heritage. I wonder how those brave men and women would react to his recent decisions? We know how Arthur Griffith would react. The Minister declared himself a lover of Tara and a history graduate during his speech to the Dáil on November 23rd 2004. It must have come as quite a shock to him that most renowned Irish historians in the world do not agree with his decision to try to forge a twice-tolled motorway through Tara's "surrounds" (the Gabhra Valley).

He stated during his speech:"Like everyone else in the House, my location and family place is a central point of reference in my life, in my mental map and my sense of heritage. The fact that I am a history graduate adds to my fascination with history, heritage and the past. Ireland, indeed Europe, has few sites as significant historically as Tara. It is part of our ethos, our memory and our archaeological wealth. It is part of what makes us Irish. Some may think that is over the top, but I do not. I would never and could never do anything or support a policy that would be to the detriment of Tara or its surrounds. I venture to say that no one from County Meath would do so. No one is more committed to guarding our heritage and our history. I speak not just for myself but for Meath people generally. I believe it is our collective duty to protect our heritage and our history in a way that serves the needs of our citizens in the present
and into the future."

Replying to Deputy Eamon Gilmore he stated: "The truth hurts. The road would not be there only I started it."
Deputy Gilmore: "The truth hurts. Is the minister taking credit for it?"
Minister Dempsey: "I am, yes."

Refreshingly honest of him to admit that he will go down in history as the minister responsible for the destruction of the site that he considers “part of what makes us Irish”. How “Irish” can he get?

When Lord Deputy Mountjoy marched into O Néill land in 1602 after the defeat at Kinsale he destroyed their inauguration chair. What have the people of Ireland done to deserve this destruction?

Minister Dempsey is certainly living up to his surname. Ó Díomsaigh from díomas (pride, arrogance, contempt).

yours etc

Digging in the shadow of Tara 15.08.05

by Proinsias Mac Fhearghusa

Tue Aug 16, 2005 00:40

0863213755

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Comments (2 of 2)