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Sunday, August 29, 2021

An August Evening in County Tipperary.


 Making use of the long spell of great weather, my colleague, J.R., and I spent quite some time last Saturday, first at Derrynaflan island, in Co. Tipperary, where that famous chalice and more was found; then on to Lough Doire Bhile, now being called Lough Doire Mheille.  The area was crowded with many people swimming, sun-bathing, walking, fishing, picknicking, etc., so we left and headed up to Doirín, aka Dereen and 'The Reen', which offers a fine view over much of north Tipperary.  North Tipp's distant mountains can be seen on the horizon, and Keeper Hill, near Nenagh, can be seen immediately behind them on the extreme right of the photo. 


We waited on for some time until the sun dropped lower in the sky, and had the pleasure of meeting a lady (a science teacher) who had been coming there numerous evenings, sitting in her chair, and photographing the sun as it began to drop behind the mountains at a slightly different place each time.  Her photos, she said, were for use with her pupils.  A perfect end to a perfect day, while observing the planet Jupiter and two stars behind and to the side of it, from Grangemockler homewards, which formed an interesting triangle in the sky, something I have never noticed previously. Thanks to my daughter, Fionnuala, for that bit of astronomical info! 

A single left-click on most images will show an enlarged copy!


Thursday, August 19, 2021

Séipéal na hUidhre


 Séipéal na hUidhre, Gleann na hUidhre, Co. Phort Láirge.

The Nire Church, Nire Valley, Co. Waterford.

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Naomh Fiachra/St. Fiacre

                  Tomorrow, August 18th, is the Feast Day of St. Fiacre. 

St. Fiacre/Naomh Fiachra  (of Breuil in France – as there were two others of same name) was born in the year 600 approx.near Bennetsbridge, Co. Kilkenny.  He became a priest, an abbot, a hermit and a herbalist  and also ran a hospice for some years. He is the patron saint of gardeners, herbalists, taxi-drivers, florists, also victims of hemorrhoids and venereal diseases, and even more.  He died in the year 670 on August 18th. He is venerated by both Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. He is reputed to have founded the village of Graignamanagh, in which is located DUISKE ABBEY, founded by Cistercians in 1204 A.D.  Following suppression in 1536, it was used for some years by the Church of Ireland, but was returned to the Catholic community in 1812. After being in ruins for many years, it was fully restored in the 1980s.  The above processional banner was photographed there. The abbey also includes a life-size statue of him.


Monday, August 16, 2021