Encroachment on the monument of Rath Lugh

by M. Ni Bhrolchain Thu Apr 17, 2008 18:33

For the most up to date information see another thread

http://www.indymedia.ie/article/87223

by redjade Thu Apr 17, 2008 16:40

The other night in Budapest I was talking to a Hungarian woman whom have I have known only slightly over the years. I was telling her about issues that I had been involved in ireland - such as heritage activism (or however you want to term it).

She didnt understand the idea so I explained Carrickmines Castle and similar issues and then things currently happening in the Tara Skyne Valley.

She was shocked - like, genuinely shocked! I realised at that moment how numb I have become to this issue and that I expect the irish govt to continue doing what has been doing for years now - bulldoze irish heritage.

It was nice to talk with someone who was truly shocked by this - she certainly knew what Tara is/or has been in the past. Apparently hungarians have been taught about it in public school. She just didnt understand how it could be under threat.

Her sister joined us at the table and I learned that she had been living in Cork for a number of years and the first sister asker her about this issue. The 2nd sister nodded and shrugged and say it happens all the time in ireland.

by Justin Morahan Thu Apr 17, 2008 13:36

Thanks to all of you who have fought against the odds to stop this vandalism.

You are brave, you are strong.

Thanks Paul for adding your powerful voice and presence to this fight against wanton destruction of heritage and beauty.

by paul o toole Thu Apr 17, 2008 10:22 pauljotoole at eircom dot net

I was on Rath Lugh last friday night and saw the damage recently done.For anyone even remotely concerned for the preservation of our past it would sicken you, for myself it was harrowing to see what they have done and now moving the frontline fence 20 mtrs in seems to me to be nothing more than punative because it looks like they have already taken all they need and more to build this monstrosity.
On visiting the monument I got the tour from Lorcan who lives up there on weekends to witness the end of our heritage. He showed me arround the ramparts tunnels and the Druids altar. As light was wainind it became difficult increasingly to see, until we came upon the 'frontline'.
Lit up with highbay site lighting that Croke park would be overjoyed with, illuminating under every leaf to expose the efforts of protestors the devistation was awesome, you got a good look at what theyve done. Walking through wooded landscape out onto the 'Cliff' left behind the diggers the State sponsored vandalisim is apparent.
It felt like you were in a flim about indigenous tribes being pushed further back into their shrinking enviroment and you were left wondering...where are the politicians?, wheres the help? where are the concerned citisens? where is the green party?.....no where. Just a handful of people giving up more than their fair share to attempt to protect this world Heritage site in the absence of any real support from anywhere.
I spent the rest of the night arround the campfire discussing the next step and later the guitar done the rounds and everyone gave a bit of their soul in writing and singing their songs, having already given their bodies to the cause living in anything but luxury, as the world moved on to destroy the cause that the people on Rath Lugh are fighting for.

by muddaearth Thu Apr 17, 2008 08:54

Good luck with your protest.