Poets and Musicians at Tara

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Tue Aug 26, 2008 19:52

Why such a blatant transgression of our history, a history that is evidenced by the existence of two estates that no doubt protected Historic Tara - I speak of Lord Dunsany, Dunsany Castle and Killeen Castle the home of Lord Fingal.....the Plunkett family.....and others. Why is it that the Celtic Tiger is so grasping of our heritage that equates to Unesco sites, to the Burren, to the splendid historical places, upheld through political strife in the Northern Ireland....what is wrong with us? To see the Falcon displayed in such a natural historic setting, brings to mind those beautiful pheasants that were fostered for shooting parties (a child's vision) in the the 1970's. The colours were vivid but because they were supposed to be owned by Lord Dunsany's estate, they lacked the guile necessary for freedom and one often found them dead on the road, having been hit by a car......The 1970's was another time but let's gather some facts while a social history is possible/

Again I will make one comment, I grew up in the dispensary house called Belper on the road to Tara. Tara was held in awe, a sacred place, people visited and the stories and yarns abounded. This was before the time of Opus Dei's conference centre which had been the home of the Dillon family, one of the many landed estates prior to the Land Commission redistribution. Then on the main road near Garlow Cross - near Wards pub, Soldier Hill formed part of the Dublin Road that mounted upwards towards Garlow cross. Eerily, it was dangerous for motorists, pedestrians - black ice, snow, or even a fine day, many people lost their lives in tragic accidents. Local people referred to this hill as being a place of Battle several hundred years prior, and with this, like the Wishing tree at Dunsany Castle, intuitive comments suggested a place of angst.

Again, who is behind Tara's 'fatality in being denied its history'. Does it relate to Arthur Griffith, George Russell. Maud Gonne and their core beliefs of an in depth history so much so that Archaeologists came from England and elsewhere to find the hidden 'treasure'....they even thought it might be the Arc of the Covenant.

People are aware but those glutonous types who harbour their greed in the desecration of a Sacred site.. The response to its position of a sacred ground is honoured by so many - from the ordinary local historian, to the learned of the Historical and Archaelogical fields, in Ireland, in England, in the US. People who write - Seamus Heaney, Sir James Comyn, artists like Louis LeBroquoy, there exists an intuitive gusto beyond the meetings for planning, that sweeps over the hill for Justice and position in the Heritage of Ireland.

I like the quotation by George Santanyano 'Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it'

Let the story begin about Tara of the last 40 years. Lord Dunsany was a cultural man and a writer. I remember him.....The village of Dunsany, the side gates, the cottages where the workmen lived.....We all know of the poet Francis Ledwidge, who Lord Dunsany mentored and guided. A poet, and World War 1 destroyed him but Lord Dunsany promoted his works.

A little Truth and a little less denial......might help!!

Several books were written by Lord Dunsany and poetry also. His influence surely amounts to something.

Michelle Clarke

by Tara Tara Tara Mon Aug 25, 2008 15:01

Hi all,

The NRA Demo has been cancelled due to the fact that all resources, banners, flyers, petitions etc will be en route to Stradbally for the Electric Picnic. It all has to be set up there by Wednesday. I am looking forward to seeing the photos as I have heard it promises to be a really spectacular display and wish all the gang the very best with it.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused by short notice of cancellation.

For write up and photos of yesterdays wonderful Feis at Tara please click on the link below:

by Tara Tara Tara Fri Aug 22, 2008 09:55

As part of the event advertised at the beginning of this thread there will be a Falconry Display on the Hill from 12.30-approx 4pm. Come see this exciting spectacle with all the family.

Falconry Display

by Tara Tara Tara Thu Aug 21, 2008 18:51

Protest Thurs 28th not 21st. Next Thursday.....sorry :)

by Tara Tara Tara Thu Aug 21, 2008 16:10

Photo from last years protest outside the NRA Archaeologists Seminar in the Gresham Hotel. This year we will be in attendance from 12 o clock onwards- Thurs 21st Aug 08, see ye there.

Some of the protest from last year

by Tara Tara Tara Thu Aug 21, 2008 15:22

The Archaeology Section of the National Roads Authority is pleased to
announce its annual one-day National Archaeology Seminar which
coincides with Heritage Week and details archaeological discoveries on
national road schemes throughout Ireland. The theme this year
is "Dining & Dwelling". Seminar will be held on 28th August 2008 at The
Gresham Hotel, Dublin. Admission is free. Booking essential.

Join us outside the Gresham to protest against the destruction of the ancient sites along the M3 and against the desecration of Sacred Burial Grounds. Bring drums and other instruments, colour, banners, food, water, suitable weather proof clothing and good spirits. If you have any ideas for a stunt or two, bring them too!

NO MORE DINING ON THE FLESH OF THE ANCESTORS !!!

by Malibu Stacy Thu Aug 21, 2008 12:03

Excellent and congrats! This is what irish poets and musicians should be involved in. And there are other issues. Great to see this from such prominent figures - lesser figures make much noise in their own favour and do nothing. The recent deplorable garbage in this site from a clearly out-of-it 'Zhdanov' character said it all. Again, congratulations to the people at Tara.

by Tara Tara Tara Tue Aug 19, 2008 14:24

Album Cover- a piece of art :)

The Mighty Gather In

by Tara Tara Tara Tue Aug 19, 2008 09:18

In addition to the aforementioned event on the Hill which promises to be a wonderful day out for all the family to celebrate our culture and heritage there will be the following upcoming event organised by members of the Vigil:

Tara Awareness Event at the Electric Picnic- Stradbally Co. Laois.
29th - 31st august.

A chara,

The Save Tara Valley campaign is delighted to announce that they will
be appearing at the `The Paddy Mirage', a wooden replica of
Newgrange complete with stage and cafe that is capable of holding
over 200 people, in the mind body and soul area of this years
Electric Picnic Festival.

Saturday the 30th at The Paddy Mirage will be totally devoted to the
efforts to protect the Tara/Skreen Valley from the M3 motorway, with
a Tara concert featuring artists such as Liam O Maonlai ,Kila and
other artists who have contributed tracks to the Tara fund raising
album 'The Mighty Gather In'. Talks ,films and multimedia
presentations will take place and be shown throughout the day on
every aspect of the Tara campaign, including a talk by Brian
Guckian, co-creator of the Meath Master Plan, a transport solution to
the M3 motorway controversy that protects Tara's heritage and
environment while also providing a road and rail infrastructure plan
that is toll free and alleviates the traffic problems of Meath.

Come join us at the Paddy Mirage from the 29th to the 31st as we
celebrate the importance of our nations premier national monument,
the Tara Valley complex, and rally support for its protection!

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain Sun Aug 17, 2008 23:15

And also his piece in the New York Times from last year. This link is from his own website
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/05/25/opinion/25muldoon.html