Historical Societies unveil plaque at St Brigid’s Well
Members of the Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle historical societies combined forces to install signage at the site of the ancient St Brigid’s Well at Tay Lane Rathcoole.
The well is recognised as an ancient ritual site but is adjacent to a larger area that is earmarked for development.
The idea was the brainchild of Anne Hackett who with Bróna Ui Loing brought the organising committee together.
Their fear was that the developers would carry out construction without preserving the ancient site of the well that was venerated until relatively recently.
In erecting the signage the heritage societies are not only marking the site but also putting down a very visible marker to the council, local councillors, politicians and the developers that any future development on the site must be cognisant of the ancient well as a heritage site.
2025 will be the 1,500th anniversary of St Brigid and with the resurgence of interest in St Brigid, the Committee believes the time is right to restore the Well.
Local woman Valeria Halloran commented: “You can see how the St Brigid’s cross means so much to people and helps them in many different ways.
“I still have the crosses that I get at the Church every year. Brigid’s energy is coming in strong and we need it in these difficult times.
“There is so much crap going on wars, climate, misplaced people, corruption, St Brigid offers us hope, direction and new beginnings.”
Councillor Francis Timmons who is a member of the group also commented at the unveiling of the new sign: “you can see from the large turnout here today that the spirit of St Brigid is still alive in Rathcoole.”