The second Battle of Tara isn’t over yet

ENVIRONMENT Minister Dick Roche recently launched a study of important battle sites and vowed to amend the National Monuments Act to protect them, saying: “Battlefields … can increase our knowledge and understanding of momentous events in Irish history.”

The Gabhra Valley has been the scene of many battles and “momentous events”, not least the legendary Battle of Gabhra and Achall (Skreen) between the King of Tara, Cairpre Lifechair, son of Cormac mac Airt, and the Fianna.

The king himself and many heroes are said to have perished in the conflict and were buried in the area.