Destruction of ancient graveyard a disgrace

IT is a national disgrace that the 2,500-year-old graveyard in Collierstown, near the Hill of Tara, has been destroyed by the NRA.

As yet, no full archaeological report has been published, leaving the Irish people in darkness about the heritage of the site and its importance to national folklore. There has always been a tradition in Irish culture never to interfere with the graves of our ancestors — yet no attempt at preserving the graveyard was contemplated.

The preliminary reports on the NRA website record only three human remains being unearthed, yet the final dig uncovered graves of at least 50 individuals, including many children buried in ceremonial alignment.

The unusual layout of the burial mound suggests it is the remnants of a battlefield or an undefined tragic event. Naturally, it was hoped the archaeological dig would have uncovered sufficient evidence to enlighten us about its construction, before any further action was taken regarding its future.

Unfortunately, the NRA chose to destroy the graveyard prior to any public disclosure, stealing our birthright of knowing the full value of the site and its possible connection to the kingdom of Tara.

It is also disheartening to learn that the human remains uncovered at the site are to be stored indefinitely in plastic containers at a warehouse rented by the National Museum — with no reinterment ceremony planned, in the customary tradition of the Irish people.

One must really question whether anything is sacred on this island of ours anymore.

Is this the precedence being set for all construction projects in the coming future, regarding burial mounds and other national monuments?

Tomás mac Cormaic

Dál Cormaic Luisc

Clochrua

Contae Chorcaí