FF has a nominal link with Tara

I WONDER how many Fianna Fáil members and supporters know the origin of the party’s name.

I suspect very few do.

It is often translated as ‘Soldiers of Destiny’, but this is more a slogan than the original meaning of the term. The word ‘Fáil’ comes from ‘Liath Fáil’, the High King’s inauguration stone on the Hill of Tara. It represents the nation; hence the term ‘Fir Fáil’ effectively meaning men of Ireland.

Most people will know the ‘Fianna’ was the army of the High King, but will not know that it fought and lost its last battle in the Gowra (Gabhra) valley — yes, the one that’s having a motorway built through it. The road will cover the Gowra stream which is the most mentioned waterway in Irish language literature.

Finally, the location where this henge has been found is where King Cormac had a huge cornmill built, hence the name Lismullin (Lios an Mhuillinn — Fort of the Mill). It is documented as the first mill in Ireland. Given the devastation around Tara, Dev must be turning in his grave.

Ciarán MacSamhráin

Kilmainham

Dublin 8