Donal Hickey: The place of gorse in Irish mythology and folklore

Known in modern times for major blazes, furze has a long history in Ireland

The aftermath of the devastating fire in Killarney National Park, at the Eagles Nest, along the Long Range River. Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan

A striking image from the charred, mountain landscape last week was of a solitary furze bush. Like a symbol of hope, it glowed bright and yellow in the fire-blackened Killarney National Park.

Plenty has already been said about this and other destructive fires around the country, but it’s good to see furze creating an altogether more kindly blaze on the hillsides.