By Eoin McGarvey
THERE was a wonderful sense of faith, history and community at Ailt an Scáthláin in the bog between Loughanure and Dungloe on Sunday afternoon as local people and visitors gathered for the celebration of Mass at the historic Penal Days Mass Rock.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr Nigel Ó Gallachóir PP, Annagry with locals and visitors making the journey into the hidden ailt to gather at a location which holds a very special place in the religious and cultural heritage of the area.
During Penal times, when Catholics faced severe restrictions on the practice of their faith, people gathered in secluded places such as Ailt an Scáthláin to attend Mass, with the surrounding landscape providing shelter and protection.
Nearby is Cloch an Amhairc, a high lookout rock, where someone would stand during Mass to ensure the Redcoats were not approaching.
Tony Sharkey, Francie Duffy, and John O’Donnell at the Mass Rock celebration at Croich Uí Bhaoill on Sunday.
Centuries later, there was something particularly poignant about people gathering once again in the same glen to openly celebrate the faith which their ancestors had gone to such great lengths to preserve.
The Mass Rock was brought back into use last year when Mass was celebrated there for the first time in 36 years, renewing a connection with a tradition stretching back centuries. The idea was mooted by Eugene Mac Grianna of Loughanure who worked with the Annagry Pastoral Council and Fr Ó Gallachóir to ensure Mass was once again celebrated in the glen.
The Annagry Church Choir contributed greatly to Sunday’s occasion, singing beautifully throughout the Mass and adding to the special atmosphere at the historic site.
Making thier way to the Ailt an Scáthláin Mass Rock near Loughanure on Sunday.
Another particularly moving part of the celebration came when young Cassie Nic Grianna recited the poem ‘Anseo i lár an Ghleanna’. This poem recalls the celebration of Mass in hidden glens during the Penal times and its words took on an added significance as they were recited in a place where generations before had gathered in similar circumstances.
For those present, it was an opportunity not only to attend Mass in a unique setting, but also to reflect on the courage and determination of the people who kept their faith alive through some of the most difficult periods in Irish history.
Fr Nigel Ó Gallachóir holds a Penal Cross at the Mass at Ailt an Scáthláin in the Croch Uí Bhaoill bog on Sunday.
Once again, Ailt an Scathláin was a place of prayer, remembrance and community, just as it had been for those who gathered there in much more difficult times centuries ago.
Before the final blessing, Fr Nigel paid tribute to everyone who contributed in any way to assist with the Mass, those who facilitated, and also thanked those who travelled and walked through the Croch Uí Bhaoill bog to stand at the Mass rock once more. The Mass was also livestreamed on the Anagaire Parish Facebook page.
Cassie Nic Grianna who recited ‘Anseo i lár an Ghleanna’ at the Mass Rock near Loughanure on Sunday.
Locals and visitors at the Ailt an Scáthláin Mass Rock on Sunday.