Locals and people from afar came together to mark a tradition going back almost 1,500 years and to honour Saint Moling, a Seventh Century hermit. He left for Saint Mullin’s in Carlow after being told to get out by a local lady that had, it seems, influence in the area of Mullinakill and district. Mass was celebrated by Fr Dan Cavanagh, parish priest of Tullogher/Rosbercon and Fr Liam Barron, parish priest of Mullinavat.
A large attendance was present. Fr Cavanagh took those present to the Scottish Highlands in his address, and to a novel he had been reading about the wildlife there and the lives of buzzards, eagles and other birds of prey. Some were more clever than the others, and when they were set free from a enclosed area into the wild again, some could not deal with it and kept near to where their compound was.
The wise and intelligent one had a job of work to do, but convinced those that did not take advantage of their freedom to do so, and told them to never forget where they came from and where they were born. It was to draw parallel with what, being local and knowing your area, referring to the people of this area of Tullogher and their association with this particular spot, its history and its heritage. This tranquil place brings it all down to a very local and basic elements with its woods, trees, its beautiful valley, and all looked so well on a fine Sunday afternoon.
A lot of history has already been written down here before about the 7th Century saint, St Moling. After mass a ‘clare’ benediction was given to all. Then the St Moling’s committee, who were thanked many times had lovely light refreshments including piping hot cups of tea and coffee, cakes buns, tarts and sweets for the very young.
A small local Listerlin shop was also on hand for even more goodies. IMPRESSIVE There was a most impressive attendance, and of course, the organising committee had all the area in pristine condition with seating at road level and also around the holy well. A PA system was operated by Bob Saunders, and road marshals made this a very enjoyable visit yet again.
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