Good Friday prayers at holy well to be revived

Good Friday pilgrimage and prayers at holy well to be revived

For the first time in over 100 years, a pilgrimage to Tobarmacduagh Holy Well is taking place on Good Friday.
The well, situated in Killeen townland in the parish of Drum, near Claremorris, is dedicated to the seventh-century Irish saint Colman Mac Duagh. Stations of the Cross were once performed at the site annually on Good Friday, when pilgrims came and erected tents in the area. The well fell into disrepair when the tradition ceased over a century ago, but it has now been restored.
A children’s burial ground (cillín) was also located in Killeen townland, adjacent to the well. It was said that little coffins were brought there during the night, and that the only sign that a burial had taken place was a newly made grave. This practice stopped around 1900, and cattle were let graze in the area, but it was never tilled. When the well was refurbished, a small memorial was erected to recognise those who lie there.
This Good Friday, April 3, a short prayer service will take place at the well at 12 noon, with Fr Dennis Carney PP officiating. There will also be a reflection on St Colman Mac Duagh and prayers for all unbaptised children buried there.
The walk to Tobarmacduagh Holy Well will start at Clogher Community Centre at 11am, and it will be led by  FΡilte Ireland approved guide Brían Hoban. It is an ideal family walk along quiet country roads is approximately 5.5km long, and relatively easy.
Although the trail reaches only 41 metres at its highest point, there are excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
The event is being organised by Clogher Environmental Group.

MORE Brían Hoban, Tourism Administrator, Clogher Heritage Centre, 094 9030867 or 087 9234504.