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New carvings unearthed at Cooley 04.03.10
by Kevin Kelly, Inishowen Independent
A RECENT clean-up of Moville's historic Cooley
Graveyard was a huge success, say the organisers.
The poor state of the 6th Century graveyard was
first highlighted by the Inishowen Independent in
October. At the time, the site was completely
overgrown and was branded a ‘national
embarrassment’.
However, the Cooley Cross committee was established
following the article and the group said they were
very pleased with the large number of volunteers who
braved the elements to help give the important site
a much-needed makeover.
Spokesperson, Martin Hopkins, said they were very
grateful to both the local FÁS group and the
volunteers for all their hard work so far but that a
big effort was still needed to finish the work.
“What we are doing is getting people to clear
important things like the wheeled cross slab in the
centre of the graveyard,” he said. “It is brilliant
to be able to see this stunning carving again now
that the weeds have been removed.” |
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The site, which
overlooks the Foyle near Moville, was the home of a
Christian Monastery and dates back to the 6th
Century.
“Volunteers have also found a number of new carvings
which we are in the process of having checked by an
archaeologist to see how important they might be,”
added Mr Hopkins.
Volunteer Caroline Allen said she was delighted when
she discovered a new carving in the graveyard.
“This is great fun, it’s better than any gym but the
best part is that less than half an hour ago I found
a new cross carving myself and I’m really chuffed
because it doesn’t matter how important they say it
is, it will always be important to me. I’m still on
cloud nine."
The committee now plans to do it all again on March
6 and everyone is invited. All help is much-needed
and is very much appreciated regardless of whether
you can give a half-hour or a half day.
“If you are interested in seeing what we have found
to date, or even trying to find something yourself,
then please turn up at Cooley graveyard on Saturday,
March 6 anytime between 10am and 3pm,” he said.
Volunteers are asked to wear basic gardening gear. |
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