Survey to find out if Delvin housed medieval monastery

A geophysical survey being planned by scientists affiliated to NUI Galway aims to determine whether or not the townland of Clonarney, in the northern reaches of Delvin...was home to an early medieval monastery, similar to those situated in places like Fore and Clonard.Researchers investigating the origins of St. Wendelin - a German saint who is now believed to have hailed from the Delvin area - first entertained the potential for a monastic site when pilgrims from the town of St. Wendel visited Delvin in 2006.In an article written for the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society journal, 'Riocht na Midhe' in 2007, researcher Eoghan Ó hAnnracháin said that a stream bordering the site at Clonarney was a feature common to other monastic sites in Ireland.He quoted 19th century Ordnance Survey topographer, John O'Donovan, as saying that there was "a local tradition that the old church at Clonarney was the mother church of Delvin", adding that O'Donovan "cautiously uttered the caveat that tradition cannot be relied upon in the absence of written documents or at least of local monumental ruins".The potential for a link between St. Wendelin and Delvin was discovered in 1989, when Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich, in a letter to Mr. Ó hAnnracháin, put forth that the saint was called "Fionnalán" when he came to the German Saarland in the 6th century, being eventually referred to as Wendelin because of the German use of 'W' for pronouncing the letter 'F'.In an article for Riocht na Midhe in 2008, Dr. Manfred Peter postulated that there was a monastery close to the Ó Fionnaláin family residence at Clonarney, of which nothing remains today. He cited "folk memories" of the monastery, which "is surrounded by many legends and which may already have been existence at the time of St. Patrick, as there is a story in Delvin about St. Patrick visiting it".Dr. Peter suggested that the Ó Fionnaláin clan would have wished to make Wendelin abbot of Clonarney, as in those days, abbots were nominated by tribal chieftains.While there is no physical evidence pointing to the existence of an ancient monastic site at Clonarney, researchers at NUIG are nevertheless keen to carry out geophysical tests at the site.This next phase of the investigation, which is being spearheaded by Delvin Historical Society, is expected to take place later this month.Roseanne Schott, one of the researchers from NUIG, recently visited Clonarney, and agreed that the site adjacent to the graveyard appeared uneven, containing the remains of ancient earthen banks and ditches, including what appear to be several old roads or sunken trackways.Ms. Schott said that these were likely to be later in date (16th-19th centuries), possibly causing disturbance to any earlier, underlying features of archaeological significance.Because any monastic remains potentially connected to St. Wendelin may be drowned out by such ground disturbance, a geophysical test will be necessary.Fat ewes top €120 at DelvinThomas Potterton was pleased to report another very big sheep sale at Delvin Mart on Thursday and according to the auctioneers the lambs met a stronger trade than the previous week.In general fat lambs made from €62 to €68.50 or from €20 to €24 with the kilo.There was an exceptionally strong export trade for the cull ewes with prices ranging between €63 and €98 with tops making up to €120.There was also an improved entry of calves with Friesian bulls making from €50 to €100 a head while continental bulls made from €140 to €235 and many more heifers would have sold to advantage with prices ranging between €135 and €200.In the main ring a good entry of bullocks met a keen selling trade although the plainer sorts were a little more difficult to sell. The good quality continental bullocks made from 200 to €320 with their weight or from €750 to €960 a head.There was also a good local farmer demand for store heifers, especially nice quality continental lots and many more would have sold to good advantage.Parish Annual out this weekendThe 2009 edition of the Parish of Delvin Annual will launch officially following cemetery devotions in the village this weekend.The price of the publication is €7, and sincere thanks is extended to those who contributed various items for inclusion, or to those who helped with the production of the book in any way.Cemetery devotions will take place in Delvin on Saturday night next, August 15, starting at 7pm.Sean-nós WeekendThe Éigse Uí Ghramhnaigh Sean-nós Weekend in Athboy, running in conjunction with National Heritage Week, will take place on the weekend of August 28-30, and not on August 22-23 as stated on the Heritage Week website (and, as a consequence, as reported in last week's Westmeath Examiner).For more details, contact Mary Jo Needham on 087-2962320, or e-mail maryjoneedham@gaelic.ie.Athlone visit a successThe Delvin Historical Society visit to Athlone and Ballymore on Sunday, August 9 was a most enjoyable day. Our group thoroughly enjoyed our trip around Athlone Castle with its magnificent views of the Shannon and of Athlone Town.In the Visitor Centre an audio presentation is given on a big screen entitled "The Siege of Athlone" with the use of some magnificent engravings and prints. Our invited guest, Mayor of Mullingar and local historian Ruth Illingworth, brought us up to date with the burning of Ballymore by William de Bruce the son of Robert de Bruce who resided in the area for a short time, also the relevance of the Hill of Uisneach as one of the most important sites with its history dating back to the La Tene period of the iron age and has been placed in the same league as the Hill of Tara if not more important.Delvin Historical Society would like to thank Ruth for her time given to the Society over the past year and look forward to her participation in the coming season.Meanwhile, members and friends of the society are encouraged to go along to Clonmellon on Wednesday, August 26 (during Heritage Week), when Society President John Gavin will lead a tour of Killua Graveyard and St. Lucy's Well. All are welcome, and tourgoers are asked to meet at Killua Crossroads.