AN IMPORTANT LOCATION
They're not rare, they're not exactly plentiful. The Avondhu catchment has its fair share of wells (Holy wells) - in the main, sacred places, that over time have become places of pilgrimage. Fermoy has St Bernard's Well (on Barnane), while Mitchelstown has one of the most famous - St Fanahan's Well.
Long before they became 'Holy', wells were important, supplying as they did cool, clear, clean water. Their origins are shrouded in mystery and it says something for their appeal that thousands of years later, they continue to attract devotees.
ON THE CORK WATERFORD BORDER
One of the lesser known wells is St Michael's Holy Well - located in a natural 'dip', it lies in the shadow of an ancient sycamore tree, near a stream (Glenfinish) that divides the Deise (Waterford) with Cork. Glenfinish runs through a wooded ravine before emptying in to the Araglin river, which in turn, flows in to the Munster Blackwater.
St Michael's Well is situated in the townland of Tobarnahulla, Ballyduff Upper, County Waterford (tobar meaning 'well' and depending on interpretation, fola or hulla, can mean blood or oil).
While settlements sprung up alongside most wells, St Michael's is remote and secluded. Its links to pagan Ireland are undoubted and having come amongst us to convert heathens, St Patrick and his contemporaries took advantage of the attachment local people had to their wells. Rebranded (named after Saints) and with a bit of spit and polish, they became focal points for those spreading the Christian message.
According to folklore, St Michael's Well became a bit too popular, with huge crowds turning up on the feast of St Michael (29th September). In theory, the day was about reflection and prayer, however, now as then, it was for many a chance to 'turn a few bob' and when you add intoxication to a culture of faction fighting, things regularly got out of hand at the end of September. Peace was eventually restored, but not before the well in the parish of Ballyduff Upper, was, for a time, synonymous with violence and bloodshed.
LOOKING AFTER
THE WELL
Having expensive churches to maintain, the clergy had little time for 'insignificant' wells and some fell in to decline many, due to neglect, became overgrown, disappeared and were eventually forgotten. More often than not, it was left to people living near wells to maintain them and over the years, different families took it upon themselves to ensure St Michael's was looked after.
In the run up to the feast day, there would be a collective effort to have this place of worship looking neat and tidy. St Michael's Holy Well has been enhanced over the years, the most important modification being a barrier preventing pilgrims from falling in to the nearby stream. Fencing, what was known as a 'wicket' gate, some plants, laying gravel and a lick of paint all helped make the well more complete.
MASS AT THE WELL
There is still a tradition of 'Mass at the well' and we're glad to report that Fr Brian Boyle did the honours in 2023 - even if he did have to operate out of a horsebox! This was weather related and didn't seem to perturb the popular cleric.
In recent times, the well has been very well maintained by the O'Brien family from Tobarnahulla; previous to that, the late Jeremiah Ahern, an uncle of this writer, spent his spare time cleaning the well and its surroundings.
EASIER TO FIND
Thanks to both local authorities, St Michael's Holy Well in now signposted from both the Waterford and Cork approach roads. It does take a bit of time and sometimes the roads aren't the greatest, but with a bit of perseverance, the well will come into view. The well has regular visitors and a silent prayer is said before departing.
For those whose faith isn't as strong, St Michael's is still welcoming, still special and still a mysterious and beautiful sight.