A walk on the wildside

ANNUAL CEREMONIES AT DOONPETER

The evening sun cast a warm glow on the crowd gathered at Doonpeter Graveyard on Wednesday evening last to commemorate the Feast Day of Doonpeter stands on the side of a hill overlooking the River Bride in its infancy on its way to join the River Blackwater through Rathcormac, Bridesbridge, Conna and Tallow. From a farmyard at the far side of the river blue smoke billowed into the evening sky, it is a tradition in the area to light up the evening on the Saints Feast Day.

A very large crowd assembled for the traditional prayers and

The Rosary was recited by the Parish Priest of Watergrasshill, Very Reverend Father Donal Cotter. An air of peace descended on everyone gathered there to remember all who are laid to rest at Doonpeter, one of whom was the hedge-teacher John Fagan and his wife. Local historian, Norma Buckley spoke about the history of Doonpeter and some of those who are buried there.

Many people lingered on afterwards to savour the peace and tranquillity in this beautiful place by the River Bride. Well done to the local community who look after Doonpeter so well.

(Pic: Jim BELOW - Very Reverend Father Donal Cotter P.P. Watergrasshill reciting The Rosary at Doonpeter, Glenville last week.. Lysaght)

(Pic: Jim Lysaght) The gravestone of John Fagan and his wife Julia Fagan. John Fagan was a hedge school master who became national school teacher in Glenville in 1828.

(Pic: Jim Lysaght) A Robin finds a suitable perch to see the congregation at the annual ceremonies at Doonpeter last week.