Ashling remembered at Glenville vigil

Glenville’s Mass Rock has been the site of religious devotion for centuries. Set in a secluded, but accessible location, adjacent to the fast rushing River Bride, it’s easy to imagine an on-the-run priest, ministering to a people whose lives were characterised by misery and oppression.

The Mass Rock has stood the test of time and while Roman Catholicism may not be the force it was, the ‘Mass Rock in the Glen’ remains a place for prayer and quiet reflection.

‘Prayer’ and ‘quiet reflection’ were to the fore for last Friday night’s vigil in memory of murdered school teacher, Ashling Murphy. Extra light was secured to ensure public safety, with volunteer stewards also on duty to assist the public. A decade of the Rosary was recited, poems read and prayers offered for the respose of Ashling’s soul. Those present were asked to pray for Ashling’s family during this terrible ordeal.

There was musical accompaniment by Carraig-na-bhFear father and son team, Eamon and Eddie Quinlan, while Mossie O’Sullivan from Kildinan said that the national and international reaction to Ashling’s death was the reaction of good people to an act of great wickedness.

There was also a presonal reflection from Michelle Madden from Bartlemy. The contribution of the Legion of Mary was also recognised - Glenville remains one of the few remaining strongholds of this once widespread organisation.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ROSARY

Those in attendance were reminded of the power of the Rosary to heal and inspire. Rosary has taken place every evening at the Mass Rock in Chimneyfield, Glenville since the pandemic started and during still uncertain times, the intention is to maintain this practice.

(Pic: John Ahern) BELOW RIGHT - GATHERING AT THE MASS ROCK: Bartlemy community activist, John Arnold, was at Carraig an Aifrinn (the Mass Rock), Glenville last Friday evening for a candle-lit vigil in memory of Ashling Murphy.

(Pic: John Ahern) Francis Sweeney and Michael Martin were at the Mass Rock in Glenville last Friday evening for a vigil in memory of Offaly school teacher, Ashling Murphy.

Ahern) (Pic: John Eamon and Eddie Quinlan from Carraig-na-bhFear, who performed during last Friday night’s vigil for Ashling Murphy at the Mass Rock in Glenville.

(Pic: John Ahern) RIGHT - Cllr Frank O’Flynn from Glanworth and Michelle Madden (Bartlemy) who attended the Ashling Murphy vigil at the Mass Rock in Glenville last Friday evening.

Ahern) (Pic: John Locals, Mossie and Breeda Buckley paying their respects, during last Friday night’s vigil for Ashling Murphy at the Mass Rock in Glenville.