The Famous O`Neil Family Vault!

Any Excuse for a Photo!! Here I am standing beside The O'Neill family vault, which had been 'lost' for well over a hundred years and was accidentally re-discovered.

Poet Art Mc Cooeys Grave

The epitaph on his headstone in Creggan churchyard (erected 1973) from the last line of his poem Úrchill an Chreagáin reads: Gurb ag Gaeil chumhra an Chreagáin a leagfar mé i gcré faoi fhód. "that with the fragrant Gaels of Creggan I will be put in clay under the sod."

My Walk through the Graveyard

Its interesting to Note that  Church of Ireland church dates back to 1731 but there is evidence to suggest an earlier Catholic church preceded it. This is something I plan on looking further into as tomorrow I plan on Visiting the Cardinal Tomas O`Fiaich Center in Cullyhanna.The O’Neill Vault is believed to have been situated under the altar of the latter. Now the vault lies outside the present Church building. As I am off on my Easter Holidays with the sun shinning, yesterday I took a walk to the Graveyard to show you the history I have been talking about.

The O`Neil Vault within the graveyard

Upon my research I came across this story on how the O`Neil Vault was found. For many years the exact position of the O’Neill Vault was a subject of speculation Have a read its rather extraordinary.


In 1973, during renovations at Creggan graveyard in preparation for the Art McCooey bi-centenary celebrations, local historian, the late Jem Murphy and Michael Hearty were clearing up beside the Eastwood vault when they noticed a tractor-driver, Owen Hearty on his knees, peering down.
Jem recalled: “We thought he was examining a large stone, on which he had caught the tiller. He waved us over. What he was looking down at was the long-lost Clan O’Neill vault. Silence ensued for a short while, as the realisation set in. Excitement was high, - the tension almost tangible.”Tipped off about the historic find, I drove to the scene, and was permitted to climb down the makeshift iron ladder with my camera. Despite the bright sunshine outside, it was difficult to penetrate the gloom. Gradually, the eyes grew accustomed to the dim light.Visible in the large enclosure was an amazing array of human skulls and bones, remains of the O`Neill clan chieftains, their ladies and warriors. They were laid out around the stone walls, beneath the arched roof, with lintels, limestone quoin and chiselled sets, constructed by artisans, 500 years before.Later, Jem Murphy wrote: “As we left the graveyard at Creggan that evening, the moon was coming up over Drumbally, throwing all kinds of shadows over the giant beech trees. The river was singing beneath us, and around us were centuries of buried kith and kin. For Creggan pulls the centuries together.“At no time do the whispers of the past become more vibrant than at twilight time, here in Creggan of the princes, the Irish chieftains, and Cromwellian landlords; Creggan of the Gael, the priest-hunter, the men of `98, the famine and the Land League; Creggan of the clergy, - Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic; as well as countless thousands of ordinary people.”






All Rights to:
http://www.newrymemoirs.com/stories_pages/cregganoneillclans_1.html

Did you know exactly what lies within the graveyard?

So after looking online I came to find there is quite some information on The Creggan Church and Graveyard it is known as one of the most important and historic properties in Ulster, which I found to be rather interesting. The Church was founded way back around 1450 with the arrival of the O'Neil's who apparently built their castle at Glass Drummond approximately Five minutes away from the graveyard. I read an article on discover Northern Ireland which informed me that:

All traces of the pre-reformation church have now disappeared although it is likely that the O’Neill family vault was situated underneath the earlier church as the remains of a doorway was found during recent repairs.The historic graveyard is the burial place of three eighteenth century Gaelic Irish poets: Art Mac Cooey, Pádraig Mac Aliondain and Séamus Mór Mac Murphy (poet and outlaw).


This was certainly a very interesting thing to find out as Art McCooey is the best known and last of the five Gaelic Poets from South East Ulster. Little did I know all this was on my doorstep!! I will also visit the church yard to search for the doorway into the O`Neil vault!




http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Creggan-Parish-Church-Graveyard-and-Visitors-Centre-Crossmaglen-Newry-P16312

What a lovely summary I came across!

By starting my research today I came across a brief summary which I thought included some important facts about Creggan Chruch & Graveyard. Have a read!

http://www.cregganhistory.co.uk/Guide1.htm

Creggan Churchyard- A Brief Introduction

As Part of a College Assignment I Have decided to research Creggan Churchyard and Graveyard. This has always been an interest of mine as I live directly opposite it. It is true history right on my doorstep. After living in Creggan all my life I never really knew what exactly the Church stood and the History surrounding it. I use to wonder why it has been a tourist attraction for many years. I would like to invite you on my Journey as I will explore one of the most important and historic properties in Ulster.

Picture courtesy of Brian T Mc Elherron