At the last annual general meeting of the Federation of Local History Societies, Rathfeigh Historical Society reported on the possible replacement of a statue of Saint Patrick on the Hill of Tara. The original was removed by the OPW, after consultation with the bishops ofthe area, for possible refurbishment but was found to have deteriorated beyond repair. Rathfeigh Historical Society has acted as secretary of a ‘Tara Committee’ which has been in negotiations with the OPW about the possibility of a replacement and hopes to report on the outcome in the near future.
Meanwhile, the Society has sought, but failed to find, any record of the installation of the original statue. According to hearsay it was erected about a hundred years ago. Could there be a connection with the first centenary of St Patrick’s College, Maynooth in 1895? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Enquiries: Rathfeigh Historical Society, Tara, Co. Meath, tel: (041) 25125.