Human Aerial Art at Tara

by Paula Geraghty Sun Sep 23, 2007 23:18

Images © Paula Geraghty

Close Encounters of the Tara Kind!

Rathlugh- the update from the air. How will the NRA build a road on the slope of a gravelly eske without causing further damage?

The road seems to curve naturally to the west of the Tara valley. Perhaps it was designed as a touristic interlude. How many NRA projects can boast of such a comparable landscape?

Parking pressures

by Paula Geraghty Sun Sep 23, 2007 23:38

It's not over, not by a long shot. Bertie's in the tribunal, having difficulties remembering what he did with enough money to buy a house. The Greens are putting Global climate change on the agenda and building more motorways which will increase that global warming.

Resistance to neoliberalism and the understanding that a better world is possible is never far away. Creating opportunities to articulate dissenting viewpoints works. Let's create those spaces.

Images © Paula Geraghty

by Cael Mon Sep 24, 2007 01:49

A beautiful day and a beautiful image. well done to all involved. Sadly, though this event fills our hearts with joy and hope, it leaves a Gombeen heart cold. Only the scent of easy and corrupt cash can stir a Gombeen heart. Only a "dig out" can stir their paid lackys. But, even the Gombeens cannot hold back the people if we all make a stand for whats decent and good in Ireland. Today was a great day for it.

by Thomas - none Mon Sep 24, 2007 08:41 none none

Yesterday was a great day, I would like to personally thank the artist for getting invovled in the Tara issue. I have just seen the photos from yesterdays protest. Its not a great deal and I hate to be the one to say it, but the strings in the harp are in the wrong place. They should be strung from the top section of the harp.
I dont mean to rain on a very successful parade, but the reason I am mentioning this miner error is because I would like to bring it to the artist attention, so he might be prepared incase he is interviewed by a smartassed journalist who would like nothing more than to knock a very successful protest.
Once again I am sorry have to point it out, and once again a hugh thanks to the artist for his time and energy.

by RogerC Mon Sep 24, 2007 10:00

Well done to all those who organised and took part in the event. I'm sorry I couldn't make it down but was with you in spirit. Well done again and keep up the great work.

by W. Finnerty. Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:07

Many among future generations will surely rejoice - and be forever grateful - to all those responsible for the very potent photographic results achieved yesterday on the Hill of Tara?

I notice that one of the above photographs includes most of the trace in the ground (all that's now left) of the "Great Banqueting Hall" associated with the "Great Feast of Tara" ("Feis-Teamhrach"), which is mentioned in the "Annals of Ireland by the Four Masters" written between 1632 - 1636 AD. (A scanned copy of the actual Annals text containing the words "Feis-Teamhrach" can be viewed in the "Page 53" section at http://homepage.tinet.ie/~williamfinnerty/name/annals.htm .)

In a further effort to try and point out that the WHOLE AREA (for miles around the Hill of Tara) is of extreme archaeological importance, the cultural and historic links between the Hill of Tara, and Cairn T (the 5,000 year old Equinox Detector), which is located some 25 miles or so distant from Tara (in the Loughcrew area of north-west County Meath), was made know to John Gormley TD (Republic of Ireland Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government) through an e-mail sent to him a few days ago. A copy of the e-mail in question can be viewed at the following address:
http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.co...l.htm .

Also, and for those who might have some difficulty finding it, an effort to highlight the exact location of the "Great Banqueting Hall", relative to other prominent features on the Hill, can be viewed in the edited photograph below.

Location of the "Great Banqueting Hall" on the Hill of Tara

by Patrick M - none Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:23 none none

Despite the forecast of heavy rain I was overjoyed when I arrived at The Hill Of Tara yesterday to see the hugh number of people who turned up to support the Tara protest.
I was also at the harp protest on Saturday outside the Dail.
I see in yesterdays 'THE SUNDAY TIMES' their headline for this story read ' ECO-WARRIORS ' ON THE MARCH OVER M3 '
Once again the simple facts have been distorted. It was not a march, it was a stationary demonstration by a group a seated Harpers who where protesting against the Gombeen Government
over the destruction of Tara Vally.
' ECO-WARRIORS ' I was there and I would like to say that I am not an ECO - WARRIOR
( no offence to eco-warriors)
If you seen the photo and caption in yesterdays Sunday Times you might believe that this Tara issue was just for eco-warriors and tree huggers etc.
Why do journalists get it so wrong ? Are they really that stupid or is this a deliberate tactic ?
The media like to separate paticular protesting groups from the general population, they label them as 'extremist' or 'eco-warriors etc, in the hope of scaring away ordinary people who might be concidering getting invoveled in such a protest.
The hugh crowd who turned up at The Hill Of Tara on Sunday where mostly just ordinary people from all walks of life.
It was a very high spirited and joyous occasion.
It was a beautiful day among beautiful people who chose to give up their valuable time to send a clear message to the gombeen man.
TARA IS NOT FOR SALE

Harpers in action

A small section of the letter people

A view from the ground............letter R

A small section of the crowd

Wave and say cheese.........................

by Carmel Ni Dhuibheanaigh - Hibernian Order of Druids Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:30

Yesterday at Tara was Phenomenal. Thankyou to all the Organisers and to the Harpers from the hearts of all of us. Much love x.

Thanks also for the above picture highlighting the Great Banqueting Hall .

For Samhain ( 31st Oct ) a Great Feast will be held in the Great Banqueting Hall following the Lighting of the Beacons on the Hills around Tara. From there we shall send out a message to all of Ireland to light Fires on any high place of prominence just as they did in Ancient times. In doing so, we awaken the Ancient Spirit of Ireland itself and keep alive our customs , especially in this time of Destruction in the Valley. We also use this opportunity to show our solidarity with all those fighting for Tara.

Tara was always associated with Samhain and the feasting would continue for 2 weeks! We will be delighted to have just one night well attended by those that can make it , and for those who cannot, please congregate on the nearest high place and as soon as you see the Fire lit on the nearest hill to YOU, then light your own. As in times gone by....

Details of this event will be posted nearer to the time.

Thank you.

by tara Pixie Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:45

We appeal to all those who turned out yesterday to please support us in our Peaceful Protest to save Tara. We need more people to join us each day especially at Rath Lugh and Lismullin.

Please see www.tarapixie.net

Showing strength in numbers is a powerful way to get the message through, that we will NOT allow this Government to destroy our Heritage and our Culture. Please help us, we need more people urgently.

Even if you can spare an hour or two, please come here, visit the sights yourself and see what is going on. Dont leave it to somebody else, this is YOUR TARA! Ask for directions to the Vigil Camp at the car park at the Hill of Tara itself and begin the journey.

If you really cannot come physically, please donate to our cause at Pay Pal Account

directactiontosavetara.com

Thank you.

Vigil Ph; 086 1758557 please leave a message, we will get back to you.

I

by Tara Tara Tara Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:56

Excellent site!

by Brogen Mon Sep 24, 2007 15:32

I would just like to say well done to everyone who was involved with the event yesterday. The final result was phenomenal and those who organised it should be so proud. Also well done to everyone who turned up and gave their afternoon to such a worthy cause.

Keep up the good work!

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Mon Sep 24, 2007 16:52

What a wonderful day and image.
When this idea was put forward first in March I thought the issue would be dead in the water - but of course Lismullin then revealed itself just before the election, Tara ends up as one of the election issues, the Petitions Committee intervened, the European Court of Justice and suddenly here we were in September and Tara is still a matter for everyone.
The preparations for this event were carried out in a very short period of time and by a very small number of people. I'll not name them here - that is for elsewhere. Suffice it to say that T-shirts with the Campaign name, boiler suits for the expected 500, hi-vis jackets had to be organised as well as markers etc for the image.
John Quigley and Stuart met members of the Campaign a few time, notably in Buswells after the Harper Event at the Dáil.
Stuart has done other such events with John elsewhere.
The help of some of his friends in the background to get the story out and into the media was so welcome.

J. Quigley preparing about 11 am

Initial measurements

J. Quigley making measurements

CST and the boiler suits in boxes

Part of the huge crowd

by M. Ni Bhrolchain Mon Sep 24, 2007 17:06

By 1pm it was obvious that we were on target for the minimum of 500 people. The boiler suits were gone. Stuart was thrilled. Then Jonathan Rhys Meyers appeared. Didn't get a chance to photograph him.
The hours flew by and by 2pm it was obvious that there was a traffic problem. The roads were blocked. The Gardaí had to be called - not by me!
At this point I would like to express our heart felt thanks to the Maguire family in the coffee shop. They looked after us, the crowds, the car park, gave the photographer private space to sort out the sending of the image. We couldn't have done this without them.
Thanks to the harpers who lugged their harps up the Hill, I don't know the names but Laoise Kelly was there again, fair play to her.
They played on the Hill as the image was forming.
I'm sure it was magical but I was so nervous that i couldn't relax.
I got into the image as part of a harp string - to find myself surrounded by old friends as well as strangers who quickly became friends, you don't have much option when you are lying on each others legs!
I was very late going up to the image - it was an overwhelming view to walk to the mounds and see the multitude - the whole thing seemed chaotic but John and Stuart knew what they were doing.
Suddenly the mad crowd became letters and image.
At about 3pm, the helicopter flew over for the first time - with Paula and others on board.
I believe that there was amazing images of the route taken, quite astoundingly awful - I havn't seen them. Not sure I want to anymore.

The crowd

This became the harp

Top of the harp

Forming the top of the harp

Harpers playing as image forms

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain Mon Sep 24, 2007 17:39

John rounded up a group of people wearing red, those not wearing white clothes were incorporated into the image as well.
They came from all over the country North and South, East and West.
I'd like to mention the fact that singers Padraigín Ní Uallacháin and Tríona Ní Dhómhnaill were present as well.
Conor Newman and his family were also there.
Thanks everyone.
Just before the photo was taken, John had us all make lots of noise and then as the helicopter flew over the image he had us all pretend to play a harp. I must say personally I found the moment extremely moving.
Just as the photo was being taken the sun broke out, it had rained a little up until then but this is Tara and the wonderful light lit up the crowd.
Afterwards, a triscal was formed, John also addressed the crowd telling us not to give up, that it was not over, the road was not built.
He is an extraordinary man.
I have no idea how everyone got out of the car parks - there were so many people to talk to and meet again.

The harpers again

These people became the red detail at bottom of harp

J. Quigley tells us all what to do

Producter Stuart helps John

Campaign to Save Tara relax for a while

by Jeff Mon Sep 24, 2007 18:53

Well done!
It is so good to see everyone out and being a part of the protest and celebration, no leaders, no
hierarchy.Nice to see children running about and learning that their heritage is not for sale and that
these people want to pass it on to them in trust. Beautiful. i am looking forward to the beacon lighting
and shall try and do something in Mayo on the Samhain. Anyone up for beacons in Mayo?

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain Mon Sep 24, 2007 18:53

People didn't want to leave the Hill and I stayed for ages afterwards.
The photo was sent to the press from Maguires finally.
Then we went over to Mrs O's in Skryne where John and Stuart were challenged by a few locals and they spoke so passionately about the issue to the delight of the local children who were in the pool room.
What a day, what a photograph, what wonderful people who got involved.
THANK YOU PEOPLE, JOHN, STUART AND EVERYONE WHO HELPED AND WHO CAME ALONG

Stuart and Muireann

Participants afterwards

Photograph being sent to the press

by LadyNorth - Brighidine Flame Keeper - Canada Mon Sep 24, 2007 19:58

Come this Samhuin October 31 - I will also be lighting a fire on my hill in solidarity for those on Tara's Sacred Hill.
May others join us World Wide! Think of what it would look like from Google Earth / Space?
Blessings and Love from Canada
LN

by Carmel Ni Dhuibheanaigh - Hibernian Order of Druids Mon Sep 24, 2007 20:56

To My Good Friend Lady North in Canada, I LOVE YOU! Also a big thankyou to Jeff in Mayo for the 1st positive responce on here to the call for the Fire Solidarity :)

Wonderful idea of image from space has sparked off ideas here in the homeland Lady North. I mentioned the idea to a friend of having a procession of people, re enacters, musicians, COLOURFUL PRESENCES entering the Banqueting Hall on the night and making this as BIG as we can make it. In discussion with Emma ( CST) on this idea she came up with getting Macness involved too. Fantastic. Gary Hynes, you will soon be hearing from us :)

Paddy Molloy, Laoise Kelly, Liam O Maoinlai, get moving! We need to keep up the momentum! PLEEEEEEEEASE! NOW is the optimum time to SAVE TARA . Keep it moving.

Anyone who has ideas, get them out there!

We would love it if famous people and those of reknown would help us to publicise this. Thankyou to Stuart and Johnathan for being here to help us. Much Love!

Where are Bono and Pierce Brosnan (a Navan man)? If they have to be shamed into it because of their silence then so be it, better late than never. And Sting? GO ON! Quigley, you wonderful man you, how dya feel about taking a pic from Space? :) Richard Branson ?

SAVE TARA

from the greedy corrupt people who seek to destroy our Irishness and our Heritage, Tara belongs to the WORLD! If they cant see the alternatives ( Meath Master Plan) then there is something seriously wrong with this planet , and IRELAND and it's government is to blame.

EU, put the pressure on NOW!

Blessings,
Carmel

I would here like to thank Phoenix for setting this in motion and all of those involved in the Direct Action, invaluable. All groups in this join together to make the maximum impact, we will win this.

by Thomas - none Mon Sep 24, 2007 21:03 none none

Every year this tradition of beacon fires is carried out on a small scale.
Maybe this year 2007, we could do it on a mucn bigger scale, in solidarity with the protesters on Tara Hill.
Sunday was a great success. The Irish Independant said today that over 3000 people posed for the aerial photo shoot.
Hopefully there will be more events between now and Samhuin October 31st.
It has taken time but the protests seems to be increasing.
I'll start stockpilling wood for a beacon fire on the mountains of Leitrim.
Solidarity greetings to LadyNorth and all our friends in Canada.

by x Mon Sep 24, 2007 22:37

To Thomas and Jeff and ...how about the rest of the 32 Counties here in Ireland?

At LEAST one representative from each? Shouldnt be a problem SURELY! :)

It's not tooo much to ask, it's in Your Lifetime, and it's Your chance to make a difference.

Spread the word..Get the GAA, etc, etc , educated , each county ,. and speakinging OUT in a tangible way about the alternatives that were never seriously considered in the planning of this abomination. I will be able to get support from Galway and Clare Teams and their supporters so thats 4 counties already :) Please help with the rest. Appreciated.

We need Everyone who feels the same as we do , to actually DO SOMETHING! Fly the flag of your County and light the FIRE.

DO Something.

Tara belongs to all of us , and it is a World Heritage Site that they seek to destroy.

When it's gone , its's gone Forever, so lets DO IT!

The pendulum is swinging our way,
we do not want to lament this,
it's FAR too important.
And it really is Urgent.

The powers of Destruction have wreaked Havoc in the Valley . Already much has been destroyed but we are thinking along the lines of re building it, just as it was! We need - People support, people to speak out,

Musicians to howl, cry and rejoice in their inspiration , Artists to draw attention in their own beautiful way , People to Stand AGAINST this!

WE HAVE TO BUY TIME HERE, LEGALITIES TAKE ENORMOUS TIME,.

We need people to get up off their butts and get here to see what DESECRATION AND DESTRUCTION is happening right here , right NOW .

It really IS , that simple but trying to mobilse the lazy Irish... well do ya waana be that person?

'nuff said

Carmel

I have said enough. Please hear my words.

by TaraWatch Tue Sep 25, 2007 00:14

Take a look at this slideshow; particularly the sunset from Skryne, at the close of the day.

by Jimbo jambo Tue Sep 25, 2007 10:11

Has everyone seen this? I wonder why nothing made it into the Irish papers? And I wonder why RTE weren't there on Sunday?
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2175188,0....html

by Carmel - Campaign To Save Tara Tue Sep 25, 2007 10:20

Anyone with ideas and offers of help may contact the following.
Thank you.

Carmel- 0876100771 and

Emma - 0857147745

We would very much appreciate input and participation from Musicians, Poets , Artists and such like who can make this a striking and colourful event.

Volunteers ? :)

by m Tue Sep 25, 2007 15:12

WELL DONE TO ALL, great creativity and hope it is effective... echo Tara pixie, help and participate in direct action to stop things...

from the times...

Demonstration at Tara against M3 route

Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Hill of Tara in Co Meath yesterday to form "the world's first giant human harp" photographed from the air. The event was designed to promote the campaign to reroute the M3 motorway. Login or subscribe for more.

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2007/0924/1190....html

past links from RTE
http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0606/tara.html

by M. Ni Bhrolchain Tue Sep 25, 2007 15:38

See the newspaper coverage here
http://www.savetara.com/articles/2007/092407_demonstrat....html
Further links at the bottom of the article

by Well Wisher Tue Sep 25, 2007 16:55

"The Samhain Fire and Banquet" seems like a GREAT idea to me, and all to the good if the fire/s could somehow be seen around the world via the "Google Earth" service.

Not knowing anything much about the Google Earth service, I've just had a look and found some information at http://earth.google.com/gallery/index.html - which might be useful in connection with developing ideas, plans, preparations, and so on.

"Google Earth isn't just mapping software; it's a powerful tool for viewing, creating and sharing interactive and highly visual location-specific information." (This piece of text has been taken from the Google address provided above.)

The technology seems to be there all right, and hopefully some good ideas on using it to help Tara will follow.

Time to put the thinking hats on!!

by Hmm Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:26 dziedzice at gmail dot com

If one third of people being that day would attend Rathlugh direct action camp it could basically stop the building work.
Even if it was an achievement it only becomes part of a dancing around build of M£3.
At the moment it looks like it will be the most celebrated motorway in Ireland.

by Fred Johnston Wed Sep 26, 2007 13:29 sylfredcar at iolfree dot ie

Now is the time to approach (1) The Irish Writers' Union and (2) Aosdána with a view to having more Irish writers come out in support of Tara and in protest against the government's M3 plan.

by Untitled Wed Sep 26, 2007 14:02

The harpists have given a fitting symbolical lead, Fred. Irish Writers Union? Aosdana? Maybe, but what clout do they have as groups with that great diffident, semi-lettered public out there?

I suppose Irish poets could emulate the harpists by writing poems or song lyrics in praise of Tara (mindful of Thomas Moore's famous song beginning "The harp that once through Tara's halls...") and expressing disdain for latter day barbarism. In gaelic society the Fili, who were more than poets, had some educational influence among the nobility and commoners. If we have any contemporary poets who share Shelly's dictum about "the unacknowledged legislators of mankind" maybe they will be inspired to write pieces of original verse legislation.

On the other hand, maybe other poets hold to Auden's declaration that "poetry makes nothing happen" and sigh resignedly. Maybe some poets like to drive on motorways and write poetry about the experience.

by Jess Wed Sep 26, 2007 21:27

The idea for Samhain is nice, but there are some practical obstacles. Conor Newman has said that he does not want any fire being lit on Tara, as it would damage the site. As for food, you would need to get Health Board requirements for serving food, and probably need toilets etc...as well as a licence from Meath County Council... Then there's the bigger question; is it going to make any difference? Will it get any media coverage? Nothing personal, but druid rituals are hardly likely to bring another 3,000 people...

by Carmel - Campaign To Save Tara Wed Sep 26, 2007 21:37

For more info please go to left hand column of this page and click on EVENTS or PRESS RELEASE

Thanks :)
Carmel

by Goddess of Tara Thu Sep 27, 2007 15:20

This message just appeared on the CST mailing list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/message/2939

Hi all,
Some of you will know that I have taken a year off from teaching
to finish 2 books - one begun some years ago when Tara emerged in my
life for the first time. Looks like it might be 3 now. None connected
with the campaign despite the rumours that abound.
The University will be very slow to give me any more time off if I do
not complete this time so I have to pull back. I've done 4 years of
this, non-stop, not
quite this intense all the time but it has been on and off. I've joined
three committees and have gone through three mills with rows etc and
quite honestly I'm physically, mentally and emotionally worn out. For
anyone who has not been on this journey with me - it cannot be imagined.
I appreciate that others have served for much longer.
So I'm pulling back, not out - but way back.
I've mailed the PR list with the photo, I've been in communication with
NY etc. I've done the Save Tara and site messages - that was yesterday.
Actually that's just a short list.
So, I'll continue to moderate Save Tara and communicate with the website
enquiries but it would be good to have another moderator on the list.
I'm no longer the first point of contact then for emergencies or for the
Vigil or the protesters. I will no longer attend 6 hour long meetings on
the hill but I'm still here.
I have to do this, for my work, my other life and my personal life (such
of it that is left) and for my sanity.
There are plenty of capable people out there.

There are great ideas emerging, going around Meath with the Meath master
plan - but that needs to be done directly with Tadhg and Brian.
I have done all that I can and I have my own court case to consider.
I'll be physically away for most of October so things will have to get
along without me. I have to get a proper break, I have not had a day
away from this since January, and that was just a week.
I'm not whinging, giving out or otherwise - just saying that I have
reached the end of my physical/mental but above all my emotional tether.
There is only so much that one person can take and I'm well over that
limit.
I'll be in libraries most of the time from now on so don't be surprised
if I don't answer the phone or mails are not answered. I'll not be at a
PC or a phone. I'll pick them up later in the day.

Before I finish, its not my place to take ownership of Sunday but I want to
say that as the one who was approached about it and who pushed it,
thanks to those who supported it,
worked on it and turned up on the day. It was the most extraordinary
event.
But if I'm to be honest, I no longer feel that this road will be
stopped or moved. Its all 3/4 years too late. And that is a story in
itself.
I could do with extra moderators here and I'll take some of you off
moderation so that you can post straight through.
I trust ye after all these years.
I'm not saying goodbye - not to those who have become good friends at
home and abroad, some of you that I have yet to see physically.
Not that it matters - we are friends anyway.
Again, I'm not going away - I'll be floating in the the background. Some
interesting links have emerged in the past few weeks and let's hope that
something comes of them. I suspect that there will.
I'll continue to keep these personal, private mails going and when they
become relevant I'll post them up. I'll still scan the papers.
If nteresting events come up, I'll help out and be there on the day.
I'll send this mail to others not on this list as well - those who have
been there for so long
Thank you for those of you who have stuck with this for the past 4 years
that I've been around. Its been a journey and I'm so glad that I got to
know most of you. I've met the best and worst of people - and I've
learned incredible lessons, most of all? How to keep my temper, step
back and keep going regardless, how to take insults and praise equally
and to try to forgive if not forget.
I'll never feel the same about tractors, JCBs, heavy machinery and
hi-vis yellow jackets.

Muireann

by Jess Thu Sep 27, 2007 15:29

Has anyone noticed that the harpstrings go the wrong direction?

by redjade - (missing it from the tap) Thu Sep 27, 2007 15:42

a common mistake.

great action folks! quite inspiring.
and great photos, of course :-)

The Beer's Harp - www.guinness.ie

The People's Harp - www.gov.ie

by Seán Ryan Thu Sep 27, 2007 15:59

I think Jess is referring to the fact that the strings on a harp go from the neck to the body. Tis only a small error, everyone knows what is depicted. This little error might make the overall piece of art more famous.

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Thu Sep 27, 2007 22:57

Thanks for saving me the trouble and posting my post from the Yahoo list but I think your eyes deceive you, the word "quit" appears nowhere.
What I said was "So I'm pulling back, not out - but way back."
I also said:
"So, I'll continue to moderate Save Tara and communicate with the website
enquiries ... "
I'll be there in the background.
The website will continue so all information is welcome.
The Yahoo List is still operating and all messages and information welcome.
Thanks for calling me the Goddess of Tara - I must say that I always thought of myself as such.
Cheers, Tarawatch

by Mick Egan - none Fri Sep 28, 2007 01:38

That's how I read it. She never said she was quitting the campaign. Merely pulling back.

I don't think any soldier or general was in a full time, front line role, for the duration of WW2. But Muireann has been in the front line of this campaign for over 4 years!!! That's got to be "Combat fatigue" by anyones' standards and she's entitled to a break. I think it would be foolish for anyone to believe she has gone away, people with her commitment don't quit..........EVER.

As for goddess of Tara --------- I would have said, if I may, ..............QUEEN OF TARA...........would be more appropiate........she more then earned that title.

It's now time others stepped up to the plate and took the lead and carried this fight onward......(in the interim).......until like Douglas McArthur.......she returns.

by Con Connor - Ireland's Druidschool Fri Sep 28, 2007 02:43

Muireann,
May I express my personal appreciation for the dedication that you have persistently shown (despite slagging and false accusations) in your very public efforts for preserving our Gaelic and pre-Gaelic culture and heritage. You are a true professor of and for Celtic Studies (even though your employer is a major Catholic Uni).

Many posture and pose – but you have repeatedly stood on the front line, endured far too many long meetings with the little private agendas but you have always held your own wish to Save Tara Valley closest to your heart and denied all the fools. This is why so many academics have aligned with you in denouncing the commercial corrupt destruction of our most ancient heritage by the fascist regime our nation has regrettably elected.

I would share with you and other readers that on Sunday just past – that for the first time we had many local mothers and children join us in support of the cause to Save Tara Valley. Maybe because I was wearing my druid robes, I don’t know but many adult females shared their frustration in a positive way when they said to me – “ I did not know how to show what I felt about the destruction of Tara, but I am glad I’m here now…” I smiled and nodded and when I had heard this or similar expressions many times I began to realise that the natives are revolting in the most positive sense of the expression – now that they know how to do so safely (i.e. no fear of the Gardai beating them or their children).

Every warrior such as you is required to pull back from the front line for R+R = “Rest and Recuperation”. What is happening at Tara is but a symptom of the sickness that forces our corrupt government to follow an agenda that denies our national sovereignty and ancient culture.

If Saving Tara Valley is a battle – then saving our cultural integrity and freedom of expression is the war. You may not be aware of your many supporters but many love you for what you have already done, for what you do and most importantly for what you will do.

Your gift of telling the truth is much needed in these times of deep deception.

Have a rest, you have earned it, but please return when you see your opportunity to destroy untruth and to help preserve and protect our most ancient culture and heritage from the political toll-road pirates and the darkness of the Opus Dei gang at Lismullin beside the Henge in the sacred valley of the Royal City of Pagan Gaelic Tara.

Grá
Con
http://www.druidschool.com

by Cael Fri Sep 28, 2007 02:51

I would think the direction of the strings on the harp was done on purpose. If you look at the design, it would have put the "human strings" too close together if strung realistically, and made the whole effect much less distinct.

by Mirabile Fri Sep 28, 2007 04:11

The druid says Muireann is a tru prof of celtic studies "...(even though your employer is a major Catholic Uni)".

There's no need to drag patronising sectarian comments like that into the Tara thread.

More than twenty years ago a leading campaigner, along with one Mary Robinson of Trinity College, in the struggle to preserve Wood Quay viking archaeological site from the Barbarians at city hall was Fr. F.X.Martin. He was a prof of Irish history with specialist knowledge of medaeval history - at Maynooth College. F.X.Martin was employed by Catholics too, you know. BTW the campaign to save Wood Quay failed, but one Mary Robinson was elected President of Ireland several years later. Fr. Martin retired and died peacefully. His history books and articles will be his memorial. What memorial will remain to the campaign to save Tara?

by Jess Fri Sep 28, 2007 13:55

Thank you. You just made my point for me. The harp at the top of this page is not the people's harp. Its the Guinness harp...kinda

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Sat Sep 29, 2007 00:33

For your remarks. Both of you. I've said it elsewhere - its been a journey and what a journey. I've met friends that I will treasure forever and others ...
I've learned much about myself.
I've been moved to tears by the public and private messages.
I don't want to go but I have to.
I wish I had something profound to say but I don't.
Thank you Indymedia and I'll keep in touch here as well. It was good to get to know the people behind the scenes as I have and its been a mad learning curve - especially for an academic from the ivory tower (wherever that is)!
The website and Yahoo List will continue as usual.

by Om Shanti! Sun Sep 30, 2007 10:44

THIS IS A REITERATION OF THE CALL TO DIRECT ACTION TO DEFEND THE SACRED SITES OF THE GREAT MOTHER GODDESS

BLESSINGS

by IP Address with editor Sun Sep 30, 2007 13:38

Om Shanti “THIS IS A REITERATION OF THE CALL TO DIRECT ACTION TO DEFEND THE SACRED SITES OF THE GREAT MOTHER GODDESS - BLESSINGS”

This kind of shite drives me crazy! The great mother goddess my hole! A call out like this can only attract people who would be better served dealing with their own issues before descending on Tara expecting a voice in this campaign.

I watched that “Tara Tara Tara” video the other night in Co. Clare and it’s a fucking comedy. This campaign is doomed if that if this is the level of propaganda being sent out.

Many of those interviewed in this copy come across as deranged nut jobs. I am sorry to say this because I know they are not but the greater public, who need to be informed, will be put off by this behaviour.
Its a pity really as these folks are brave people but this video does not serve them well.

I would have liked to see more locals, historians or any one else except the conspiracy theorists ranters and howlers that were interviewed. There is a lot to be learnt from how the Shell to Sea campaign in Rossport is being run.

by Tightly Knit Sun Sep 30, 2007 14:01

"Shunning is the act of deliberately avoiding association with, and habitually keeping away from an individual or group. It is a sanction against association often associated with religious groups and other tightly-knit organisations and communities. Targets of shunning can include, but are not limited to apostates, whistleblowers, dissidents, people classified as "sinners" or "traitors" and other people who defy or who fail to comply with the standards established by the shunning group(s). Shunning has a long history as a means of organisational influence and control." (Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shunning )

by cheeba Sun Sep 30, 2007 16:09

To compare the Tara/M3 campaign with Shell to Sea in the way you do shows you lack an understanding of the nature and history (and problems) of either.

by IP Address with editor Sun Sep 30, 2007 17:15

Tightly Knit maybe next time you could use a different pattern. I suggest something plain and pearl with a wide v-neck so that a little oxygen goes to the brain.

Cheeba, what are you on about?

I have not compared the too campaigns although there are many similarities between the two. I have merely suggested that those involved in the campaign would benefit from looking how the Shell to Sea campaign is being run. I would extend this invitation to all camps involved promoting the rerouting of the M3. One idea would be to set up regional branches to lend support, solidarity and to promote the campaign on a national or international on a regular basis so not to rely on the media or overstuffed celebs.

It is very arrogant and naive of you to state that I show lack of “understanding of the nature or history of either” campaign. It is ridiculous that you would say this just because I offer criticism to the campaign and the film.

by cheeba Sun Sep 30, 2007 20:56

OK, IP address...., I take your point. But the type of organisation you advocate depends on a pre-existing network of experienced activists. S2S benefitted from both a SF and an established anti-globalisation/anarchist network and has built on that very effectively. It also had the active support of the SWP at one stage. And lets please not pretend that any campaign of this type is absolutely united and coherant all of the time.
Tara/M3 has the active support of no such group - at no point have SF/anarchist/SWP/Labour/Green or indeed any other pre-established grouping taken a decision to engage in the M3 campaign in the same way. I guess they judged it to be a loser. How wrong they were, hey? What is clear now is that this campaign was winable and in so doing we could have dealt a major blow to the whole 'rescue package/soft landing' that the NDP now clearly represents. Instead we are sleepwalking into another five to ten years of an economy built on totally unsustainable infrastructural capital injections. We are another ten years away ftrom facing the reality of peak oil and a massive multinational capital flight.
Its a pity but at this stage it is left to individuals and small inexperienced groupings without a coherant philosophical direction to carry on.
Do not forget also that the M3 campaign has been ongoing in one form or another for over five years now - a lot of people have come and gone - a lot of splits and diagreements have taken place. If you actually consider the history of the campaign its testamont to its power and importance that it still registers at all.
Think what might have been had the campaign been given the support and priority it deserved before now. And by all means if you have some experience to bring then its not too late.

by Brask Mon Oct 01, 2007 03:09

Liam Fay is a smartass journalist who likes to give the impression that he is a hip urban dweller. Such people meet their own people all the time at press conferences and receptions in the same hotels. They are out of touch with the plain people. Their type were satirised by Evelyn Waugh in his satirical novel Scoop.

by KOM Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:34

Video: Harp of Ireland on the Hill of Tara - 28 Minutes
http://www.livevideo.com/video/EC28A617DF6749D4937D54CB....aspx

Pictures: From February 2007
http://www.tarapixie.net/images/feb07/index.htm

Video: Harp of Ireland on the Hill of Tara - 28 Minutes

Photo Gallery - Tons of new images From February 2007

by KOM Tue Oct 02, 2007 14:20

Video: Tar Over Tara?
http://www.itison.tv/tara.html

[Requires Div_X web player]

Video: Tar Over Tara?

by Sean - Hill of Tara Wed Oct 03, 2007 17:22

Fundraising album available now online @ http://www.myspace.com/taracompilationcd

Please check indy article http://indymedia.ie/article/84429 for full details

Thanks..

by Starkadder Thu Oct 04, 2007 18:25

Well done to everyone involved in the Human Art protest. It struck me as a very "Situationist" or "Kabouter" style protest (peacefully challenging
the capitalist system through a creative activity).

by Social History Thu Oct 04, 2007 18:53

"On the northern slope of the hill are the remains of the Banqueting Hall, the only structure in Tara not round or oval. It consists of two parallel mounds, the remnants of the side walls of the old Hall, which, as it now stands, is 759 feet long by 46 feet wide; but it was originally both longer and broader. It is described in the old documents as having twelve (or fourteen) doors: and this description is fully corroborated by the present appearance of the ruin, in which six door-openings are clearly marked in each side wall. Probably there was also a door at each end: but all traces of these are gone. "

"The whole site of the Hall was occupied by a great timber building, 45 feet high or more, ornamented, carved, and painted in colours. Within this the Feis or Convention of Tara held its meetings, which will be found described in chap. xxv., sect. 1, farther on. Here also were held the banquets from which the Hall was named Tech Midchuarta [Meecoorta], the 'mead-circling house'; and there was an elaborate subdivision of the inner space, with the compartments railed or partitioned off, to accommodate the guests according to rank and dignity. For, as will be seen in next chapter, they were very particular in seating the great company in the exact order of dignity and priority. From this Hall, moreover, the banqueting-halls of other great houses commonly received the name of Tech Midchuarta. "

by Christine Deacon - None Mon May 26, 2008 11:57

Today May 26th 2008, in Australia, I had an insight that I was at Hill of Tara in the past as a seer. I intend to explore this further using regression. I find its threatened by a motorway. Like points on Gaia's energy body, all over the world, we are destroying the past and the future. STOP IT before its too late.

by Lachtna Wed Mar 18, 2009 08:30

It's getting close to "Equinox Time" again (that is March 21st); and, clear skies permitting (between around 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 a.m.), this means we all have the opportunity to directly observe an amazing piece of our Bronze Age technology, which is located at Loughcrew; which continues to work perfectly, some 5,000 or so years after it was constructed; and, which has so far survived the third millennium bulldozers that have damaged and destroyed so many of our ancient monuments in the nearby Hill of Tara area.

This device is an "equinox detector" which uses a decorated stone as its core component, and the way this very finely tuned and clever instrument works is well demonstrated in the animated display at the following address: http://homepages.iol.ie/~tobrien/general.htm

As indicated in the display at the above address, there are normally 14 days each year when this ancient device can be seen working: on the "nominal" Equinox days themselves, i.e. March 21 and September 21, and on three days either side of both these dates. 

Loughcrew is approximately 25 miles to the north-west of the Hill of Tara, and a few miles to the south of Oldcastle.

Equinox Detector, Cairn T, Loughcrew:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Equinox+Detector%2...f&oq=

by V Fri Mar 20, 2009 11:01

The equinox days themselves are of course the days when there is perfect balance between the hours of daylight and darkness: throughout the entire world.

It is this natural presentation of perfect balance in the heavens -- closely and symbolically connected with the much sought after wish for perfect justice in this world -- which is probably responsible for the fact that the Cairn T "Equinox Detector" is claimed by many to be the burial place of the ancient lawgiver King Ollamh Fodhla, who, according to the "Annals of Ireland by the Four Masters", ruled Ireland for the 40 year period between 1317 - 1277 BC.

Of all the known legal systems in the recorded history of mankind, it appears that none tried harder than the "Brehon Law System" to make "the punishment fit the crime": in the most balanced way that was humanly possible; and, far more importantly perhaps, in terms of social justice, social stability, social wellbeing (and so on), that none was more successful.

Cairn T, Justice, King Ollamh Fodhla, Tara:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Cairn+T%2C+Justice...earch

by Mathematician. Fri Mar 20, 2009 17:27

No V,The "balance" is not quite "perfect" .

In the 24 hours of Equinox day the earth moves a degree of arc in it's orbit around the Sun.
(Indeed, The Babylonians derived the concept of 360 degrees in a circle from the 365 day orbit of the Earth.)

This skews the relative length of day and night....even on Equinox day.

If the Earth had stopped dead in its orbit around the Sun at EXACTLY 11.44 AM Irish Time (GMT) this morning 20th March, then indeed the balance of day and night would nearly be equal today.

There are other factors affecting the phenomenon also. See:

http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/march-equinox.html

by Astronomer. Fri Mar 20, 2009 18:03

Also, and still a little off topic,I know.

The sun subtends an angle of half a degree in the sky.

It peeked over the horizon "early" today and disappears under the horizon "late" this evening.
So daylight ALWAYS lasts longer than the darkness on Solstice days.

by V Fri Mar 20, 2009 18:05

"balance" is not quite "perfect"

Maybe not -- but it's as near as makes no practical difference to the vast majority of people living on planet earth at the present time; and, I suspect the tiny "skews" you mention would be of even less importance to our ancestors of 5,000 years ago: leaving aside their mathematicians of course.

by The Brother Sun Oct 24, 2010 19:32

Well done to Tara Defenders your names will go down in history .Good to see you are still active.

Thank you .