#HeritageWeek2022 lecture on Early Medieval Clonmore

The second Carlow County Museum’s events as part of Heritage Week 2022, was a lecture and guided tour on the Early Medieval history of the Monastic Site, known locally as St. Mogue’s Graveyard, in Clonmore, Co. Carlow on Tuesday, 16th August 2022.

Early medieval archaeologist, Dr Kate Colbert of NUI Galway, opened proceedings with a fascinating lecture titled Exploring The Angels’ Graveyard: Relics, Rivalry and Ecclesiastical Power in Early Medieval Clonmore’, which focused on the untold history of this nationally important, yet hitherto little-known ecclesiastical site. Her in-depth historical and archaeological insights as she moved through the graveyard, was enthusiastically received by the assembled audience.

Dr Colbert discussed the site’s socio-political prominence, its rise and decline, its alliances, rivalries, and its unusual cult of relics, whereby the monastery was reputed contain a Relic from every Saint in Ireland, including from Clonmore’s own founder, St Mougue, even while he was alive!
Dr Kate Colbert, NUI Galway, begins her lecture 'Exploring The Angels Graveyard: Relics, Rivalry and Ecclesiastical Power in Early Medieval Clonmore'
Eddie McDonald, who has been involved with the upkeep of St Mougue’s since the early 1970’s, then gave an enlightening talk on the folklore associated with the graveyard, which was warmly greeted.
Eddie McDonald talking about the Chalice Stone, that was positioned on top of the old graveyard boundary wall but would mysteriously appear in the middle of the road!

The event concluded with an emotional exchange of gifts between Dr Kate Colbert and Eddie McDonald, whose mutual affection towards each other and passion for this important important ecclesiastical site was plain for all to see.  

Pictured at the event are (l - r) Padraig Dooley, Chairman of the Board, Carlow County Museum, Cllr Brian O'Donoghue, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Eddie McDonald, Dr Kate Colbert, Dr Eoin Sullivan, Heritage Officer for County Carlow and Dermot Mulligan, Museum Curator, Carlow County Museum
For more on Clonmore and County Carlow’s ecclesiastical heritage, go to Carlow’s Trails of the Saints at:
 
Event Photos: Paul Dunne, Carlow County Museum

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