The Avondhu

Sparks fly in Glenville

JOHN AHERN

A bit of religion, a bit of pagan tradition, chippers, music, song, dance, eating, drinking and a celebratory bonfire to cap things off.

Within TheAvondhu catchment at least, the east Cork village of Glenville is one of the few remaining strongholds of St. John’s Eve (bonfire night) - like many important events on the Church calendar, the day ‘ changed sides’ when Ireland went from sun worshipping to Christianity.

Thanks to John Arnold’s article in last week’s paper, we were reminded that the townland of ‘Doonpeter’ and its holy well, also has a role in St. John’s Eve celebrations and like their ancestors before them, ‘the faithful’ attended Mass at the site of this ruined church last Thursday.

The off road location, which incorporates a cemetery (still in use according to Mr. Arnold) was very well maintained, with plenty of evidence that strimmers were out in force.

MEANWHILE, BACK IN THE VILLAGE...

For a variety of reasons, bonfires have fallen out of favour, however, with regard to the Glenville example, we were told that it’s ‘modest in size, contained, supervised and composed exclusively of timber waste’ - which we don’t doubt. Again, there isn’t any strict timetable when it comes to lighting the bonfire and from what we learned, it fizzles out of its own accord, once safely checked over.

For their part, revellers, many of them youthful, don’t do ‘fizzling out’ and extensive reserves of stamina ensure they outlast the fire. Judging by the amount of chippers parked up and ready to go last Thursday, bonfires must create one hell of an appetite. Food for body and soul, bonfire night in Glenville ticks all the boxes.

NEWS

en-ie

2022-06-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-06-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://avondhu.pressreader.com/article/281732683175698

The Avondhu (Ireland)