It was a miserable wet evening but in spite of the inclemency of the weather a crowd of sixty/ seventy people turned out in the spilling rain for the blessing and reopening of the restored local well. Almost every local family was represented while a number of 'strangers' were also present including two local county councilors Eddie O'Meara and Michael O'Brien who represented the local authority.
The restored well was blessed by Fr McGrath who delivered a fine homily on water and wells and their significance in communities in times past and even at the present time. The chairman of the well restoration group Michael Quirke thanked all those who helped to bring the restoration of the well to completion. The chief organizer of the project Joe Pollard and the masons who carried out much of the work Jim Keating and Malachy Sheehan et al came in for special mention.
The ribbon on the new gates leading to the well was cut by Annie Quirke one of the oldest residents of the area and a lady who was very familiar with trips to the well especially in her younger days.
On behalf of Mullinahone Community Council who presented a name plaque to the "well committee" local historian Michael Larkin said a few well chosen words. The events at the well were rounded off by all present walking to and from the well in the footsteps of those who have gone before us. The name plaque was unveiled by Eddie O'Meara MCC who spoke of the importance of not losing our traditions and our sense of where we all came from.
Joe O'Gorman then recited a fine ballad called "Tobairin Domhain" which he had composed for the occasion. After the gathering at the well all present were invited to refreshments in Quirke’s Lounge Mullinahone where all had a most enjoyable night.
" May God bless all the helpers who gave the well rebirth
So here the job is finished and now it flows again
Beautifully crystal water beside the narrow little lane
So forget your bottled water next time you go to town
We have far nicer here for free in lovely Tobairin Domhain"
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