“What we call the beginning is often the end
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
The end is where we start from
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time”
T.S Eliot
Roscommon Castle, like whispers just out of frame at the periphery of my vision, it calls as I drive past, a touchstone to a bygone era.
The castle is a late 13th century heavily fortified Norman Castle built in the heart of O’Conor country. It was built in 1269 by Robert D’Ufford to keep Aodh O’Conor, King of Connacht under control & was a bold statement of English rule. Growing up, Aodh was heavily shaped by the Norman’s invasions & in the 1240’s he began to emerge as an increasingly powerful figure in his own right who clearly objected to their presence. He was in inaugurated King in 1265 in accordance with Gaelic traditions at Carnfree & did not stop fighting until his death to stop English encroachment on his land. He besieged the castle successfully on several occasions preventing its completion until several years later, sending a clear message he would not be intimidated. In the mid 14th century the castle was again in the hands of the O’Conor’s having never given up fighting to claim back their land & was controlled by them for over 2 centuries.
Aodh is recorded in the annals of Clonmacnoise thus “this is he that was most feared by the English of all kings of Connacht before his time”.”
Bravery requires intention & the O’Conor families story like the Irish people is a story of perseverance. An inspiration to me in their resilience, their strength in fear & determination.
While listening to our grandparents stories I realise that we are now the elders, the keepers of these stories, while remembering them, time & distance can slip away like a gift handed from the past. The many generations before us were forged in fire, I hope we can preserve the echoes of their memories for generations to come.
“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.”
J.R.R. Tolkien
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