Gardai recover stone stolen from Mount Leinster monument

Gardaí yesterday recovered part of the historic "Nine Stones" national monument which was stolen from Mount Leinster on Thursday.

One of the 3ft granite stones, protected under the National Monuments Act, was spotted on the roadside by a passing motorist in nearby Killedmond, outside Borris, Co Carlow.

Green Party deputy leader and local councillor Mary White, who is leading a campaign against vandalism in the "Nine Stones" area, said yesterday a telephone caller on Thursday claimed the stone was buried at the entrance to her home in Killedmond.

The stone, which was undamaged, was brought to Graiguenamanagh Garda station, and handed over to Carlow County Council yesterday. It was then returned to its site, a popular viewing point halfway up Mount Leinster.

Séamus O'Connor, director of services with the council, said the council had reported the "criminal offence" to the National Museum in Dublin.

He said the stones, which have been in place for thousands of years, were concreted into the ground 20 years ago because of vandalism.

The council would now have to consider fencing off the monument.

In local folklore the "Nine Stones" are believed to commemorate nine shepherds lost on Mount Leinster.

Ms White's home was attacked twice last month in what she says is an attempt at intimidation after she had spoken out about illegal dumping on Mount Leinster.

She has also been critical of the destruction caused by the use of quad bikes and of burnt-out vehicles abandoned in the "Nine Stones" area.

She said on local KCLR radio that she has asked the Carlow county manager to provide €50,000 for the refurbishment and maintenance of the "Nine Stones" area to combat vandalism.

She said new trail signs, picnic tables and litter bins were also needed.