Kells happy having a cross to bear

An icy wind may have reduced the number of onlookers but the citizens of the ancient Co Meath monastic settlement of Ceannanas Mor, or Kells, were pleased to welcome back their most famous High Cross.

The homecoming, shortly before 10 a.m. yesterday, could hardly be described as ceremonial. The 9th century sandstone cross made its return humbly enough, on the back of a truck. Still, it was home - or almost.

Instead of its familiar site on Cross Street in the middle of the town, where it was re-erected in 1688 and for many years enjoyed landmark status, the Market Cross of Kells has been re-erected about 600 metres away in front of the old courthouse designed by Francis Johnston and now restored as the town's Heritage Centre.

When the cross was hit by a bus in December 1996, many felt their worst fears were justified. Increasing traffic on the narrow street over the years had long since made the cross's safety an issue. In January 1997, it was removed and brought to the Duchas depot at Trim, Co Meath, for conservation work.

Meanwhile, Kells Urban District Council considered a solution that would be acceptable to all. It approached Duchas, the Heritage Service, to make a replica.

The copy was completed last January by Duchas stone cutter Mr David Little, at an estimated cost of £20,000 to the Kells UDC. Some observers felt the copy would be erected on the Cross Street site and the original would be displayed indoors.

"It's been missed from the spot there," says Ms Patty Wilcox, who lives in Kells, pointing towards the empty space on Cross Street. "But it's just too dangerous. We were lucky it wasn't smashed."

Back outside the Heritage Centre, a local teacher has brought her class over to watch the proceedings. The cross is soon secured with lead and mortar in its base.

The replica, at Portumna, Co Galway, where it was made, will arrive in Kells on Friday. It will be placed indoors in the Heritage Centre, along with replicas such as one of the town's two replica copies of the Book of Kells and a copy of St Patrick's Bell Shrine.

Area manager Mr Malachy Jenkins confirmed that the replica will be exhibited while the original will remain outside, eventually under a canopy of toughened glass. Many people in the town want the cross restored to its former site. Others feel the original should be placed indoors. Aware of the various opinions, Mr Jenkins knows compromise appears to have won.

The Market Cross of Kells could be on the move again.