Sundering of long-standing cedar tree may be a portent for our times

A LARGE CEDAR tree of historical significance has split in two in Co Meath, in circumstances that have revived local interest…

A LARGE CEDAR tree of historical significance has split in two in Co Meath, in circumstances that have revived local interest in “sacred” trees – and the omens attached to them.

The 270-year-old cedar, located on the lands of the Spiritans – otherwise known as the Holy Ghost Fathers – in Ardbraccan, near Navan, Co Meath, was severely damaged in an apparent thunderstorm earlier this week.

A local historian has highlighted the tree’s proximity to the Bile Tortain, which was one of five sacred trees in Celtic Ireland. It fell more than 1,000 years ago, in the area of Ardbraccan. According to legend, the fall of a sacred tree was followed by a catastrophic change in the world order.

Martin Dier, assistant secretary of Meath Archaeological and Historical Society, pointed out the fall of the Bile Tortain was followed by the fall of the reign of the sons of Aed Sláne.

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“How strange then that this magnificent cedar, which is a modern day contender for the role of Bile Tortain, would have seen the birth of sovereignty in 1900s Ireland, has seen the end of our economic sovereignty less than a century later,” he said.

“Might we guess what happens next? History and legend may hold a clue.”

The Spiritans run a retreat centre, An Tobar, in the grounds where the cedar tree stood, and it was well-known to visitors and to local people.

Their bursar Fr Ned Nealon said two brothers were praying in the chapel at 6.30am last Tuesday when they heard what sounded like three claps of thunder.

He said Brother Conleth Tyrell saw what looked like a ball of fire and the sky turning red before he heard a large crash.

On investigation, they found the cedar tree had split in two. Fr Nealon said it was not clear if it had been struck by lightning or a meteorite, but an astronomy group was interested enough to plan a visit to investigate.

Wedding groups have often posed in front of the tree and it was much admired in the area.

Mr Dier noted the tree had historical significance and Maud Gonne, who had a strong interest in Celtic folklore, would have known about it.

During one visit, she brought a party of children up to the Hill of Tara to protest. A local landlord had prepared a bonfire to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII. Maud Gonne said she would light the fire but not to celebrate the coronation of a British king. She instead lit the bonfire in honour of Irish freedom.

Fr Nealon said word had spread about the fallen cedar and people were coming to see it for themselves. “It’s a huge tree and our little chainsaw couldn’t cut it up. It’s all very exciting really.”

Alison Healy

Alison Healy

Alison Healy is a contributor to The Irish Times