Sir, – Colm O’Brien (“Cross on Carrauntoohil,” November 25th) says structures such as the cross on Carrauntoohil have no place on top of a mountain as they are out of place and a blot on the landscape. Mr O’Brien added that mountain tops are spiritual places.
As a mountain walker surely Mr O’Brien must be aware of the countless crosses and Mass Rocks that are in abundance on our mountains and glens which relate to the stories of the Penal days in Ireland when the celebration of the Catholic Mass was forbidden.
During the Penal times Catholic priests and worshipers had to find hidden areas in the Irish countryside to celebrate Mass. Many of these places were marked with Mass Rocks which was often a rock or cross taken from a church ruin and used as a place of worship. The areas where these Masses were held are still considered to be special sacred places.
As one who also spends much time walking in mountain areas, I don’t find these crosses offensive. They are part of our heritage. I am, however, often disgusted at the mountains of rubbish which litter our beautiful landscape, including our mountain tops. – Yours, etc, TOM COOPER, Templeogue, Dublin 6W. Sir, – The comments of Colm O’Brien (“Cross on Carrauntoohil,” November 25th) shows the reality of intolerance now prevalent in society.
While, I have no wish for a Catholic theocracy; what is so offensive about a structure which you can see only if your up close at it or through the viewing of binoculars? What next: a bill in the Dáil for the removal of all roadway Marian shrines; the Sacred Heart at the Parnell Monument or the Papal Crosses at Phoenix Park and Drogheda? Would Mr O’Brien welcome that? – Is mise, etc,
FR JOHN MCCALLION, CC
Coalisland,
Co Tyrone.
Sir, – For the benefit of those who cut down the Carrauntohill cross and in order to preserve the religious heritage of both Christian and pagan sites such as the isolated beehive huts, the monastic settlements and their round towers, grottos and churches, Newgrange, dolmens and standing stone circles, they should be advised that being an Irish citizen does not compel you to genuflect every time you see a hot cross bun. – Yours, etc, EUGENE TANNAM, Firhouse, Dublin 24.