18/05/2024

​Our ramble today takes us to a modest bridge over a modest river - and yet, like everywhere in Donegal, there is a dam burst of history associated with our little stroll. We are by the Drowse River, which marks the border between the counties of Donegal and Leitrim. An odd little plaque in the center of the bridge offers us four tiny heads and a gigantically important story about one of Ireland’s most significant treasures~ ‘The Annals of The Four Masters’.
Back in the 1620s, it became very clear that the Gaelic way of life was in serious danger of extinction. Colonisation, plantation, displacement, the Flight of the Earls - everything that could be done to erase the Gaelic culture was the plan, and thankfully, this was anticipated by some wise and dedicated scholars, who took on a major project of collecting manuscripts, texts, remnants and scraps of evidence and story, and collected it all. This collection is now known as ‘The Annals of the Four Masters’- as per our little sculpture.
One cannot exaggerate the value of the work that was done - led by Michéal O’Cleirigh, two men with the excellent name Cu Coigriche ( border hound) and another chap by the name of Fearfeasa ( wise fellow). Collectively known as the Four Masters, the body of work they collected has guided our understanding of the early histories and mythology of Ireland.
Much of their work was done along the Drowse River - so this modest little memorial marks a massive achievement.
Enjoy!