7 (40) The Holiness Prevails A small church stands on the spot that is supposed to be Saint Ciarán's grave. The tradition tells that a handful of earth taken from this church and thrown into the corners of a field will guarantee good harvest. The farmers took so much soil from the church floor that the walls almost fell down. Therefore a floor of paving stones had to be laid. However, still you may see how pious and eager farmers have dug up earth from the bank next to the church. The holiness still prevails in Ireland. When Clonmacnoise had its hey-day the area had 2500 inhabitants. Today there are less than 30 dwellers. Clonmacnoise was destroyed 1552 by an English regiment.   6 8 First published: Friday 20th December, 2002 Send a to the author! You may also use this form