“NO ANIMAL ever got sick or died in that field,” according to Mary Anne McCormick of Tempo, referring to the neighbouring field by her house in Edenmore Heights, Tempo.
The same field was part of a conversation between two neighbours as PJ Murphy related a tale from 45 years ago when he had supervised construction of Edenmore Heights in Tempo.
The tale that he related to his friend and neighbour, Phil McGrenghan, was that attending the site on this occasion, he watched as some rocks were to be used as filling – but something caught his attention.
He recognised unusual markings on one particular rock, and requested that it be placed in the adjacent field, rather than be disposed of with the other rocks.
As it turned out, this was was the Edenmore Mass Rock.
The Mass rock which has been laying up against a hedge for nearyl 50 years near Tempo, Co.Fermanagh.
A Mass Rock is where a secret mass was once held during the Penal years.
During this time, Catholics were not allowed to openly practice their religion or to display their faith.
With the constant threat of death, Mass Rocks in Ireland were located in rural areas.
The congregation would secretly make their way from their homes and gather in remote locations, where they could pray and practice their faith.
It was PJ Murphy’s wish to have the Mass Rock re-instated and recognised for its historical significance ¬– a move that has now been completed and documented by Impartial Reporter photographer, John McVitty.
The Mass rock on its new stand near Tempo, Co.Fermanagh.
Phil set about gathering more information and noted that Edenmore Mass Rock had been recorded and mentioned in the book, ‘In the Ould Ago’, by local historian Johnny McKeagney.
Phil made contact with the land owner in Belfast, who agreed that the Mass Rock could be re-located to a safe location within the field.
Phil said: “Plans were discussed and a huge generosity of local enthusiasm then swung into action.
“Campbell Contracts provided a digger and stone material to create the base for the Mass Rock at its new location.”
He continued: “Many locals helped with grass cutting, site clearance and relocating field drains.
Local volunteers helping to to move The Mass rock near Tempo, Co.Fermanagh are from left, Gerry Harte, Ruari McKeagney, (junior), Phil McGrenaghan, PJ Murphy, Ruari McKeagney, Tony McCaffrey and Tony Murphy.
Penal Cross
“The entrance has been adorned with granite gate posts from Fanad in Donegal, and The Franciscan Capuchins of Ards Friary have donated a fallen oak tree to be later shaped into a Penal Cross to complement the Mass Rock.”
The Mass Rock has now been preserved for future generations, and it has gained some interest from all sections of the community for use in the future.
Phil said: “We have been working for about three months now to make an area around the rock where it can be enjoyed as a place for cross-community get-togethers in the New Year.”
You can follow the journey on Facebook at facebook.com/TempoMassRock.
PJ Murphy, blesses from the Holy Water Font on The Mass rock, near Tempo, Co.Fermanagh.
Tony Murphy saying a Decade of the Rosary before The Mass rock move, near Tempo, Co.Fermanagh.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here