Sparks fly in Glenville

Sinead McGrath and Poppy, with Adele and Gillian Crowe at last Thursday's St. John's Eve celebrations in Glenville. (Picture: John Ahern)

A bit of religion, a bit of pagan tradition, chippers, music, song, dance, eating, drinking and a celebratory bonfire to cap things off.

Within The Avondhu catchment at least, the east Cork village of Glenville is one of the few remaining strongholds of St John’s Eve (bonfire night) – like many important events on the Church calendar, the day ‘changed sides’ when Ireland went from sun worshipping to Christianity.

Thanks to John Arnold’s article in last week’s paper, we were reminded that the townland of ‘Doonpeter’ and its holy well, also has a role in St. John’s Eve celebrations …

Coverage in this week’s Print & Digital Edition