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Richard Scriven, MA, UCC Dept. of Geography will present his interesting and important research on Irish holy wells and the pilgrimages associated with them, to Mitchelstown Heritage Society on November 7.

Mitchelstown Heritage Society will be holding their first lecture in their autumn/winter series, with a talk from Richard Scriven on Pilgrimages and the Irish Holy Well on Thursday, November 7 in the Town Hall.

Richard is a UCC PhD candidate, who has an MA from the Department of Geography in UCC and in his research, he has examined the different forms of pilgrimage in contemporary Ireland.

"As a geographer, he considers how they shape the places and people involved. The main sites of study are several holy wells in the Cork-Kerry area, Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo and Lough Derg, Co Donegal.

"This interesting and unique lecture will highlight many of the fading traditions and practises associated with the wells, many of which are reputed to have healing or magical powers," Chairman of the heritage society, Andrew Dineen said.

He explained that the holy well is a unique feature of the Irish landscape, as there are more than 3,000 of them across the country.

Some wells, such as St Gobnait's in Ballyvourney, have protected the locality in times of sickness and famine, while others, such as Sunday's Well in Walshestown, have magical fish associated with them.

"Typical of these wells, is Mitchelstown's St. Fanahan's Holy Well, with its rich traditions and folklore, centering on this 5th century warrior monk, the upcoming feast day on November 25 still sees a faithful following going on pilgrimage to the site.

"People often come from far away to take the waters at the well and to pray for their intentions. Sadly, many of these sites have fallen into disrepair and have been abandoned; it is therefore essential that we ensure that these sites and the practice associated with them are recorded and preserved," Andrew said.

The lecture is open to both Heritage Society Members and the public, with a small cover charge of €3 for members and €5 for non-members, refreshments will be served afterwards and all are welcome.

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