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Name of the Stone: The Fahy Graveyard Stones
Location of the Stone: Fahy Graveyard, Co. Clare.
Weight of the Stone: 120kg (Ladies Stone) & 180kg (Men's Stone).
Date the Stone was Rediscovered: taken from the sea at Benvoy Beach by David Keohan in 2021
Story of Stone:
First of all a huge thank you to Micheál mac Gearailt, for passing the information of these TWO lifting stones in Fahy (known locally as Faha) graveyard.
There is both the MAN'S lifting stone, (cloch na FIR) AND the WOMAN'S lifting STONE. (Cloch na MBAN)
I think this is the first time I've ever heard of this to be honest and it's absolutely brilliant.
Brutes of stones too. Large, rectangular and dense as hell.
Here's the piece I was sent, from the book written by Gerard Madden "FAS assisted conservation projects in East Clare" page 13.
"in Fahy graveyard, for example, we have a set of sizeable 'lifting stones' one each for men and women - which according to traditions were lifted in trials of strength during social gatherings (notably after funerals)"
The pattern keeps repeating. Graveyard, funerals, trials of strength. Fascinating stuff.
Met the most wonderful farmer a Mr Cyrill Conlan, ón whose land the graveyard is situated, who came down to witness the lifts. Cloch na mban came up grand, still a decent weight to be honest... and needed a few attempts at balance. But cloch na fir, between the weight, shape and the slippery conditions (-4c and frosty, the stones were frozen together! ) was beyond me today. But on a drier day I know ill get it.
Still a huge cultural find... and proof that mná na hÉireann Are Tough and powerful women.
Fahy Graveyard Stones - Video
Click here to access the Google Maps location of the Stone
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