Located
on the southern slopes of the Pigeon Top (Polnaslaght), it may have
originated from Pagan times before being adopted by Christianity
and was called Buinna's Altar; in the background is the altar used
to celebrate the mass. This was used in order to worship during the
Penal times to celebrate Mass.
With the coming of the Penal Laws and consequent troubles at the
beginning of the eighteenth century, the Catholic Church went
underground, celebrating the liturgy in secret or in quiet obscure
places. This site was of great significance during penal
times when celebrating Mass was forbidden and the punishments for
doing so where severe. There are many stories of red-coats
dragging priests from the altars in other parts of the country
however in researching the history I have found no incidents of
this here.
The Drumragh Parish Home page says “The Parish of Drumragh, which
includes most of the town of Omagh, can be defined by two
locations, the Mass Rock of Corradinna and the Church of the Sacred
Heart in Omagh. The Mass Rock gives testimony to a people in penal
times that were prepared to endure great hardship so that the faith
could survive”.
Though this small patch of land with a humble altar may not seem
much in these days when faith and worship is free, this place is a
mark and reminder of those who persecuted for their particular
faith. It is my belief that by highlighting these great spots
of Northern Ireland’s history we may be reminded by the cruelty and
hardness of heart that we humans are capable of and we may make the
decision live in harmony and never visit that mind set ever
again.
Northern Ireland has moved forward and is now a place where all
faiths can freely worship. The cache is a medium sized clip lock
box, there is the usual goodies and a logbook. To access the cache,
park at the additional waypoint listed, there is a 5 minute walk
down the lane (it takes 10 minutes to climb back up again) please
respect this area, and anyone using the site for prayers.
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