Sunday, 11 June 2023

The Kings Stone near Knockgraffon, Cahir, South Tipperary

Has anyone ever hear of "The Kings Stone" in the River Suir near Knockgraffon / Cahir in South Tipp?

It is referenced in the book The Suir - from its Source to Sea by L.M. McGrath with the attached photo of it (which is pretty inconclusive to me in terms of location).

Why is it important?

Well it is said that it was the stone on which the most ancient ancestor (Fiacha Muilleathan) of the Eoganachta or original Kings of Munster was born. Seemingly being born here on a stone between boundaries was to fulfil a prophecy.

In McGrath's book it says "It lies in the river-bed within sight of the mote, not far from where Ballydrehid House now stands." (The mote being Knockgraffon).

There is nothing marked on the old OS maps in the river near Ballydrehid House but there is to the north of Knockgraffon Motte on the River Suir. 

 

There is a stone marked in the river and described in the SMR as follows ""Indicated as a rock or outcrop in the River Suir, adjacent to the N bank, on the 1st (1840) and 1900-05 ed. OS 6-inch map and named 'Cloghnahenar' [An chloch ina h'aonar; literally translated as: Stone on its own]. It appears to have marked a fording point which is indicated on the 1st ed. OS 6-inch map. The river was swollen at time of inspection and the stone was not visible. Church (TS068-098----) located c. 300m to N and enclosure possible (TS068-099----) located c. 310m to NE."

However you would imagine that the SMR might mention it in relation to the Eoghanachta legend? Plus how does its name tie in with that story (if it is it)?

So I'm looking for any local knowledge about the location of the Kings stone in the River Suir?

I had read about it in McGraths book but it was brought back to my attention on another facebook group by a poster there who is also keen to discover its whereabouts.