Human bones dramatically revealed in Offaly during storm

Human bones were dramatically revealed in Lemanaghan when trees were knocked over during a storm last winter.

Storm Éowyn knocked down thousands of trees across Ireland when it struck on January 24 last. Among them were a number of trees which fell in a location that was on the site of the former Lemanaghan Monastery. It had not been known that people were buried in this particular spot. It was also extraordinary that the revelation happened on the same date as the Feast Day of St Manchan, the founder of Lemanaghan monastery.

During “Bog Guardians”, a day held during Heritage Week to celebrate the special heritage of the area, Aoife Phelan of the Lemanaghan Bog Heritage and Conservation Group told the gathering of about fifty people that this extraordinary and significant discovery, which happened at St. Mella’s Cell on the monastic site “feels like a message from our past, affirming that the path we have taken in protecting Lemanaghan is the right one. Out of deep respect for the human remains that were uprooted and exposed, we have kept this discovery quiet until now. We did not want large crowds disturbing the site, which has been hazardous with deep holes from the fallen trees, and we also felt strongly that the dignity of those buried here must be preserved.

“However, we truly believe that the events of St. Manchan’s Feast Day were a call to action—that these people, our ancestors, wanted to be found. Our local priest, Fr. Brendan, has visited the site and offered blessings, and we have ensured that care and reverence remain at the heart of everything we do. We followed all the procedures given by the National Monuments Service (NMS) and adhered to all advice given to us. This site was never previously known as a burial ground.”

She pointed out that on January 25, the day after the storm, locals inspecting the fallen trees discovered what appeared to be human bones and immediately followed all proper procedures by notifying the Offaly Heritage Office, National Monuments Service (NMS) and the National Museum of Ireland.

On January 28, bone experts working with the Irish Heritage School formally identified the remains as human and notified the NMS. The NMS then requested that Irish Heritage School notify the Gardaí, which was done.

On January 30 the NMS confirmed to those who reported the discovery that they had received the emails and were reviewing the case in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland.

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In March the Lemanaghan Bog Heritage and Conservation Group were informed that the department was working on a method statement for Kells trees. In June, the fallen tree logs were removed from the site under the supervision of an archaeologist from Irish Heritage School. However, the tree roots were not repositioned and now remain exposed above the ground. Aoife said that while the bones had been carefully reburied, and some samples had been taken for radiocarbon dating (a process that may take up to six months), the community is unhappy with the current state of the site.

“We feel,” she remarked, “that the area should be restored as closely as possible to its original condition. The exposed roots are unsightly, impractical for maintenance, and leave the site looking neglected. We have contacted both the National Monuments Service and the Heritage Office to express these concerns and request proper follow-up. We now understand that we must wait for a new method statement and the next round of departmental paperwork before any further action can take place.”

Meanwhile a stone sculptor is presently working on a beautiful limestone seat, which will be installed in Lemanaghan.

The seat is inspired by the story of St. Manchán and St. Mella sitting back-to-back when talking to one another, because Manchan had vowed never to look at a woman again and instead devote his life to God. St Mella was St Manchan's mother and to look at her would have broken his vow. The seat will feature a tall central form with two seating areas — one facing St. Manchán’s well and church, the other towards Mella’s Cell — and an opening that frames views of the surrounding historic landscape.

The size of the seat is the same as the size of the door to St. Mella's cell. The shape is similar to the Shrine of St. Manchan. Carved from Kilkenny limestone, the design draws on the architecture and intricate stonework of the site, including Hiberno-Urnes patterns. Silhouettes of local persons, representing Manchan and Mella will be carved into the sides to symbolise connection across time, while recessed panels will feature gold-inlaid maps of the ancient pilgrimage route and local waterways (the River Brosna with a stream known locally as the brook, connecting St. Mella's cell to the Brosna).

The seat will serve as a physical and visual focal point, inviting visitors to sit, reflect, and engage with the history and heritage of this unique and sacred place.

Bog Guardians was a very special day. It was more than a celebration; it was also a call to recognise, protect, and share pride in the area’s rich peatland heritage. The day combined history, art, and community spirit and featured a rich Line-Up of Speakers. Two renowned archaeologists – Dr. Benjamin Gearey and Dr. Ellen O’Carroll – shared their expertise, exploring the unique history of the Lemanaghan landscape.

They were joined by representatives from the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland, Irish Peatland Archaeology Across Time, the Offaly Heritage Office. The archaeologists discussed some of the many, very important heritage items which have been discovered in Lemanaghan Bog. A large number items have been discovered, revealing an incredibly rich heritage going back many centuries. There are 900 archaeological sites in the Lemanaghan area, which means it has one of the highest densities of wetland archaeology in the world.

The items discovered include:
The Lemanaghan Crozier, an 11th-century artifact made of gilt bronze and wood.
Neolithic flint scraper: A tool dating from the Neolithic era.
13th-century silver coin hoard: Found within the bogs.
Polished stone axe-head: Another discovery from the Neolithic period.

The earliest traces of human activity at Lemanaghan date back to 3500 BC, demonstrating a long history of human presence in the area. Adding an international creative dimension, the acclaimed art collective Deep Time Agency flew in especially from Holland for the occasion. Known for working with landscapes across Europe, they created 15 striking kites – each representing one of the 15 proposed wind turbines – decorated with images of archaeological treasures from Irish bogs. The artworks took to the skies, blending art, history, community resistance and environmental awareness.

There was also a Guided Talk on the Slí Mór during which we explored the ancient routeway and uncovered the layers of history beneath our feet.

There were Talks, Tea & Chats in The Granary (beside Boher Church) during which talks were given by archaeologists, artists, and heritage experts in an informal and welcoming setting.

Afterwards the new Interpretive Panels in St. Manchan’s Church beside The Granary were unveiled. Metalsmith and co-author of the renowned book on St. Manchan’s Shrine, Kevin O'Dwyer was in the church for a Q&A session. The new panels stand beside the famous St Manchan's Shrine.