Newgrange misses out but Delvin does see the light

Wednesday December 31 2008

WHILE Newgrange might have been in the dark for the winter solstice, the historic site at Knocknagin, close to the Delvin Bridge delivered for two local men.

The destroyed passage tomb was lit up by the first rays of the morning sun at 8.45am, much to the delight of local historian and writer Brendan Matthews., who took a photograph of the unfolding scene, and Paddy Roe from Gormanston who were there to witness it.

'Unfortunately, very soon afterwards, the sun was shielded by low cloud and a little rain and so it failed to appear at Newgrange nine minutes later,' stated Brendan.

The tombs at Knocknagin and at nearby Bremore predate the great tombs of the Boyne Valley; this particular tomb, situated on the highest point of the ridge, was known as the Sacred Mount of Knocknagin and it was excavated in September of 1840 and found to contain a number of cremated and inhumated burials, some of which were contained in a sandstone basin just like at Newgrange and Knowth. There was also a number of polished stone beads and pendants found within the chamber.

'Many of the stones from this tomb were reused in the construction of the nearby railway line which took place in 1843/44,' Brendan continued.

http://www.drogheda-independent.ie/news/newgrange-misses-out-but-delvin-does-see-the-light-1589513.html