Blacklion’s Cathal Bui Plaque Stolen

Fianna Fáil Councillor, John Paul Feeley has condemned the stealing of
the Cathal Bui Stone from Lough MacNean Park, Blacklion. The
commemorative plaque was stolen in the days prior to the 21st January
2013 and anyone with information should contact An Garda Siochana,
Ballyconnell or Blacklion.

‘I was shocked to find the commemorative plaque had been stolen from
Lough MacNean Park. I was out with Council officials reviewing other
potential projects when we discovered the vandalised stone. It is sad
that something put in place to mark our history and culture has been
defaced and stolen. I appeal to anyone with information to come
forward to the Gardai so that it can be restored.’

The plaque, unveiled by President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh in 1975 on the
Shores of Lough MacNean to the memory of poet Cathal Bui Mac Ghilla
Chuna and depicts an upturned, Yellow Bittern; the dead bird was the
subject of the poem An Bonnán Bui. Cathal Bui’s burial place is
unknown and he is reputed to have lived in the late years of the 17th
Century and the early years of the 18th Century. Little survives of
his writings. His writings and life are commemorated annually in the
Cathal Bui Festival in Blacklion/Belcoo each July.

‘The local community are always working to enhance the community and
improve the area for themselves and visitors as part of the Geopark in
conjunction with Cavan County Council and other agencies. This kind of
incident is disheartening. It will be a challenge to have something of
this type replaced. It is shocking that this plaque has been
destroyed.’