The re-enactment of the enthronement of the Maguires of Fermanagh took place, fittingly, at the Moate Ring in the townland of Cornashee on the outskirts of Lisnaskea last Friday afternoon, and was a prelude to a programme of period culture in the suitably named Donn Carragh Hotel in the town that evening.
Donn Carragh was the first Lord Maguire, and it as there that patrons were entertained on the harp and to scholarly lectures by local historians, John Cunningham and George Knight.
The entire programme was coordinated by Vicky Herbert, herself a noted local history author, on behalf of Lisnaskea Historical Society. Her big moment arrived at the Moate Ring when participating children from four local schools, two each from the two communities, rolled back the years to pre-Christian times showed how the impressive ceremony was conducted.
The weather, of course, played a major part in the success of this historic event which forms part of the year-long 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls, the Maguire among them, to the Continent, never to return.
The four local schools represented included - The Moat PS, St Ronan's, St Mary's PS, Maguiresbridge and Maguiresbridge Ps.
Each school provided the main characters: Niamh Donaghy (St Ronan's) was Donn Carragh Maguire, Jennifer Graham (the Moat) was the O'Neill, one of the VIPs, and it was the Moat who provided the heir to the throne, the Marshall came from Maguiresbridge PS and the standard bearer from St Mary's.
Each participant explained their role, for instance why I was Lord O'Neill who formally presented Donn Carragh with his royal robes, the standard bearer unfurled the Maguire standard of white horse and rider on a green background and the Marshall presented him with a hazel wand, the sceptre of office, after which Donn Carragh gave an undertaking to rule with justice and peace.
It was left to another local historian and author, John Reihill, bedecked in a distinct green robe to introduce each historical personage in turn and, when it came to Donn Carragh he listed his lineage and his fitness to be the new ruler of Fermanagh.
Seamus McCanny, a noted Irish author, read an ode dedicated to the Maguires. His wonderful resonant voice was in sympathy with the beat of the background music, after which all the septs of the Maguire clapped and beat their bucklers, the children of St Mary's and St Ronan's playing traditional music on the tin whistle.
Each school carried their own flag and, from start to finish, they showed obvious enthusiasm.
Through the 'Herald', Lisnaskea Historical Society thanked all the participating schools and, also, all those who helped on the day. For instance, Michael Tierney who had charge of the sound and two equally important people, John and Eva Patterson for allowing access to the historic site.
For those who would like to see the re-enactment, Michael McPhillips, from Newtownbutler, another local historian who specialises in photographic history, was there to record the event for posterity. He operates under the name, McPhillips Digital Media.
