We knew today was coming.
It was inevitable. One side of me
says, “Just a few more days.” The other
side says, “Home.” The fairies up at the
fort must have been giving us their blessing.
Grey skies turned sunny as we began our final tasks. I’m sure the cows will be glad as well as
they will have their field back. The
task of measurements, which will be part of the final publication, was
made. Much of what is done is for future
reference and analysis. Colm worked
diligently on his diary detailing context layers and finds. Soil samples were taken for analysis. And then the pit was filled in.
When I left this place last year, I envisioned Hugn walking
solemnly down the Crossan Road, alone and with an unclear future. As we closed the gate on the pasture today I
had a different vision. I saw Hugh
walking briskly down the road, a man with a vision. I have an idea he may not even have been
alone, but with a brother. And he knew
where he was going, and knew his future would be bright. For, as we find out, Hugh always had a plan
of some sort.
The afternoon brought a trip to Enniskillen Castle. Originally built in the 16th
century it was later used by the Royal Inniskilling Fusilers. It was built by the Maguire clan and later
lost during English rule. The
collections detail the history of the Maguires and early Ireland, and the
Fusiliers. We also visited the town
itself. At the top of the town is St
MacMartin’s Cathedral, Church of Ireland.
This is where Queen Elizabeth II made her recent visit. It was a groundbreaking even in Northern Irish
history. We then crossed the street to
St Michael’s Catholic Church, where the Queen also visited. I lit a candle thinking of my family back
home, the good folks whom I have made this journey with, those who have made it
possible, and Hugh.
On to Belfast.
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