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News
Clones cultural event remembers patron saint St. Tighernach
Pipers from the Graham Memorial Pipe Band Clontibret lead the parade in Clones.
St Tighernach’s Parish Church stands prominently at The Diamond in Clones and on Tuesday, 4 April it was the focus of a special event to commemorate patron saint of the town.
Bishop Ian Ellis giving the address in St. Tighernach's Church.
St Tighernach was Bishop of Clogher from 506-549AD and the cultural event marks the anniversary of his death.
Mr Walter Pringle, of Clones Community Forum, organisers, introduced the service in the church where musical items were provided by the Different Keys Community Choir and the Graham Memorial Pipe Band, Clontibret.
There were a number of talks, the first by Anne Corley, from Clones Community Forum on St. Tighernach and the second by local historian, George Knight on St. Erc’s Hermitage, Slane.
The Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr. Ian Ellis gave an Easter homily and made reference to the Christian images of crosses and referred to the High Cross in the centre of Clones which dates from the mid 9th century. Like many other crosses it has illustrations of biblical scenes such Daniel in the Lion’s Den as well as Adam and Eve.
“Because they are retained today speaks so much for their cultural significance so that people can be inspired to faith,” he said.
Following the church service, the ensemble from Graham Memorial Band led a parade of people dressed as monks carrying lanterns followed by the congregation to the Round Tower graveyard, assembling close to the Sarcophagus, where St Tighernach is said to be buried.
Everyone attending were invited for refreshments in the Cassandra Hand Folk and Famine Centre.
The ceremony in the graveyard beside the Round Tower in Clones.