Michelle Boyle
Virginia , Ireland
Michelle Boyle’s work explores people and place from everyday life expressed in her distinctive spontaneous and fluid way. ‘
MessageThis is a sample of water from a holy well called St Kieran's Well (dedicated to St Kieran c. 8th Century) at Castlekeeran, near Carnaross in Co Meath where I was brought up. There is a pilgrimage to the site of the Well every year on the Pattern Day on the first Sunday of August. As a child I remember this was a day of great excitement and celebration in the locality and is still celebrated to this day. It is regarded as a sacred place by the locals and the upkeep of the area around the well is carefully attended to by them. The ritual of attending and drinking from the water is said to cure many ailments including backache, headache, warts and toothache. Votive offerings of a personal nature are left there by many people giving thanks or to request help or guidance.
At midnight on the eve of the Pattern Day it is said that the healing powers of the waters are at their strongest and people who visit there at that time are said to have seen three trout emerging to swim in the waters.
I think the waters of Kieran's Well would say:
'Look, I'm still here! I haven't changed at all over the years. I have been here for centuries and will continue to exist as long as I'm minded. I will be here for all those who have faith and believe in my powers."
People regularly come from all parts to visit there and drink from the waters all the time not just on the pattern day. Those who visit there trust the waters and its powers of healing. It is also a very peaceful place to just sit and contemplate.