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Newgrange

deja vu

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"It is a thing to be proud of, as a proof of Ireland's antiquity, to be guarded as an illustration of her early creed and arts. It is one of a thousand monuments of our old nationality which a national government would keep safe. What, then, will be the reader's surprise and anger to hear that some people having legal power or corrupt influence in Meath are getting, or have got, a presentment for a road to run right through the Temple of Grange!

We do not know their names, nor, if the design be at once given up, as in deference to public opinion it must finally be, shall we take the trouble to find them out. But if they persist in this brutal outrage against so precious a landmark of Irish history and civilisation, then we frankly say if the law will not reach them public opinion shall, and they shall bitterly repent the desecration. These men who design, and those who consent to the act, may be Liberals or Tories, Protestants or Catholics, but beyond a doubt they are tasteless blockheads—poor devils without reverence or education—men, who, as Wordsworth says—
Would peep and botanise
Upon their mothers' graves."

Nope it's not the road at Tara, it's a road at Newgrange, and the date is 1844.* The sentiments still apply though. And probably will still apply in 150 years' time, sadly. Probably quite apt for the Stonehenge proposals as well.

*http://www.ucc.ie/celt/published/E800002-008/index.html

Bloody Irish, so many of them have such a perfect way with words...

"Would peep and botanise
Upon their mothers' graves."

What do you think that means Rhiannon?

the whole sentiment would make a good cut and paste job for Stonehenge..