School: An Mhainistir, Móin Rátha (roll number 14243)
- Location:
- Mountrath, Co. Laois
- Teacher: Br Columban Ó Cróinín
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0833, Page 348
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“John Keegan in summer 1832 went on pilgrimage from Gurtnacle - his native district - with a number of his neighbours...”
(continued from previous page)stone blind. They were natives of Wexford and the girl had lost sight in childhood. Keegan was much moved at beholding this poor girl and composed the following poem. It is believed that when Heaven wills the performance of cures, the sky opens above the well at the hour of midnight, and Christ, the Virgin Mother and St John, descend in the form of three snow-whites, and descend with the rapidity of lightning into the depths of the fountain. No person but those who are destined to be cured can see this miraculous Phenomenon, but every body can hear the musical sound of their wings as they rush into and agitate the waters. Keegan writes: "I cannot describe how sad I felt myself too, at the poor girl's anguish, for I almost arrived at the hope that though another "miracle" was never wrought at St. John's well, Heaven would relent on this occasion, and restore that poor Wexford girl her long lost(continues on next page)