Cuilcagh Mountain Gold Rush of the 1880s

Gold was a well-known respected precious mineral even in ancient times. Because of its unique qualities it has always been used as a yardstick for genuine good value. Indeed its ability to wield great power over nations, property and people is now an accepted fact. Gold has remained unchanged for thousands of years and it is still king of mineral ranges. The ancient Celts had always placed high value on gold and they were not balked by distance in order to obtain this hidden treasure. It certainly is a well known fact that many County Cavan people worked at gold mines in Africa, Australia, The Klondyke and California. No obstacle was too difficult for the Irish adventurers. There are fine lumps of gold in our museum and a large collection of Luna Collars as well as man made jewels such as broaches and necklaces. Actually when gold was located there was always an immediate rush to that place. This is exactly what happened in our own county in the summer of 1885, well up near the summit of itshighest mountain, Cuilcagh. A man out looking for his stray sheep was attracted to a bright yellow pebble in a stream known locally as Shruthanavaney. Soon the neighbouring people got the news and secretly they started digging and boring all over the townland. Other sheep men got in on the act and soon large contingents of farmers from Leitrim and Fermanagh joined the Cuilcagh gold rush. In Ballinamore, Bawnboy and especially Swanlinbar and Glan, shopkeepers and pub owners enjoyed the extra patrons, although I don"t know if they tendered 'gold' or if it was accepted as legal payment then. Soon a whole area of almost four counties, Cavan, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Longford buzzed with activity and with fond hopes of obtaining great wealth and happiness. However, before long jealousy and envy made their presence felt and soon some faction fights and rows broke out and but for the unwanted attention of the old RIC things could have developed further. However, many of the locals resented large numbers of outsiders arriving at the site. Indeed their 'carry on' was almost exactly what happened in Klondyke and California. While all this was in progress others were digging the river banks and panning the clear water further up the mountain steams. One gang discovered more and more 'gold'. There was plenty of this available and they secretly stole and stored it in their flax sacks and baskets. When some small farmers in Gubaveeney, Blacklion, wre digging up blue soft clay which was used as a fertilizer for their crops, as there was no artificial manure available in those days, they discovered some bright coloured lumps in the clay. These lumps of mineral were the size of a 'poneen'. They had sharp edges and each was at least an ounce in weight. When these finds at Shruthanavaney were classified by scientists as 'fool"s Gold' , in other words useless, all activities ceased rather abruptly and Shruthanavaney became quiet and peaceful again. Some small minded sceptics may laugh now at this story but time may change their negative attitude. Tradition and folklore always told us that there is Gold in Cuilcagh Mountain. Geologists and scientists should now admire the tenacity and great mining knowledge of Professor Dr. Richard Conroy who after long years of difficult research has now captured the eyes of the world with his outstanding discovery of that 'king' of precious minerals - the real gold in our neighbouring Ulster county of Monaghan. We extend our best wishes to himself and his company. Go raibh De ar e fain agus a Chomhlacht.