Vandalism to the stone of Lia Fáil on the Hill of Tara by vandals has raised concerns over the lack of respect for tradition and heritage across the country. Meath Senator Shane Cassells, who is based in Navan said he was left outraged over the incident.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Senator Cassells said it was "unfortunate" that this was the third time that the stone had been targeted in the last decade. The Navan man made reference to 2012, when the stone was targeted with an axe and again in 2014 when the stone was drenched in black paint.
While the most recent attack was carried out in the form of spraying painting the word 'fake' on the famous stone, Senator Cassells there is an "understanding" from those who are experts in this field that this attack of vandalism was carried out by a Zealot who believes that the stone of Lia Fáil or Stone of Destiny is fake. "Just because someone believes this, does not allow for anyone to go up and do such an act," he warned.
Senator Cassells continued; "There would be some 200,000 visitors who visit the Hill of Tara every year and this is one act of mindless vandalism. For all people who love history the Hill of Tara is such a sacred place and it's just depressing that this person came and perpetrated this act.
"I'm delighted that the guards are taking this very seriously, there was a forensics team up there yesterday working on it before the OPW moved in to clean it. Even though the work was carried out at night time by the forensic team, I am hopeful that someone will still be held accountable for this act."
