A new Brian Boru Millennium Crown, which is being used as part of a nationwide drive to raise thousands of euro for cancer research, was taken to the birthplace of its namesake this week.
The crown, which is part of the Jewels for Cures cancer initiative, was transported from the Hunt Museum for a few stops at historical landmarks connected with Brian Boru in East Clare, by the brainchild of the charity drive, Alison McCormick.
Ms McCormick had originally intended to auction the crown but then decided to donate it to the Irish people, as a gift to mark the commemorations marking 1,000 years since Brian Boru’s death at the Battle of Clontarf.
This project raises funds for the Cancer Clinical Research Trust (CCRT), which was set up by Professor John Crown in 1997.
Members of Killaloe Ballina Féile Brian Boru committee and the High King’s direct descendant, Lord Inchiquin, Conor O’Brien were present to mark this historic occasion at Beal Boru, which is situated about one mile north of Killaloe.
Located on a spur of land commanding the point where the lake narrows into the River Shannon, this was the place where Brian Boru was either born or reared, according to folklorist, Daithí O hOgain.
The new crown was also taken to Tuamgraney church doorway to mark its connection with the former High King. The crown will now be on display in the Hunt Museum until Tuesday, January 6, when it will be again taken to Killaloe and displayed in schools throughout January. The final medallion and other pieces of gold will be put on the crown during 2015.
Mr O’Brien said he expected the crown would be taken on a tour to major cities in the United States of America, such as Boston and New York, as well as London and Manchester.
It is understood that the crown will eventually be put on display in the throne room at Dublin Castle.
He believes the original crown, which was worn by his 32nd generation ancestor, may have been given to the Vatican about 1,000 years ago and may still lie in the Vatican vaults.
The new Brian Boru Millennium Crown is made of gold castoffs, mostly of single cufflinks from Prince Albert of Monaco, Michael Smurfit, clan leaders and numerous other donors.
Anyone who makes a donation of gold will have their name included in a Descendancy Scroll, which will be kept with the crown.
For more information see: jewelsforcures.ie
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.