On the Iveragh Peninsula in Kerry people seek solace in holy wells during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the 6th century, St Fíonnán built a monastery on the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry overlooking Skellig Michael. Centuries on, the COVID-19 pandemic sees local people making pilgrimage to the holy wells of the region, where the water is reputed to protect from sickness.
Poet and local historian Paddy Bushe explains that St Fionnán had a reputation for being a sheltering figure and a protector.
The story is people came to Fionnán during a plague and that they were under his protection, so therefore that he gave them sanctuary from the plague.
One of the wells dedicated to St Fionnán is situated at the western tip of the Iveragh peninsula in St Finian’s Bay (Báigh Fhíonnáin). According to Mícheal Ó Braonáin many people believe St Fíonnán blessed the well and the strand. Previous generations,
Poured the seawater over the animal, and they poured the drinking water here over the person if they were sick.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jenny and Carl O’Connell take solace from visiting St Fíonnán's Well. Carl O’Connell feels the ancient tradition is a great way to deal with the lockdown. Jenny O’Connell thinks having some faith and hope helps to get people through tough times,
Something like this, where you can feel that you are getting that healing and protection is so important for everyone no matter what your beliefs are.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 4 May 2020. The reporter is Seán Mac an tSíthigh.
