St Colmcille's Well

transcribed at

St Colmcille's Well  [duchas:4387519]

St Colmcille's well is situated opposite the main entrance to Orlagh College, a short distance from Ballycullen and the village of Firhouse. A bus passes through Tallaght and Bohernabreena, and a short walk would bring any one interested to the well, by taking the first turn to the left, then sharp to the right.
The well is supposed to have been blessed by Colmcille on his journey through Dublin. It is about 25 yards from the road. A neat bridge crosses the mountain stream, which flows at the foot of the well. Any one passing the main road can easily find the well.
Up to about 25 years ago this well was little known until a local postman from Ballyboden, passing on his way to Orlagh College, was asked one day by a woman if he could get some of the blessed water from the well for her. He had never heard about up that time, he found it a drinking place for cattle.
    He then cleared a place for the water to run under a thorn bush which covered the well at that time.

St Colmcille's Well  [duchas:4387520]

A stone in front of the well which was supposed to have the mark of St Colmcille's knees upon it as he knelt to pray and drink the water from the well.
The local man put a small board on the bush over the well asking the prayers of St Colmcille for all that visited the well. From that time onwards St Colmcille's clients seemed to spring up and come from all part of Ireland
It was later brought under the notice of Rev Fr Hughes to whom great praise is due, as he put up the paling and bridge, and the beautiful rockery there. He afterwards presented a beautiful statue which adorns the well to the present day.
          On the opening day a large number of priests attended the ceremony, and vast crowds of people from Dublin and many other counties were also present together with a bishop from Australia.
       The water from this well is a well known remedy for sore eyes, sore throat, and many other troubles.

(Information given by Mr J Murray - the man who discovered it)
14 June 1934
collected by a pupil - Eileen Kennedy