Post by Joanna on May 29, 2014 22:53:41 GMT -5
Garda investigation after iconic ancient stone at Hill of Tara vandalised with paint
COUNTY MEATH, Ireland – Members of An Garda Siochana are understood to be carrying out a forensic examination of the site following the vandalism of the Lia Fail Standing Stone at the top of the Hill of Tara. overnight.
Tourist guides at the ancient site discovered at least half the five-thousand-year-old granite stone had been defaced by paint when they arrived at work this morning. It is not the first incident of vandalism at the monument, it had been previously damaged in 2012 when it was believed to have been struck with a hammer or similar instrument.
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan condemned the incident to the iconic stone. “This act of mindless vandalism, on one of our premier archaeological sites, is truly shameful,” he said. “The national monuments at Tara, which include this standing stone, form part of our national heritage and history.”
Source: Denise Calnan, The Independent, May 29, 2014.