Moving Statues

You may not may not be familiar with this statue in Trim. On the banks of the Boyne near the playground.

Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill or Malachy 2. Last high king of Ireland.

The natural questions are, why him and why Trim. The first question is straight forward enough. The latter less so.

You’ve undoubtedly heard of the Battle of Clontarf, where the forces of Brian Boru handed out a hammering to the Vikings and their friends in 1014, Loosing his life in the process.

You might think that was the end of that but as is always the case with tricky Vikings it wasn’t. In 1022 another lesson in manners was required. It was Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill who was responsible for quietening the dastardly Norse & Co on this occasion.

The reason that it’s relevant to the conversation at this time is because this battle took place at the foot of our very own Hill of Ward / Tlachtga.

So getting back to my second question. What’s he doing in Trim ? Personally I think it would be much more appropriate if he were here in Athboy. It would make more sense to have the this great hero closer to the field of his victory rather than hidden away and apparently under appreciated with the fine people of Trim.

What do you think ? Am I right ?

#athboy #movingstatues #vikings #highking