Pegasus Caving Club
aka Pegasus Club Nottingham
8th April Considine's Cave, The Final Session
PMcG
This final visit marked the completion of the shaft capping, which included securing a safety chain to the entrance lid and contributing the last hour's work to an overall total of 3,512 hours.
Cheg Chester
22nd April Poulbruíon
PC
14:00. Cloud 0%: Wind N, F2: Rain: Visibility 30Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground damp. The Plan: reassess and convey material. The third day of a sunny spell; caving in France was fine these few weeks, enjoyed temps of 26°C. Parked at Faunarooska Cross, encountered MQ. Long chat, ( an hour), catching up. Walked in with bolts etc. and two stemples. Secured the ladder, with a longer cord. Assessed exposed boulders, plan to step in the next stemple to avoid disturbing as much of the deposit as possible. Looked at the southern shoring intermediate stemple; cut too fine, needs a little cut off to access the nut. To Poulfantaiseach to check if memory correct, that a plastic pallet was left there. Transported pallet and two hauling ropes over to Poulbruíon; two skips remain at Poulbruíon. Central southern stemple needs securing, once cut to permit access to securing nut. Assessed the boulders, suggest “capping” projecting boulders to keep in line behind the proposed line of northern shoring. Next visit needs Popeye’s mini-grinder, Hilti, drill bits and remaining length of pole from the last order. More will need ordering to continue the southern shoring downwards. Walking back repaired two collapsed sections of wall.
Hours 2 (34).
Pat Cronin
27th April Poulbruíon
CC, PC
10:00. Cloud 40%: Wind N, F2: Chill: Visibility 20Nm: Rain Gauge 1mm: Ground drying. The Plan: Dig. Walked in from the Cross, laden with 14lb sledge, Hilti, batteries, Popeye’s grinder, Gads and assorted tools. Set about the big boulder with the sledge, its thin beds permitting it fracture reasonably easily. Handed debris up to CC who began to build a retaining wall behind the southern shoring. Continued to remove further boulders of various sizes from the floor, noting many had fallen/landed ‘edge’ on the vertical; many upright flags. Further exposed the northern boulder face, confirming it being large boulders jammed together; again, many in the vertical plane. One large flag, supports another large boulder, pressing it against the west wall. Discussion decided to insert a stemple directly beneath the important Flag. A protruding boulder, against the east wall was stitch drilled then cleaved neatly using a Gad, (hardened steel wedge) in a 16mm hole. West and east walls seen to continue vertically down; the east wall, just below the lower stemple steps inwards, (east), about three inches, (75mm). The layer of thick, sticky mud needs removing with a trowel to clean the area, and expose the many obscured boulders. A significant amount of rock and mud spoil removed, adding to either spoil area. With plenty of battery power remaining drilled 16mm holes for the two stemples to retain the northern exposure of boulders, likewise drilled the next stemple on the south side. CC took photos. PC has one stemple remaining from the two scaffold poles recently purchased. All the mesh has been used up, more needed. The planned Monday 13:00 session will need more poles, intend to purchase them Monday morning. Hours 6 (40).
Pat Cronin
The entrance to Poulbruíon looking north-west
29th April Poulbruíon
CC, PMcG, PC
09:30. To Guerin’s for a galvanized scaffold pole; 1 x six metre length = 50 euro, (paid CC). Spoke to Noel the Pole, who granted permission to scrounge more 16mm bolts, from his place.
12:20. PMcG and roof rack to PC’s to pick up timber for working platform.
13:00. Cloud 95%, base 600ft: Wind W, F6/7: Chill: Threatening rain. Visibility 15Nm: Rain Gauge 12mm: Ground wet. The Plan: Dig. Walked in carrying two long lengths of Toe ‘Popeye’ Boycott’s timber, three stemples with studs nuts, washers and assorted tools. The floor was cleared of mud exposing the rocks of various shapes and sizes. The two long lengths of timber placed across the shaft to receive the platform surface. The two stemples on the north side, and one stemple on the south were installed; two lengths of 12mm x 330mm rebar placed beneath the large flag, to offer more support from inevitable settling as the shaft deepens. The gap in the boulders, west side, could benefit from a lattice of rebar, on which to backfill the area. CC stacked rock spoil behind the southern shoring, while PMcG and PC took turns in the bottom. Successive boulders encountered and destroyed with the 14lb sledge. A lot of mud picked up, ‘balled’, and thrown out onto the north side; CC suggests some form of revetment, north and south sides, to contain said spoil. A small rectangular hole has appeared in the east wall of the shaft, seemingly on a fault/joint. A large upright boulder protrudes from the floor, a big one, the sledge may not be effective… The fallen flags and boulders appear to slope toward the centre of the present shaft: imagination??? Lower stemple to the south side need be 1.34m.
A tripod need be fitted; depth gained today, best part of three feet; passing spoil out is becoming an issue for the vertically challenged. Floor remains boulders with differing clays.
Hours 9 (49).
Pat Cronin
Fitting support stemples to the north face of Poulbruíon Dig
4th May Cullaun V.
PMcG, PC
12:00. Cloud 100%: Wind W, F1/2: Cool: Visibility 25Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground wet. The Plan: Cave. PMcG picked up PC. In through entrance C5, on the Ballyvaghan Road. Steady trip along the very wet bedding, swiftly arriving at the dam and entrance, C5b, (fence entrance). Emerging noted the maturing forestry close up to the fence boundary. A potential issue in the event of a rescue. Continued down to the five metre pitch; spit fitted well over ten years back, still usable. PMcG descended announcing the ladder over two metres short; oops. Memory of this fine cave were crap; somewhat different to reality. PC decided avoid the low, wet beddings, having no wetsuit and feeling the cold. PMcG ventured in a short distance experiencing the foreboding atmosphere of flooding hereabouts. Needing to dig through the shale banks to progress. Fresh foam covering the roof relates to recent weather; rain, rain and more rain. Exiting, reaching the lowest ladder rung no real issue, standing on PMcG’s shoulders; the dodgy hand a minor problem hanging on one handed. Steady trip out, PC now very cold opted exit C5b and find a route through the forestry to the road, suggesting PMcG return to entrance C5. Travelling from the C5b entrance, walk some ten/fifteen metres northeast and enter the trees, some twenty metres inside a shallow drain is encountered heading northwest, distant daylight is visible. The route is not without sharp branches at eye level, as PC can testify. Emerging adjacent a pylon, cross the open area of thick grasses, continue northwest, a reasonably flat, mossy avenue extends to the far edge of this corridor of forestry. This route could swiftly be made useable for incident personnel. Waiting for PMcG at the original entrance, C5, he appeared from the northwest? Having managed to follow the passage to C5e. Swift change; into the Irish Arms for hot soup and a warm up. Nice trip.
Pat Cronin
5th May Poulbruíon
PC
12:20 Cloud 20%: Wind NW, F2: Cool: Visibility 30Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground damp. The Plan: carry in tripod material. Departing Connemara Monday, so last minute visit to push on with the dig. Walked in with two eight foot lengths of scaffold pole recovered from Considine’s, and the Hilti. Climbed down and began drilling a 16mm hole through the huge upright slab, protruding like a tombstone from the floor. The idea being, once free, lift it using a rope through the hole. In the rush picked up the wrong battery, managed drill 2/3rd through; twat. On the surface began to explore the east side for a secure limestone on which to set the tripod legs; exposed several. The tripod will need some juggling, so extra hands required. Estimate two x two metre and two 1.2m odd, and a one metre pole would permit a tripod to be erected and secured; have already purchased scaffold clips. Alterations to the height of the tripod can be made as required. Installing the securing pins on which to set the tripod legs is what is most important at this stage. The depth of the hole is now an issue handling spoil. Back Wednesday so will carry more kit in likely next Friday.
Hours 2 (51)
Pat Cronin
10th May Poulbruíon
PC
10:15. Cloud 10%: Wind E, F4: Temp 21°C: Visibility 20Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground drying. The Plan: carry in more tripod material. Hottest day this year, thus far. Conveyed scaffold tubing; two x two metre lengths, two x one metre lengths, one metre and a half length and two 4x2’s, a metre long. Deposited all on the east side of the dig. 16mm holes need drilling for 16mm pins, which will locate the scaffold hauling frame legs. Next material - tool list: Hilti, 10mm drill bit, 16mm drill bit, four swivel clips, two 90s, two joining clips and the spanner. Need look for something to suspended the pulley from.
Hours 3 (54).
Pat Cronin
12th May Poulfantaiseach – Poulbruíon
CC, PMcG, JW, PC
11:00. Cloud 100%; base 400ft: Wind W, F2: Temp 16°C: Visibility 0.5 Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground dry. The Plan: for PMcG and JW to push the tight, terminal section. If time permits erect tripod at Poulbruíon. Met at Faunarooska Cross, walked in with two Scaffold poles, Hilti, scaffold clips etc. etc. Dumped all at Poulbruíon headed on up to Poulfantaiseach.
PMcG and JW descended to try to push beyond the previous limit of exploration. Shale/stony floor much wetter than previous trips despite absence of any real water ingress from the entrance passage. Descended quickly to the previous tight bend progressing through three tight squeeze points. Constriction is tight rift passage starting with a tight right hand bend, 2.5 m of tight passage followed by a sharp bend to the left. PMcG attempted head then feet first but got stuck at chest both times. Following a rather acrobatic change over in the restricted passage, JW then had an attempt. Got a little further and managed to touch his feet off the wall at the left bend. Decision made not to push.
There is potential to cap the passage to allow easier access. Also possible options to dig down under the restriction. However, there is no area to pack the spoil and removal will be very difficult given the nature of the passageway. Some potential to cap to get into a higher roof cavity which seems to track the floor level passage and appears roomier. Unable to see around the bend after the tight section so no idea as to whether things improve and turnaround possible. Plan to return with Go Pro camera on an extension pole and assess the onward situation further before considering next steps.
Measured distance back to the holding room using JW caving belt (1180mm long). Precise measurement of said belt requested by PC. 20 belt lengths back to the waiting room - not following the meanders.
Paul McGrath
Rough survey of the passageway in Poulfantaiseach
20th May Ballymaglancy Cave, (AKA Pollwalter)
RM, PMcG, PC
15:00. Cloud 70%: Wind N, F1: Temp 18°C: Visibility 30 Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground dry. The Plan: Tourist Trip. Arrived Cong camp site, dropped off kayaks, erected tents, headed to cave. Parked adjacent the obvious limestone boulder, Very pleasant trip to the lower entrance, dug out by PC, (2000s): it was open, no flagstone cover in place. Returned to the motor back up the superb streamway. Quick change, swift shower and into Pat Cohan’s for pints of “Galway Hooker” and a meet with some of RM’s friends. Into Danaher’s for a meal. Cracking.
Pat Cronin
21st May Monastery settlement, Inis an Ghaill, Lough Corrib, Co. Mayo.
RM, PMcG, PC
15:00. Cloud 100%, base 1000ft. : Wind N, F1/F4: Temp 16°C: Visibility 10 Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground dry. The Plan: kayak trip to ecclesiastical settlement. First time using this kayak, excellent advice from PMcG. Departed Lislaughhera, ITM 515580 x 754315, to Inis an Ghaill; almost seven kilometres travelled in ninety minutes; this kayak a huge improvement on the previous. Landed, swiftly brewed up using the Kelly kettle; lunch. Then walked around the island. 6th and 12th century churches present, cross slabs, numerous other buildings and a significant network of walls, enclosing both a processional way between churches, graveyard and associated buildings. Though recorded, cannot find surveys of churches or buildings. Set off into a F4 northerly wind; waves increased to 0.4m, visibility some five miles. Diverted some twenty five degrees from the passage plan to head into waves. Passing the shoals, headed for a barely visible, lateral mark. Torrential rain developed to stair rods. Closed to the bank to gain quieter waters, followed lateral marks back to Lislaughhera. PMcG ferried RM back to the campsite, returning for PC. Swift shower, into Danaher’s for a meal and drink. Early night, well shagged out; total distance, almost fourteen kilometres.
Pat Cronin
12th C church Inis an Ghaill
Caricature 12th C church
Possible greek source cross
Ray at early 6 century tribeat doorway
22nd May Glengowla Mine, Co. Galway. (ITM 507965 x 741740) (N53.4181 x W9.3732)
PMcG, PC
12:00. Cloud 70%: Wind N,F3/4: Temp 15°C: Visibility 20Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground damp. The Plan: Tourist visit. Took the route home from Cong via Clonbur, Maum Bridge and Maam Cross. Since it opened, c. 2000, had wanted to see the place, a relatively small undertaken of three shafts, few buildings and an undershot waterwheel. The inlet stonework divides the water flow, directing each to increase speed of its approach onto the shallow situated wheel. In an area of very level ground, close to the shafts, inundation of workings from spillway discharge could be an issue. Galena found just beneath the surface by a farmer, when ploughing, began the venture and subsequent site development. A short, steep stepped underground trip; a unique insight to 19th century mining through Connemara marble. A fine lead string is all that remains evident in the roof of the main stope.
The Manager’s office, adjacent the mine entrance ,holds a wealth of artefacts and data. At fourteen euro per adult, perhaps a little expensive, but for visitors an opportunity to see a Lead mine. Nice trip.
Glengowla Mine Survey, courtesy of Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland
By November 1856 it was reported that the mines had produced a total of 362 tons, 17 cwts of lead ore in the period January 1850 to February 1852 (Anon. 1856). Oddly, no mention is made of production in the years following 1852, and the mineral statistics mention only 60 tons of ore in 1851, 50 in 1852 and are silent on the other years (Hunt 1853). As 192 ½ tons were raised in 1850 (Anon. 1851) these total 302 ½ tons, not 362 tons & 17 cwt. The memoirs repeat the 362 tons & 17 cwts figure (Kinahan and Nolan 1870) without giving a source (possibly Anon.1856) and mention that a few tons of sphalerite (zinc ore) and baryte were also produced. As a considerable amount of mining took place under Hodgson, and possibly the Galway Mining Company, as well as under O'Flahertie's direct control, the actual tonnage is likely very much higher than that reported. Even assuming 50 tons a year (based on the Mineral Statistics for 1852) would indicate a yield of around 400 - 450 tons for the years 1857 to 1865 when the mine was listed as "suspended". Add on whatever was produced in the 1870s by the Galway Mining Company, and a total production in excess of a thousand tons is possible. All lead ore contains a little silver as a natural impurity and this is routinely recovered during the smelting and refining process. The Mineral Statistics for 1852 state that 50 tons of Glengowla lead ore yielded 140 ounces of silver, or 2.8 ounces per ton. This should be seen as a theoretical yield based on assays as the ore, on arrival at the smelter, may have been mixed with ore from other mines, smelted and refined. It would not have been possible to point to a particular ingot and say that it came from Glengowla, but silver was certainly present, and likely recovered.
From the Journal of the Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland, No. 17. 2019
26th May Poulbruíon
PC
11:30. Cloud 90%, base 800ft: Wind W,F4: Temp 14°C: Visibility 25Nm: Rain Gauge 7mm: Rain: Ground dry. The Plan: shore south side. Parked at the cross. Carried Hilti, mini grinder and assorted materials. Gingerly shaved off pieces of protruding clays from the south face. At the west side of the face encountered a sandy deposit. Prolonged rain shower deluged the area. Used plumb bob to ensure verticality of stemples. Drill holes, inserted 16mm bolts, cut one of the short lengths of scaffold tube; two remain, ( 1 x 1.45m, 1 x 2m). Trimmed the heavy mesh frames to fit behind the stemples leaving a gap at the top through which to insert stonework. Inserting mesh, issues occurred with a minor, then larger slump of the exposed face. Cleared as best as possible, hurried to insert both mesh frames to contain situation. Both shoring mesh need plastic back sheets prior to backfilling. The south mesh frames need cable ties to secure them in place.
Hours 3, (63)
Pat Cronin
Shoring south side awaiting plastic backing. Photo: Pat Cronin
Shoring north side awiting plastic backing.
Photo: Pat Cronin
31st May Poulbruíon
PC
16:45. Cloud 20%: Wind NNW, F3/4: Temp 16°C: Visibility 20Nm, haze: Rain Gauge 0mm: Rain: Ground dry. The Plan: insert sheeting behind mesh. Carried in tools, small hauling net, pulleys and sheeting. Noted another slump of the south side face, behind the mesh. Focused on installing the north side sheeting, behind which to back pack the slumped material. Minor issues fitting this sheeting. Secured with cable ties. Decided remove both the south side mesh entirely to clear the slump to create room to fit the sheeting. Worked swiftly. Extant sheeting are awkward to fit behind the small sized galvanized mesh; need use the larger, squarer sheets to facilitate securing with cable ties. Inserted size pieces of rebar into clay face resting on the present lowest stemple, to reduce potential collapse en mass. Need two large sheets and more cable ties. Reached the Drover’s Road, berated by ‘ex-caver’ for playing solo.
Hours 2, (65)
Pat Cronin
3rd June Poulbruíon
Stephanie Clark, PC
17:45. Cloud 100%,base 700ft: Wind SW, F3: Temp 13°C: Visibility 0.5Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground dry. The Plan. To install backing sheets to the south shoring. Encountered student SC, now working at Caherconnell. Agreed to her request to observe a cave dig: 2019, SC shown the archaeological features in Clooncoose Cave. Whilst she hid from the moisture, PC installed both sheets, backfilling the west, with much of the slumped spoil. Can now clear the remaining spoil and dig the floor out. Have pulleys on site to set up a 5:1 to lift the “Tombstone”. Could use some more 4x2’s to improve strengthen the platform on which the rock will be landed. Air cleared offering crystal clear views across to Inis Mor.
Hours 2, (67)
Pat Cronin
7th June Lost Tony Boycott
16th June Pouldubh
Victor, PC
10:00. Cloud 40%: Wind W, F2/3: Temp 16°C: Visibility 30Nm: Rain Gauge 7mm: Ground damp. The Plan. First caving trip. Pressed for a caving trip by Victor, a student at the NUIG Caherconnell archaeological summer school. Dressed up correctly, led him into Pouldubh South; to the main rift, from whence instructed him “off you go”. Followed V closely , who handled the slippery rocks underfoot quite well. Down to the old terminal choke; exiting Pouldubh Middle entrance. Dropped this Mexican back at the student accommodation; he was delighted with himself.
Pat Cronin
22nd June Poulbruíon
PMcG, PC
12:30. Cloud 100%, base 400ft: Wind SW, F4: Temp 14°C: Visibility 0.1Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground damp. The Plan. Dig. Rainfall had caused some minor spoil migration behind the shoring; repacked sunken areas to North end South sides. Dug down in the SE corner to direct the floor into the small rift, to facilitate drainage: no draught. Focused on clearing the mud from emerging boulders. In the NW corner of the shaft large gaps are appearing; an obvious water route. Reduced mud to fist sized lumps, permitting throwing them up and over the shaft top onto either spoil pile. The floor was lowered around most of the “Tombstone”, a variety of thick grey/brown/cream clays and small stones. The rear area of the “Tombstone” was of medium sized, flat to rounded boulders, their removal achieving a level floor surface. PMcG appeared from the fog, carrying two lengths of 4 x 2 timber, (from Considine’s), for the working/hauling platform; just as the “Tombstone was finally cleared. PMcG hauled up the accumulated boulders. With two present, rigged up a 3:1 system; even so struggled lifting the ”Tombstone” to surface, (estimated between sixty to seventy kilos). The extra timbers installed over the shaft allowed “stable” manhandling of the boulder onto the southern spoil pile. Had previously drilled a 16mm hole through which was proposed to thread a rope to ensure a secure lift: on reflection, a wise move. PMcG descended and removing as much mud from the floor as possible. Need take up more krabs and a further pulley. Also need to set up a counterbalance hauling system; no windlass as yet present, and PC’s hands suffer from years of gripping rope. Need other kibbles for spoil. PMcG bought and prepared, into 1.5m lengths, a six metre length of scaffolding. Gaps continue to appear among the stoney floor mainly in the Northwest corner of the shaft floor.
Hours 4, (71)
Pat Cronin
Pat Cronin with the "Tomestone". Photo: Paul McGrath
26th June Cahermore, (CL016-052001), Kilinaboy
Dr’s Comber and McCarthy, Stephanie Clark, Michael Killeen, PC
18:30. Cloud 100%, base 600ft: Wind SW, F4/6: Temp 13°C: Visibility 3Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground damp. The Plan: introduce the Caherconnell Archaeological Team to the site and MK. Who had very kindly strimmed a lot of the area to clear the nettle cluster from the souterrain entrance and the tall grass covering linear mounds making their outline much more visible. If a house, the primary outline suggests it a large dwelling. While the others spoke, inspected the ruinous limestone dry coursed rampart, much robbed for building material; will likely include taking levels around the accessible perimeter. MK will speak owner, (Christy Guthrie?), of accessing the Leana souterrain for inclusion in the redesigned project.
Pat Cronin
29th June Poulbruíon
JC, PC
13:00. Cloud 90%: Wind N, F4: Temp 15°C: Visibility 30Nm: Rain Gauge 19mm: Ground damp. The Plan: Tourist visit. Pleasant walk in with JC; weather clearing. James supervised, whilst PC descended to check the audible sound of a stream. From each small rift opening, came the sound of running water; not a huge volume, but a stream nonetheless; confirming a previous experience of PMcG. Delighted.
June Rainfall Recorded at Carnaun.
01/06/24 0. 02/06/24 0. 03/06/24 0. 04/06/24 3. 05/06/24 0. 06/06/24 0.
07/06/24 0. 08/06/24 0. 09/06/24 0. 10/06/24 0. 11/06/24 1. 12/06/24 1.
13/06/24 5. 14/06/24 7. 15/06/24 9. 16/06/24 7. 17/06/24 0. 18/06/24 3.
19/06/24 0. 20/06/24 0. 21/06/24 7. 22/06/24 0. 23/06/24 0. 24/06/24 0.
25/06/24 0. 26/06/24 0. 27/06/24 3. 28/06/24 7. 29/06/24 19. 30/06/24 0.
Total 72
30th June Souterrain, (CL016-052003) ; Cahermore, (CL016-052001).
JC, PC
12:00. Cloud 60%: Wind N, F2: Temp 14°C: Visibility 20Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground damp. The Plan: Assess souterrain for inclusion in study. Once again James took on the role of supervisor. MK arrived with daughter Fiona Rua; long chat. Spent a long time examining the strimmed cleared by MK. Removing the debris uncovered a dislodged lintel, estimated at some 300 kilos. The area appears disturbed by Carters drawing stone on dismantling the Cashel rampart? The present souterrain opening is close to the interior rampart wall, so, may have had a loaded cart break through a souterrain lintel, to exposing the cavity beneath. Perhaps the labourers, excited at potentially finding treasure, used a horse to dislodge the lintel dragging it to its present position, to access the treasure “cave “ beneath? Bearing, out, of the souterrain is 007°Mg. This bearing just passes through the western end of the large square outline of a potential dwelling. The souterrain interior has contrasting construction elements between east and west walls; east a more untidy dry stone coursing than the west. An original lintel is missing, completely. In its place, resting on the upper surface of the existing lintels, is a smaller, shorter flagstone bridging only part of the opening. The remaining hole has been filled by three jammed, irregular shaped stones. The evident repair is of poor quality, which begs two questions, when did such an event occurs, and if, occurring during construction would the original souterrain builders do such a repair? The end of the passage ends with a single vertical flagstone, through small openings a glimpse beneath the rampart may be obtained. Took another GPSR reading to reduce reading error. Nagle’s, Kilfenora, for a pint.
Pat Cronin