Pegasus Caving Club
aka Pegasus Club Nottingham
1st July Souterrain, (CL016-052003); Cahermore, (CL016-052001).
JC, PC
12:00. Cloud 75%: Wind NW, F4: Temp 13°C: Visibility 25Nm: Rain Gauge 2mm: Ground damp. The Plan: identify survey points around the rampart. Whilst JC attempted “Dowse” for the souterrain passage, PC assessed the denuded rampart for points on which to base the plane table survey, and on which to establish height with the Leica laser: a difficult task, the volume of collapsed stone obscuring the interior face. The original rampart exterior face was found in a couple of places; barely discernible. A precise survey will be problematic. More strimmed debris to be removed, which should offer a view of the eastern souterrain wall. Took JC down to the entrance to Fergus River Cave. Into Vaughan’s, Kilfenora for a pint.
Pat Cronin
2nd July Parkmore Quay, Ballyvelaghhan, (ITM 527095 x 711330). Finavarra
JC, PC
12:00. Cloud 50%: Wind NW, F2: Temp 15°C: Visibility 230Nm: Rain Gauge 1mm: Ground damp: HW 15:08. The Plan: assess area, believed a possible location of a prehistoric Port of Trade. Took JC to the Martello tower, (ITM 524041 x 711636), with adjacent barrack building: located at the end of the Finavarra peninsular. Reviewed the enclosed Poulnaclogh Bay, which leads to Bell Harbour,(ITM 528150 x 708695), which dries out to mud, consisting of several named smaller bays: Pouldoody, (ITM528095 x 709280), Bleandine, (ITM 527485 x 710600), Muckinish Bay, (ITM526660 x 710465), Lobster Pond, (ITM 525300 x 711395). Srucorrafaan is the entrance to this sheltered anchorage, often used to overwinter the island ferries. Parkmore Pier: plan using it as a start point from which to conduct a survey of the sea bed for archaeological evidence of early vessels. To McDermotts for a pint.
Pat Cronin
The inset boxed area shows the location of Parkmore Quay, for details see below
25" map showing location of Parkmore Quay
Parkmore Quay, viewed south
12th July Grimes Graves, Neolithic flint mine
DH, RD, PC
Sped off from Roger’s Boat, Ely, to Grimes Graves; an hour or so away. The third attempt. The modest visitor’s centre contains books etc. and fine display of replica artefacts and the mines history. Shaft visit closed for lunch; descended the nine metre fix ladders to the base of the shaft. Conical at the top, walls assume vertical around four metres below surface. All lateral tunnels closed off by gates. DH took photos through the grills. Previous attempt to find an individual to request access, came to nought. Spoke with the young male receptionist, who was wetter than a Haddock’s Bathing costume; finally got an email off the manager, “who might be able to help” with your study. To examine the extant mining methods. Three shafts are accessible.
The miners used picks fashioned from the antler of red deer. They probably used wooden shovels, although this is only inferred by analogy with other flint mines with better conditions for the preservation of artifacts. Analysis of the antlers (Clutton-Brock 1984: 25) has shown that the miners were mainly right-handed and favoured the left antlers out of those that were naturally shed seasonally by the deer. The 28 pits excavated up to 2008 yielded an average of 142.5 antler picks each, of which an average of 14.8 have been found to be left-handed. Once they had reached the floorstone flint, the miners dug lateral galleries outwards from the bottom, following the flint seam. The medium-depth shafts yielded as much as 60 tons of flint nodules, which were brought to the surface and roughly worked into shape on site. The blank tools were then possibly traded elsewhere for final polishing. It is estimated that 60 tons of flint could have produced as many as 10,000 of the polished stone axes, which were the mines' main product. Extrapolation across the site suggests that Grime's Graves may have produced around 16–18,000 tonnes of flint across the 433 shafts recorded to date. However, there are large areas of the site covered by later activity which are believed to conceal many more mineshafts.
There were other hard stones used for axe manufacture, those of the Langdale axe industry and Penmaenmawr in North Wales being traded across Europe, as well as other less well-known igneous and metamorphic rocks. The axes were much in demand for forest clearance and settlement, development of farmland for arable crops and raising animals, which characterises the Neolithic period.
14th July Lost Sid Perou
17th July Pouldubh
SC, (Stephanie Clark), PC
17:30. Cloud 90%: Wind NW, F2: Temp 17°C: Visibility 20Nm: Rain Gauge 1mm: Rain: Ground damp: The Plan: 1st caving trip for SC. Met at Kilmoon Cross; gave SC a lift to cave. Parking up, greeted by a rain shower. Changed, swiftly. En-route to the cave explained the area and route of the upper passage coming from Pouldubh North Entrance. In via South entrance; small stream present. Where crawl ends and stream passage begins, instructed SC, head off into the darkness, to experience it: turned off own lamp and followed. Took a while to reach the ‘small’ cascade; SC stopping often to closely observe every aspect of the cave; formation, decorations, mineral staining, inlets, scallops etc. At the climb to North Passage, offered the choice, exit Pouldubh Middle Entrance, via grotto and wet crawl, or head on down to the old terminal choke. Choosing the former, experienced another delightful hour watching SC take in the unfolding surroundings. SC is delighted with the trip.
Pat Cronin
18th July Poulbruíon
PC
16:30. Cloud 40%: Wind W, F2: Temp 18°C: Visibility 30Nm: Rain Gauge 5mm: Ground damp-ish: The Plan: fit hauling counterbalance system. Walked in with materials from the Cross. No noticeable disturbance since Cobbett’s visit, (29th June). Fitted a scaffold clip to secure/adjust the position of the deviation pulley. Utilized PMcG’s climbing rope as hauling line: a good length. Carried in a more intact kibble, to avoid losing any counterweight rocks during hauling. The working platform needs sorting and securing, to guarantee stability to stand upon when unloading spoil. The south side spoil area needs raising to the height of the shaft tubing to remove the present step down into which, in unguarded moments, can tip, the overhanging 4x2’s. Could do with another, smaller, plastic pallet; 1 metre by 0.8 metre; ideally two. A clogger rope jammer would be useful, installed next to the deviation pulley. Plan next visit for Monday next, 18:00, upon returning from Dublin.
Hours 2, (73).
Pat Cronin
20th July CL017-013012, Souterrain, CL017-013--- Cashel, Leana Townland.
MK, PC
10:00. Cloud 100%, base 1000ft: Wind W, F5/6: Temp 18°C: Visibility Nm: Rain Gauge 17mm: Ground damp: The Plan: Assess souterrain for possible inclusion in the study. Leana Cashel/souterrain is located near the top of a broad, increasing steep, south facing, pastural valley, rising from ≈45m to ≈120m: assessed from the road to Kilinaboy. MK kindly arranged permission to access with the owner Christy Guthrie; brother to Tom. Met up at Fergus River Cave, travelled from there. GPRS error check ITM 525247 x 692474 at west end of parking area. Plotted to national database error = 5m west x 3m north: significant. Parked at field gate, (ITM 526580 x 693165). The cashel is located two hundred metres north of the gate, in the northwest of the pasture. Prior to entering the cashel’s ‘wooded’ perimeter was inspected. Foliage obscuring much, particularly the cashel gateway position; to be located later. Entered cashel: recent evidence of cattle, requiring negotiating the internal and external tumble slopes. Why? Shelter? Significant amount of tumble around the rampart perimeter. One section shows a width/thickness of ≈1.5m. Cahermore rampart, two kilometres SE and eighty metres of elevation lower, is assessed by Westropp as ten feet, (3m), wide. The souterrain is, unusually?, semi-subterranean; roof lintels exposed some 0.5m above adjacent ground level. One irregular shaped lintel appears to have slipped, collapsing with the front section of the coursed souterrain wall, dry stonework. Remaining lintels appear stable, one is questionable.
Viewed through various roof openings, coursed wall stonework is of differing sized stone. Took a GPRS reading after an hour stabilizing, (ITM 526540 x 693343). In the western quadrant of the cashel, appears to be the outline of an eight metre diameter hut circle. In the north quadrant a sub-square outline was noted, possible, later building?
Curious the dearth of adjacent ringforts or enclosures. Unlike the similar area projected at Cahermore. Recorded sites within 500m of Leana; one enclosure, one redundant record of ‘cave’ = souterrain, five megalithic, (bronze age?), tombs, one field system and two Fulacht fia. Five hundred and fifty metres northeast is a potential ecclesiastical site. Five hundred and sixty metres to the southwest is an earth built Ringfort; of lower social status? Beyond 500m an increasing number of various monument types occur. Within two kilometres of Leana are seventy assorted monument types. Less density imagined given it fertile pasture. Lengthy talk with MK regarding farming methods, operating into living memory. Dropped MK back to his motor; to Caherconnell for lunch with SC.
Pat Cronin
24th July Poulbruíon
SC, (Spike), PC
14:00. Cloud 100%, base<500ft: Wind E, F2: Temp 16°C: Visibility 500m: Rain Gauge 2mm: Ground damp: The Plan: reconfigure counterbalance pulleys. Called to PMcG’s to pick up the scaffold pole he’d recently purchased; conveniently cut to 4 x 1.5m lengths. Also took along a one metre length of elderly scaffold tube and fifteen more scaffold clips. SC assisted carrying up the scaffolding and other heavy material. Most of the time spent on rejigging the pulleys; positioned closer to the west wall of the shaft: the kibble now within easy reach. Peering down, having dropped a shackle, surprized to see a nine inch, (225mm), diameter collapse, against the east wall; depth ≈600mm: photos. Began to install one of the working platform scaffold tubes, east side, fitting will be awkward. The steel mesh tight against the tubing. Reading to dig , though best to complete platform bracing first.
Hours 6, (79).
Pat Cronin
General view of Poulbruíon dig
View south with collapse east side
View north with collapse at east side
Tripod with counter balance pulleys
25th July Poulbruíon
PMcG, SC, PC
14:00. Cloud 90%: Wind SW, F4/5: Temp 18°C: Visibility 2Nm: Rain Gauge 8mm: Ground damp: The Plan: Dig. PC descended to inspect the collapse; found to be against the east wall, a metre deep. At this point the east wall appears to be undercut. To avoid it becoming choked/filled from adjacent material migration. Slowly removed the clay and boulders in the NE corner of the shaft. Notable is the thick dry-ish, compacted clay between the boulders. As the area was clear a careful eye was kept on the overall stability of the north face. The south face was left alone. As the counterbalance system was deployed its efficiency was reviewed by SC and PMcG; suggestions made, the immediate carried out. A hole appeared whilst levelling the floor, when a boulder was lifted. This was covered to prevent stray spoil falling down it, likewise the main collapse was covered. An inspection of the north face found it possible to install two new shoring stemples poles, at 0.4m centres. However, wriggling was needed to remove a large tombstone, from tight up against the west wall; estimated weight ≈100kgs. Shoring to both north and south faces is the next task, which is planned for Monday 18:00.
Hours 9, (92)
Pat Cronin
28th July (1974) Lost John (Shag) Smith
29th July Poulbruíon
PC
16:30. Cloud 100%, base 300ft: Wind S, F4/5: Temp 15°C: Visibility >5metres: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground damp: The Plan: install northern shoring. Walked in with Hilti, Toe’s mini grinder, section of steel mesh, rebar, spirit level; associated materials. Dense fog saturated everything. Lowered the kit and two of the four lengths scaffold tube; two remain. Heavy rain began, remaining constant throughout. Previous dressing of the north face needed little extra shaved off to fit the horizontal stemples. Working very awkward in the deep pockets of thick clay/mud. Fitting stemples, tight against the boulder face, left little room to fit the 200mm square mesh behind. With both stemples fitted at 400mm centres, believe the best way to reduce potential subsidence is to drive several one metre lengths of rebar deep into the north face boulder; their protruding ends resting on the stemple. Pure luck permitted the two one metre lengths of rebar to be driven in their full length. Chuckling emerging from both openings, a smaller stream today? Attended to the latest Tombstone; pointy end down, but does pivot, a little. Could not get the Hilti into the gap to drill a hole, through which to thread a lift line. Settled for two 16mm holes, which will take two lifting 16mm bolts. Extra pulleys and krabs taken in. Squelched backed to the motor surrounded by cold dense fog
Hours 3, (95).
Pat Cronin
5th August Poulbruíon
PC & PMcG.
12:00. Cloud 80%: Wind SW, F3/4: Temp 18°C: Visibility 25 Nm: Rain Gauge 28mm: Ground damp: The Plan: install southern shoring, and view rain event affects. Walked in with normal tool kit to install two stemples. Clear, audible sound of stream from the surface. Found significant evidence of water flow: slump of light mud and some small boulders from the unsupported south face, and from the rear of part of the shoring above. Drilled the four x 16mm holes. Installed the first stemple, 1.24m long, as normal, between east and west walls. Began clearing the slump. Found two rounded boulders among it, stream washed? Clearing further, noted two very large boulders; the largest at least >100kgs, set back from the face. The lower just protruding beyond the normal vertical line of shoring. Had prepared to install the next two stemples at the, (presently), accepted 400mm centres. Concern over stability of these two boulders, surrounded by light silts, decided the lower stemple be fitted at 240mm centres. Left a gap between the bottom of the upper shoring section and topmost stemple of this section, to permit compacted backfilling. A slow desperate task, work turning the slumped spoil into glutinous porridge. Each attempt to extract the feet a huge effort. Clearing the west area to install the lower 16mm hole, glimpsed what appeared a horizontal gap. To reduce the chance of further slumping drove five x one metre, 12mm lengths of rebar into the south face, the ends resting upon the stemples. The entire task tiring, attempting grip the tools covered in shite: use of the sledge frustrating. And lo, the voice of an angel was heard, followed by the appearance of Saint Paul, at just the right time. His assistance a huge boost to productivity and moral; allowing completion of mesh and plastic backing to the shoring stemples, and back packing the shoring with stonework, bridged across the lengths of rebar. Need to purchase another scaffold length, (6m), and two lengths of rebar; this will give four stemples and twelve lengths of rebar support. A cracking session, with both faces supported. Plan lifting the porridge Friday 18:00. Hours 6, (101).
Pat Cronin
8th August CL017-013012, Souterrain, CL017-013--- Cashel, Leana Townland
SC, PC
16:30. Cloud 100%, base 400ft: Wind SW, F5/6: Temp 18°C: Visibility 10 Nm: Rain Gauge 5mm: Ground damp: The Plan: review initial observations. SC left her motor at Leamaneah Castle, as parking only for one motor at Leana. Enroute noted MK’s van, near Fergus River, stopped to engage; all well. MK to obtain Christy Guthrie’s phone number to facilitate work on the Leana Cashel and souterrain. Approached the cashel, scrutinizing the landscape. On entering several, previous observations proven misleading. Compared the rampart width and existing tumble in the southern and northern sectors. Opinion reflects extant tumble does not equate with reconsidered rampart width of ≈2.5m. The existing volume could, perhaps, present a rampart height of two metres, when approached from the outside of the Cashel.
The souterrain and surrounding area is covered with thick moss, obscuring its construction depth among adjacent boulders. It appears, without a compass, to be aligned west of north. Which would fit with the majority of grykes at other sites. Surviving sections of the rampart demonstrate differing styles and quality of workmanship. Matching the slope of the hillside, approximately half of the garth is of exposed bedrock. Hollows among which, appear where lumps of limestone have been taken for construction purposes.
Asked SC review the possible hut feature; identifying one vertical boulder from a curvilinear feature. Averaging between six - eight metres diameter, a huts roof would require strong timber rafters, requiring such a span be secured against splaying. Half of this possible hut wall, would be up against the western rampart obtaining ample support. Possibly, this stone post, opposite the rampart was additional support for A vertical timber post supporting one of the radiating roof joists? Adjacent this possible hut site, a smaller four metre diameter area, is three metres to the north, of indeterminate origin. Located in the northern sector of the cashel appears to be a sub-square enclosure, up against the rampart; a possible building, dwelling? Its substantial walls of large boulders, each averaging an estimated 150kgs. Further observations of the rampart promote the theory that this cashel also suffered robbing for building material.
Getting late, a brief look did not note the cashel gateway. Within the eastern sector are two possible locations both partially obscured by boulders. The lifting cloud increased visibility; discussion turned to, how important was the need for a cashel’s inhabitant to see afar? When considering the often, poor Irish weather. If most of the single carriage routes today, and perhaps then, had mature bushes, trees, etc. lining them. If a band of naughty people were approaching, its possible none would be visible, their height obscured by such foliage. Noise may be the only indication of their presence? Or, perhaps, if encamped the light from their fires? Evaluating this idea approaches impossible. SC is a very useful, constructive critic.
Pat Cronin
10th August Poulbruíon
PMcG, PC
Cloud 70%: Wind W, F3/4: Temp 20°C: Visibility 20Nm: Rain Gauge 1mm: Ground damp: The Plan: Dig. PMcG retired a climbing rope, to haul out the recent Tombstone”. PC below. Labourous task removing the remaining slumped spoil; while doing so created a vertical face to the south end. Began to clear the semi-liquid porridge from the main floor area. Focused attention on freeing the “Tombstone” from among adjacent boulders and natural suction. Clearing this spoil, dug down against the west wall, which showed a minor step out, (50mm); quickly resuming its vertical line. Set up a 4:1 hauling system; fixed two pulleys to the “Tombstone”, and two on the tripod; one directional pulley to assist with hauling. At surface manhandled the boulder into the revetted spoil pile. PMcG successfully videoed the circus. Resumed digging up against West Wall. Removing the next large, thin boulder, (60kgs), to expose development opposite the cleft in the East Wall: from which emerges the sound of a stream. Hit prone boulder with sledge; third hit, sledge head fell off: bugger. The West Wall feature appears to be a continuation of the East Cleft. A vertical face now exists 400mm below the lowest stemple. No further lowering of the floor, against this face will happen until the next stemple is installed to support the lower of the two boulders exposed the 5th August. A depth of some 250mm was dug, though against the West Wall this was around 500mm. A review of the hauling took place; the muddy rope creating issues. PMcG, suggested using a hand jammer and foot loop. Further reflections decided to, maintain two kibbles, to increase the size of the kibbles; using two hand jammers and two foot loop to either side. This reduces issues surrounding PC’s hand, allowing personnel to exchange digging duties. Need obtain scaffold tube and rebar for Monday.
Walking back, reflected on extant sea conditions, contrasting them with the muddy discharge noted the 5th August; after 18mm of rain in the previous 24 hours. The UBSS website does indicate, if the map ref is correct, (ITM 512480 x 706523), the resurgence to be Poulgorm. However, the enormous, muddy discharge was clearly centred on (ITM512330 x 7063220), with a northeasterly wave pattern the discharging plume was seen to flow, north hugging the coast over a kilometre, toward Fan Oír beach. A cursory check of digital mapping shows a site requiring checking. No other submarine resurgence was noted discharging flood water. Hours 6, (107).
Pat Cronin
New Resurgence
12th August Poulbruíon
CAC (Caitlin Cronin), SC, PC
Cloud 60%: Wind W, F6/7: Temp 18°C: Visibility 30Nm: Rain Gauge 11mm: Ground damp: The Plan: Install next shoring stemple. Picked up another scaffold bar, (53 euro), earlier in the day; met Noel the Pole; thanked him for the bolts: conversed fondly of Tony B. Picked up CAC from Shannon; visiting until Friday. Picked up SC. Had three lengths of 1.25m, from a six metre pipe; leaving a 2.25m length. Carried in these semi-prepared stemples, along with the Hilti, Tony’s grinder and other assorted tools. The recently exposed strata of sand and course gravel sediments, of the south face, warranted swift support, likewise the protruding boulder; lest another slump occurs. Ably supported throughout by the most attractive team of cave diggers ever encountered, and the most voluble; piss-taking raining like confetti. Drilled the 16mm holes - installing the stemple directly below, and tight against, the nose of said boulder. After a brief senior moment at surface descended, again, and drilled a hole in the large boulder, now ready to lift, and the partly hidden one, barely above the floor. Both north and south stemples are almost level with each other. Assess the entire floor can now lowered at least 500mm, before requiring the next stemple to each face. After 11mm of rain recorded this morning checked to see if the resurgence, (5th August), was issuing a visible flow. None seen; believe the resurgence to indeed be Poulgorm, (Blue Hole). Hours 6, (113).
Pat Cronin
View southeast, stream cleft & lower stemple
14th August Souterrain, (CL016-052003), Roughan. Pouldubh
CAC, PC
15:30. Cloud 95%: Wind W, F4: Temp 16°C: Visibility 20Nm: Rain Gauge 2mm: Ground damp: The Plan: begin surveying souterrain. Rain delayed today’s start, followed by a callout to Fan Oír: female – broken ankle; incident located in the northern sand dunes. Dispatched her to hospital via Rescue 115. Returned to CAC; headed to the souterrain. CAC entered first for a look see, as MK arrived for a chat. Entered the souterrain, deployed the laser level from the south end. Issues establishing a suitable height for the horizontal beam, attempting recorded the ancient repair to the roof. Much phaffing about. The survey can be achieved by using a length of timber as an elevated laser support. Hurried to Carnane to change for a caving trip.
18:45. Pouldubh
CAC, PC
Cloud 100%, base 300ft: Wind SE, F3/4: Temp 16°C: Visibility 400 metres: Rain Gauge 2mm: Ground damp: The Plan: another trip for CAC. Entered Pouldubh South, medium stream, followed main drain down to old terminal choke area; a good sized stream creating a fine cascade from Pouldubh North streamway. Decided exit via Pouldubh Middle; CAC was delighted the entire trip; with passage sizes, volume of water, noise and decorations. Nice.
Pat Cronin
15th August Poulnagollum – Gunman’s Cave.
CAC, PC
12:30. Cloud 70%: Wind SW, F4: Temp 16°C: Visibility 30Nm: Rain Gauge 37mm: Ground sodden: The Plan: Tourist trip. Rainfall throughout the night = 37mm, (1.5 inches). Rain until 11:00. Cloud slowly clearing; appearing settled. Planned to check Poulnagollum resurging stream at the bridge: expecting a high flow, the flood below the bottom bar of the field gate at the bridge.
Found stream flowing across the road; level with the fourth bar from the top of the gate. Carried on, arrived, changed. Crossing the field, cascade clearly audible. Deployed ladder and lifeline; ladder two metres short; wrong ladder, oops. No issue for CAC. Enormous torrent issuing from Upper Poulnagollum, such a flow too great to permit climbing the short climbs in the narrow stream, rift passage. Likewise accessing Branch Passage. Opted for Gunman’s Cave, which was also taking a very large stream. CAC’s agility and bouldering ability delightfully obvious. At the climb down to main passage, black, swirling flow clearly visible. Exited into sunshine. Took the crawl to the base of the cascade, entering main passage to show CAC the volume of water speeding down the first and second minor ‘climbs’. No issues exiting the pot. Took herself on a tour via Caher Valley, Fan Oír, Poulsallagh and Doolin. Home for tea and medals.
Pat Cronin
View SE of flood at bridge, overflowing the road, after having lost a significant amount to several large upstream sinks, i.e. Owentoberlea.
16th August Souterrain, GA122-018001; Rath, GA122-018000, Ballynastaig, (Kiltartan By.)
NG, CAC, PC
11:15. Cloud 90%: Wind W, F4: Temp 17°C: Visibility 30Nm: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground damp: The Plan: check a souterrain. CAC’s last day: called NG for info on this souterrain. Met on site 12:00. Previously thought to be the souterrain visited by MF, TD, NG and PC in the 90s. No, it isn’t; though memory potentially faulty, feel the 90s one is within the area.
This souterrain is within a sub-square earthen ringfort, (Rath), some forty metres diameter. The Rath’s interior colonized by shrub and tree. An obviously adapted souterrain entrance is within in a low, rectangular wall, next to a mature tree. Steep stone steps lead to a chamber, in its floor a small hollow, (0.5m³), has been dug to collect drinking water for a community; prior to the modern arrival of a drinking water scheme. Spoil from the hollow deposited on top a revetted, elevated, (1.2m), step in the first chamber floor surface. Beyond, a low passage, (creep), leads off. After 1.5m, access to the next chamber is up through a ‘trapdoor’. The floor of which, is level with the trapdoor. At over two metres width this is the widest souterrain chambers/passages yet noted. The topmost stone course of large elongated boulders, with tapering/curved ends. These lend a subtle artistry to the required corbelling construction to support large roof lintels, each over a tonne: skilled hands built this. Though outside the chosen study area, intend return to survey this fine example. Set within the Rath’s rampart, made of earth and cobbles, is curious feature, (GA122-018002). A small entrance opening, 0.3m wide x 0.5m high, widens after 0.7m, to 0.5m wide by 0.6m high. Here a small chamber 1.5m wide x 1m long x 1m high is built, roofed with lintels; a well-built feature.NG explained of a nearby Poulnabrone-like tomb. Twenty minutes east, encountered a beautiful, pristine, unmolested, Megalithic Tomb, set among karst pavement and scrub. Photos taken by NG and CAC. To celebrate had tea, sandwiches and medals in a cracking café in Ardrahan. NG kindly offered to accompany CAC & PC to Kilmacduagh, and provide a guided tour of this possible 10th century ecclesiastical settlement, with the tallest Round Tower in Ireland, (34m). NG’s knowledge, vast and intimate: delightful trip to finish off CAC’s visit.
Pat Cronin
Souterrain entrance
Trapdoor from inner chamber
Creep to inner chamber
19th August Yuris Peter Rosentals laid to rest
Yuris Peter Rosentals 1949 - 2024 74 years. Laid to rest Monday 19th August. There were mourners from the several organisations Yuris had been involved in along with family and friends. One hymn of two verses and the reading of a psalm. Tributes from his brother and one of his sons who did mention caving. There wasn’t the normal order of service resting on the seats and no mention of a wake. I had searched the Pegasus logs and found Yuris’s report of his trip down Oxlow, rather longer than ‘Went down Oxlow today’ I printed the report and after the end of the service presented it to one of his sons after explaining who I was and left with a farewell.
RIP Yuris, you and your wife are together again.
David Gough
19th August Poulbruíon
PC
13:30. Cloud 100%, base 300ft: Wind S, F4, gusting F6: Temp 17°C: Visibility 20metres: Rain Gauge 2mm: Rain: Ground wet: The Plan: rig new hauling system. Took advantage of a break in the weather; all too brief. Took ironmongery to rig up a hauling system proposed by PMcG. In addition to PMcG’s jammers, took two rope walkers, karabiners and short cord lengths. Rejigged the scaffolding, securing two clips, and extra scaffold bar to hold pulleys in place. System uses a prussik foot loop as lifting power, attempting reduce pain to PC’s hand, when pulling rope. Installed new, short hauling line, Phaffed about sorting-tidying its length. Descended; filled both existing 10litre kibbles with small boulders. Surfaced and tested the system, minor issues. Descended again fixed second kibble, surfaced. More tweaking, system now much better; system will work well. Need more lengths of rebar.
Hours 2, (115).
Pat Cronin
23rd August Poulbruíon
CC, PMcG, PC
13:00. Cloud 90%: Storm Lillian fading: Showers: Wind S, F5/6: Temp 14°C: Visibility 25Nm: Rain Gauge 24mm: Ground sodden: The Plan: Dig. Met up at Faunarooska Cross, walked in. Delighted at the return of CC from his commitments. PC descended first to lift the recent prepared boulder, using a 4:1. PMcG and CC hauling; packing clay-silt spoil behind the stone revetment. Efficiency of 10 litre kibbles needs reviewing. New hauling system works reasonably well. Evolving issues require tweaking: continued hauling in spite of some frustrations; a lot of spoil brought to surface. Removing various sized boulders meant floor level was lowered, swiftly. To reduce chances of slumping each base of north and south faces left reasonably undisturbed, for next shoring session. Previously exposed metre deep hole, against the east wall, was carefully uncovered. Each surrounding jammed boulder cautiously removed exposing a well washed cavity; the top edge of a possible uncut/passage/bedding is visible. Directly beneath the east cleft from which emerges the sound of a stream. Tangible evidence indicates the stream issues from this cleft in time of flood, hence the washed cavity. Overall, the floor in front of each face was lowered some 0.4m. In the centre more like 0.6, perhaps 0.7m. Either way the present depth means The PCN’s trusty builders ladder, having provided excellent service at Poulacapple and Considine’s digs and Poulbruíon, could ideally be a little longer, perhaps install rebar steps? PMcG took over clearing the north face base of very stiff clay. As the shift finished assorted hauling, ironmongery – jammers/rope walkers, were found clogged with clay, noticeably hardened in the drying wind. Removed the entire kit to clean back at the Carnane workshop. An excellent session, actual shaft almost three metres deep; the top of the scaffold shoring some four metres below the limestone terrace.
Hours 7, (122).
Pat Cronin
26th August Poulbruíon
PC
12:30. Cloud 100%: Wind S/SE, F4: Heavy rain: Visibility 2Nm: Temp 17°C: Rain Gauge 2mm: Ground wet: The Plan: install stemples to north and south faces. Walked in with Hilti, Toe’s grinder, batteries, bolts etc. and two No.4 kibbles. Rain descended passing MQ’s Aunt’s cabin. Area south and east of the dig, actually awash. Reviewed status of each face; as PMcG had left a decent amount of support for the south face, started on the north. Conditions were testing; rain turning once stiff silt into mud, migrating everywhere, covering everything. Need design a better system when deploying drill etc. Took cloths to keep drill and grinder free of mud: a losing battle. Positioned this stemple 400m below extant stemple. To obtain correct bolt hole position, dug back part of the north face, encountering several boulders. Cleared same, trimmed area of remaining clay obstructions. Some phaffing about positioning the western 16mm bolt, avoiding a natural cleft, descending at ≈45°, across line of intended 16mm hole location. Secured stemple; managed trim the steel mesh, inserting it behind both stemples. Behind which, packed some of the rocks removed earlier. Fair knackered, and cold; decided leave south stemple for next time. One metre lengths of rebar need be driven into the ground behind the shoring a.s.a.p. to assist stabilization. Rain eventually stopped whilst driving through Lisdoonvarna. CC gave 75 euro, (23rd Aug), for the next lengths of scaffold tube and rebar. Will try and pick up same this week. The present width of the rift is near to 1.2m, if this continues five stemples could be cut from one six metre length of scaffold.
Hours 2, (124).
Pat Cronin
29th August Poulbruíon
PC
16:30. Cloud 75%: Wind W, F3: Sunset 20:32: Visibility 25Nm: Temp 17°C: Rain Gauge 5mm: Ground damp: The Plan: install south stemple. Took in another section of steel mesh along with Toe’s grinder, Hilti tools etc.. Lowered kit; began to create a vertical face: issues. Clearing the face area a significant number of rocks appeared, and two big boulders, being some 33% of the face. Reviewed situation: to avoid disturbing the greater face brought the stemple forward of the others by 50mm into the shaft, but pressing up against the rocks. Meanwhile a small slump of clay occurred; two kibbles worth? Installed the steel mesh but no backing. Eastern half of the mesh can be backfilled with stone. Drove the extant metre length of rebar into the south side, after three attempts. Will prepare 0.75m lengths of rebar: eight may be obtained of a six metre length. Ready for a digging session. With the two larger capacity Mk. 4 kibbles will revert to using a 2:1 or 3:1 for hauling. Fumbling in the quagmire thoughts strayed to the absent “Popeye” Boycott; desperately missed.
Hours 2, (126).
Pat Cronin
30th August Pouldoody Bay, (Possible Port of Trade)
PMcG, PC
11:30. Cloud 20%: Wind SE, F2: Visibility 20Nm: Haze: Temp 17°C: Rain Gauge 0mm: The Plan: investigate the littoral zone for settlement infrastructure. PMcG kindly conveyed PC, kit and kayaks to Parkmore Pier; arrived around 11:30. Unloaded, changed and launched. Investigating this coastal margin is pursuing a Rabbit Hole; a side shoot of the souterrain study: believe this bay to be a port of trade. Within Mortyclogh Ringfort, (CL003-009000), ITM527762 x 710924, TL Cooke, (1850s), recorded entering a souterrain of complexity. Westropp also visited it in the 1900s, but described what seems to be a different souterrain, or, unlikely, did not note the obscure entry to another chamber. A recent, somewhat cursory, field survey, (pre-2020), records the souterrain, (CL003-009002), as inaccessible. The large diameter of Mortyclogh ringfort suggests it high status. It is one of a variety of strongholds, covering the period 400- 1500CE, situated around this bay. Such numbers of settlements, around this sheltered bay may have been to protect trade with importers. But, evidence is required of infrastructure; to this end the shoreline was inspected. South of Mortyclogh Ringfort the eastern shore is of an eroded shore, the sea bed, fine to course sand. Two areas are noteworthy, each shoal gently to the shore; each of the two small bays have areas clear of boulders up to what may loosely be called a ‘storm beach’. From here assorted sized, rounded boulders and rocks extend, briefly, to adjacent pastures. These areas dry out at low tide exposing extensive areas of soft sandy sea bed, excellent for ‘beaching’ early forms of coastal vessels. Depths were taken within two hours of the day’s high water. Headed to Castle, (CL003-008002), ITM 5227678 x 709228, Westropp suggests it 15th century, this may be correct as no musket holes were noted in the surviving walls. Below the castle is one area cleared of boulders, a gravel channel, between large boulders suggests an area for beaching a vessel; ITM527648 x 709222. Stopped for lunch, enjoyed the sun. The western shore is also shallow, but has a rough boulder strewn shoreline. Three locations provide vessel access. Modern stonework attests regular usage. Two may be described as piers - slips the first at ITM 527477 x 709578. The second at ITM 527297 x 710156. The third is leeward of the castle causeway at ITM 526248 x 710360. In this bay, until Covid, Aran ferries were over wintered.
Not visited, Castle, (CL003-002000), ITM 526232 x 710405, is also suggested 15th century.
Much of the submarine environment is shallow and would repay snorkelling areas noted. SC has shown interest in this circus. After the eight kilometre trip, packed and headed to a café in Ballyvaghan. Owner Jane, a mate of Pauline’s, for tea, cáca and medals.
Tidal Information (Not available on mobile)
HW. 15:56. 4.25m. (Neaps).
LW. 09:36. 1.89m.
Range 2.36m. 1/12th = 0.19m.
Tidal increase over 6.3 hours.
Time. 09:36. 10:36. 11:36. 12:36. 13:36. 14:36. 15:36. 15:56.
Increment 0.00m 0.19m 0.38m 0.57m. 0.57m 0.38m 0.19m 0.08m
Height 1.89m 2.08m 2.46m 3.03m 3.60m 3.98m 4.17m 4.25m
Pouldoody Bay
View east. Possible vessel slip, supplying castle, PMcG at its far end
View North. PMcG in passage to castle toilet
View east CL003-008002 with garderobe outlet
6th September Poulbruíon
PMcG, PC
13:30. Cloud 0%: Wind N, F3/4: Visibility 25Nm: Haze: Temp 20°C: Rain Gauge 0mm: The Plan: Insert rebar supports and Dig. Warm walk in from Faunarooska Cross. Need review fitness. PC descended to drive two and three foot lengths of 10mm rebar into the fill behind the shoring to help reduce any vertical slump. A difficult task, boulders found varying depths behind the shoring: requiring numerous attempts to negotiate driving the rebar in between them. Meanwhile PMcG set up a 2:1 system. PMcG to below; PC hauling. Migrating mud an issue with Martin Bishops Hand Jammer; upon inspection absent cam teeth made it as much use as the Point five sleeping bag MB sold Mac prior to the trip to the States in the 1980s. Only to realize that this is the same Hand Jammer which had done years of lifelining diggers at Considine’s Cave: no wonder it had no teeth...
Differing adhesions meant significant, variable effort emptying mud from the Mk IV kibbles, some almost impossible to empty, even when the kibbles were wetted. A struggle in present conditions, adjacent the shaft. Much rock and a lot of mud were lifted, exposing yet another deep gap up against the west wall. The floor can be taken down a further half metre before the need to install the next pair of stemples. During hauling, reviewed overall efficiency, the present system cannot function efficiently with two. Closed up; sat on the edge of the hole for half an hour considering alternative methods. Raising the shaft collar by maybe two metres was examined; the intention to bring it all but level with the invert of the upper area of the depression; this requires an expenditure of around two hundred euro in scaffolding alone. Many reflects later; intend maintain present shaft collar level. Will increase size of kibbles to that similar used at Considine's Cave. Assemble six to ten kibbles; stacking filled kibbles on an improved working platform. Use three/four ladders, from Considine’s, to construct a chute from working platform up onto moorland. Up this assembled kibbles will be hauled; the loads spread evenly across the wider, shallow depression area, avoiding a spoil heap.
Hours 6, (132).
Pat Cronin
8th September Poulnagollum – Branch Passage Cascade
PMcG, PC
10:30. Cloud 100%: Wind N, F4: Visibility 20Nm: Temp 18°C: Rain Gauge 0mm: Small stream. The Plan: Feature familiarization. A really pleasant three hours wandering down the streamway to Main Junction, then up to Branch Passage Cascade; retraced journey. Exiting, PMcG took the Gunman’s Cave route; PC Main streamway, surfacing simultaneously. The first waterfall, augmenting main stream, was five times greater than the stream from main entrance. A huge change in stream size, witnessed with Caitlin Cronin, 15th August. While changing, encountered Coast Guard colleagues, Mattie, Eimear and Anthony returning to base, having responded to a fallen climber in the adjacent Khyber Pass.
Pat Cronin
9th September Poulbruíon
SC, PC
17:30. Cloud 100%, base 700ft: Wind SW, F4: Visibility 100metres: Temp 15°C: Rain Gauge 0mm: The Plan; Deliver materials. Picked up the trailer from Andy Grindrod, returned home. Loaded four ladders and six pieces of 4x2 timber. Picked up SC and dropped off the timber etc. into the field. Ready for carrying up to the dig. Hope to begin… Wednesday.
Pat Cronin
10th September Poulbruíon
PC
18:30. Cloud 100%: Wind W, F6/8: Brief, heavy showers: Visibility 20Nm: Temp 10°C: Rain Gauge 4mm: Ground damp: The Plan: begin ferrying materials up to the dig. Delayed by ten minutes, as a torrent swept in from the islands. Planned to at least achieve all four ladders and six lengths of heavy timber, stacked above the second terrace; about halfway. Delighted to get all materials stacked on the edge of the dig depression. Saw MQ in the distance, checking his herd. Next, need sort working platform and route for ‘railway’.
Hours 2, (134).
Pat Cronin
15th September Cahermore Cashel (CL016-052001), Souterrain, (CL016-052003)
PC
13:30. Cloud 60%: Wind W, F2: Visibility 25Nm: Temp 16°C: Rain Gauge 24mm: Ground damp: The Plan: Begin the Cashel profile. The single passage is orientated, 007° - 187°Mg. Normal practice of the study is to incorporate an accurate surface profile of the settlement, ecclesiastical or secular, enabling accurate calculation of humic thickness, and check for any surface feature pertaining to the souterrain below. Relocated the temporary site datum closer to the souterrain entrance. Intending produce two profiles, at right angles to each other, to also take in the main Cashel gateway. Deployed Leica green laser, staff and laser receiver; without which the laser would be useless in the bright sunlight. Constructed north – south profile first, recording the souterrain entrance: could only measure up to the dense foliage obscuring some 25% of the inner rampart. Tape end estimated as three metres short of the rampart inner face. Rain held off, managed to record the profile, through the gateway, on the bearing of 097° - 277°Mg. Emerging from the data is how level the interior surface of the cashel is, although singular lumps of turf are scattered about, (results of cowpat growth?). The rampart’s inner and outer faces are difficult to precisely identify, hidden beneath and under extensive tumble. The devastation likely from robbing wall stone for building material.
16th September Poulbruíon
CC, PMcG, PC
14:00. Cloud 95%: Wind W, F2: Visibility 35Nm: Temp 18°C: Rain Gauge 1mm: Ground damp: The Plan: Build infrastructure. Carried in some Fraggle Rock rails, recovered by Tony Boycott, for intended spoil railway. Plus tools and materials. Started building the working platform immediately adjacent to and over the shaft. Used all the available timber on site to construct a stock proof, stable, secure, level work surface. Two lids are required, for hauling and ladder openings. PMcG cleared a route through foliage, along which the ladders were laid out to assess angle of slope up to the moorland and distance reached by available ladders intended as support framework for the rails. Three of the four ladders reach the area at the top of the depression. From where level rails will be fitted. Rocks lifted will be used to revet the spoil in the south side of the depression. Mud and silt spoil can be neatly stowed behind this growing rock face. Once filled to capacity, the railway will facilitate an easy route up to the shallow dished, southern area of the upper depression.
Pat Cronin
The new working platform under construction
20th September Poulbruíon
CC, PC
10:00. Cloud 5%: Wind NE, 3/4: Visibility 20Nm, haze: Temp 20°C: Rain Gauge 0mm: Ground drying: The Plan: Begin building railway. PC arrived early. After carrying in timber, odds and sods, returned to the Cross to meet CC. Assisted carrying in other bits. Cleared the working platform. Decided to install the rails to the west of the working platform, as all three regulars are righthanded: make maximum use of the limited area. Also avoiding having to climb over the rail frame to access the platform. Joined the first two ladders together to form the incline from the platform up to moor level. Also joined the other two ladders together to form the initial five metre level section onto the moor. Much phaffing about, using scarce bits of timber to achieve something like the correct slope of the incline section for supporting the heavy frame. (Ladders were once installed in Considine’s Cave Dig). Need eight lengths of 4x2 timber to build the two trestle supports for the incline section, coach screws and 10mm bolts to secure fishplates. Also need several lengths of 4x2 timber to have to hand. Two cracking, consecutive sessions.
Hours 7, (150).
Pat Cronin
Temporary supports utilized during the final alignment of the rail bed.
Aligning and trialing rail bed prior to final installation
22nd September CO076-004000, Cave, Park North, Midleton, Cork.
PC
13:00. Cloud 25%: Wind NW, 4: Visibility 30Nm: Temp 11°C: Rain Gauge 6mm: Ground damp : The Plan: visit this group of caves. Break for PMC in Midleton, following eye surgery. Approaching the vast commercial warehouse area, encountered security. Explained interest in viewing this national archaeological site; told no. Wandering to the motor, the other side of the large warehouse. Met a nice man, in a suit, who said he’d no issues visiting the caves adjacent his unit; rounding the corner, meet the security man again, now inexplicably angry to a curious extent. Quietly explained the permission from adjacent business owner; told bugger off or it’s the Guards...
Pat Cronin
27th September Poulbruíon
LS, PC
13:00. Cloud 25%: Wind NW, 4: Visibility 30Nm: Temp 11°C: Rain Gauge 6mm: Showers: Ground damp : The Plan: install support trestles. Strained muscle presented mobility issues. Decided attempt install both prefabricated trestles. Delightedly encountered LS at the Cross, carried in trestles and associated kit. Took an ancient Stanley brace, to supplement carrying in the heavy Hilti. Secured top trestle first, to stabilize installing the second. Fitted sacrificial timber feet beneath the first trestle frame, raising the trestle base above the sodden surface. Some fiddling, installing the second trestle. Task all but achieved, requiring its base, beneath the trestle to be finished: a couple of thin, flat stones. Bottom of the incline needs securing: drilling into the rock. Noggins (≈6” long?) required to accommodate 9 inch Dram gauge rails fitted onto the ladders, which are a maximum of 10 inch wide. Have prepared, (bent), rails to mount the incline summit onto the level. Aim fit noggins Monday 13:00.
Hours 5, (155).
Pat Cronin
Lenny Smith admiring the completed support trestles
28th September Cullaun II
LS, PC
10:00. Cloud 100%: Wind SW, F3: Visibility 20Nm: Temp 12°C: Rain Gauge 3mm: Ground wet: The Plan: tourist trip. Stream level low. Topped up LS’s visit with a pleasant, memory refreshing trip to Pool Chamber prior to his departure; LS delighted with the place. A fine, gentle two hour trip to exercise the muscle strain.
Pat Cronin
30th September Poulbruíon
CC, PC
14:00. Cloud 60%: Wind WNE, F4: Visibility 30Nm: Temp 12°C: Rain Gauge 1mm: Ground damp: The Plan: Continue installing infrastructure. Met up at the Cross. Carried in the usual kit, plus trap door to cover the open shaft collar. Began laying the rails, installing the noggins to accommodate the Dram gauge; thought nine inch: needs confirmation. PC reviewed siting the trap door to facilitate hauling: it does need its proposed frame. The two halves of the trap door lid will open as a kibble comes to surface, (sack trap doors). Closing when the kibble passes through, allowing the kibble to rest upon the trap door, while the hauler returns to lift and empty said kibble. This also provides a secure cover avoiding injury to the digger below.
The south side of the depression will accommodate an estimated three cubic metres of spoil, revetted/faced/finished/covered with boulders.
However, another spoil area may be needed. A hollow, adjacent the small sink, south of the depression, would accommodate a further four metres of silt, when levelled. At this moment in time, with the platform installed, the rail system was decided to be built up and onto the moorland: taking full advantage of this settled weather. With this option in mind, extending the rails a further five metres would mean spoil easily conveyed into this hollow. Rather than as initially imagined spreading the silt to level off the shallow areas in the uneven moorland. Hours 4, (159).
First stage of the railway nearing completion