From the Kingdom of Jordan to Clough’

On August 29 a large group from the Friends of Archaeology and Heritage of Jordan (FoAH) visited Cloughjordan as part of their Irish study group tour.

Established in 1957, the FoAH is a voluntary non-governmental, non-profit organisation that has a central role in the protection and preservation of archaeological sites in Jordan including the baptismal place of the Christ at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the ancient capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom at Petra, the extraordinary Graeco-Roman city at Jerash and many more. Much of their advocacy work is highlighting the heritage in Jordan through supporting and encouraging the publishing of books, research and publications related to Jordanian heritage, raising awareness among Jordanians, especially the younger generation, on the importance and value of world famous archaeological sites and the need to preserve them, supporting excavations and contributing to the restoration of antiquities in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Department of Antiquities, the GAM, international archaeological centres in Amman and UNESCO.

HISTORICAL LINKS

The group visited Cloughjordan to learn more about the shared historical, social and cultural links with the Kingdom of Jordan. Written tradition tells of an 800-year-old story about how Cloughjordan derives its name from Jordan. The Irish language name Clogh Shiúrdáin means ‘Stone of Jordan’. During the 12th century, an Anglo Norman Knight, De Marisco, brought a stone from the River Jordan and placed it into his castle in the grounds of present day Cloughjordan House. To highlight this connection, friendship stones from the River Jordan can be found in specially commissioned sculpture pieces in Cloughjordan and at the Embassy of Ireland in Amman.

The De Mariscos became a powerful family in the area of Lower Ormond, with castles at Latteragh, Ballycapple and who may also have built Nenagh castle. Warmly welcomed to Cloughjordan House by Sarah and Peter Baker the arriving group, led by Her Excellency Sharifa Nofa Bin Nasser, were provided with refreshments and given an overview of the shared historical connections, seeing the remains of the Anglo-Norman keep the group took their best guess as to which stone came from the biblical waterway. Joined also by Joe Geoghegan the Honorary Consul of Jordan in Ireland, a short walk followed to St Michael’s and St John’s Church where they saw the Ballaun Stone associated with the early medieval church site and settlement at Modreeny. Inside the church the group viewed the Tree of Life mosaic that was presented to Cloughjordan’s three churches (Cloughjordan Eco-Congregation) as a symbol of friendship by His Excellency Omar Al-Nahar, previous Ambassador of the Kingdom of Jordan, this was followed by an introduction to the details portrayed within the impressive Harry Clarke-stained glass windows by May Casey.

GAELIC LEGACY

A walk down Main Street explored the local Ó Carroll Gaelic legacy, the ruinous decade of the Irish Confederate Wars and the 17th century plantation origins of Cloughjordan village with its Market Square. Next up was the Methodist Chapel celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, St Kieran`s Church Of Ireland with its striking stone spire and attractive Meadow Green, its origins in a never fully completed Military Barracks Square.

Gathering on Main Street at The Friendship Stone of Jordan public sculpture piece (co-ordinated by local artist Helen Costello) the group were met by Ryan Ó Meara, TD, who kindly took time out from his busy schedule to offer a warm welcome and support with future social and cultural initiatives.

All were treated to a delicious lunch in the Middle Country Cafe thanks to Brenda Ainsworth, Greg Whelan and Johanna Taferner and this was followed by a visit to the Thomas MacDonagh Museum for expertly guided tours with Paddy Williams, Chair of the Cloughjordan Parish Heritage Group.

For added context, the previous day the group had visited Kilmainham Jail in Dublin where leaders of the 1916 rising including Thomas MacDonagh were incarcerated, tried and executed and there was a discussion on the similarities (and inspirations) of the colonial independence movement timelines from England between Ireland and Jordan. In the museum there was an overview of the community-supported raised bog restoration programme at Scohaboy SAC, recommended before leaving Jordan, the visitors had asked to visit the Internationally important peatland site, but time unfortunately did not allow.

FANSTASTIC VISIT

Members of the group were delighted to meet with Genevieve Keane winner of Junk Kouture 2023 whose wonderful exhibition of costumes currently runs in the museum along with textiles and artworks by her mother Mary and her sister Carissa. After a fantastic visit to Cloughjordan, the group reluctantly set off on their way with promises of follow up and future contact. Building on this historical connection recent years have seen the creation of rich social and cultural links with Jordan that have included ambassadorial visits, Tipperary County Council receptions and a very memorable community trip where a group of 30 travelled from Cloughjordan to explore and experience the extraordinary heritage and hospitality of The Kingdom of Jordan. Royal Jordanian Airways plan to launch new direct flights between Dublin and Amman next year and there are plans forming for a Cloughjordan and Tipperary County Council contingent to be on the inaugural flight.