Unveiling and Blessing of Engraved Rock at Healy Pass
To Commemorate the Millennium

Cllr. Noel Harrington unveiling the engraved rock (left) today at the top of the Healy Pass and (right) speaking to the large gathering of Beara People who attended the ceremony.

Today, Denis Regan, Chairman of Beara Action Group welcomed the large gathering of people to the unveiling and blessing of the engraved Natural Rock at the top of the Healy Pass, dedicated to all Beara People and also to celebrate the Millennium. 
Cllr. Noel Harrington who unveiled the rock stated that he was indeed honoured and privileged to perform this task.  He went on to say that exactly one year ago, the gathering was at Dursey Sound for the last Sunset of the last Millennium and today it was at the other end of the peninsula to mark the great occasion which was dedicated to the people of Beara. This landmark will be here for years and years to come.  It was indeed fitting that this area was the selection for such a landmark as huge numbers of people pass this way each year to view the spectacular scenery that is on both sides of the Pass. He thanked Beara Action Group for their foresightedness in marking the Millennium in this way.
An tAth. Micheál O'Dochartaigh, Parish Priest of Adrigole blessed the rock following the unveiling and was assisted by Lay Reader Maud Levis and Fr.Liam Comer of Allihies.  Prayers were said to mark the end of the Jubillee Year and also for the people present and those who were no longer with us. 
Sean Nicholson, Adrigole gave the history of the Healy Pass Road, Tim Healy and the Crucifix erected at the summit of the Pass and said that history was also being made today.
Denis Regan thanked everyone who attended the ceremony and especially Cllr. Harrington and the Clergy who performed the unveiling and blessing of the rock.  He passed a special thanks to John Fleming of Leahill Quarries who sponsored the engraving of the rock which was done by Murphy's of Bantry here on the site.  He went on to thank his fellow members of Beara Action Group, both past and present who assisted this project to its fruition.

An tAth. Micheál Ó Dochartaigh and Maud Levis on left saying prayers at the ceremony with Denis Regan, Chairman, Beara Action Group. Above the inscription on the rock. Below some photos of the gathering who attended the ceremony.

Maureen O'Reilly Adrigole, Donal Harrington Allihies, Margaret O'Sullivan, Adrigole
Pat Murphy, Denis Regan, (at the back) Castletownbere, Hilary Leahy, Ardgroom,
Mary Martin-Sullivan Castletownbere & Michael O'Neill, Cahermore
Current & past members of Beara Action Group Committee.