The summit of Carrauntoohil, with the 16ft cross which has now been cut down
A large metal cross that stood at the summit of Ireland’s highest mountain has been cut down.
The 5m (16ft) structure was erected on top of 1,038m (3,406ft) Carrauntoohil in 1976, but a group of walkers making the ascent to the peak recently discovered it had been cut at its base.
Gardaí are investigating the incident, which was described by nearby Beaufort Community Council as an act of vandalism.
The council organised the erection of the cross and local volunteers made the ascent nearly 40 years ago with the cross in sections and it was welded together on the mountain, which lies in MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in County Kerry.
Local guide Piaras Kelly said he believed an angle grinder or something similar much have been used to cut down the cross.
Writing on the Kerry Climbing website, he said: “Horrified today while guiding a group from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland to witness the result of a total act of vandalism on Corrán Tuathail [the Irish spelling of the mountain] with the summit cross after being cut down.
“An iconic cross on an iconic peak now lying where it fell. It beggars belief how no matter what one’s personal attitude to this cross could then bring them to sinking to this unprecedented low and acting in such a shocking way. A sad day for sure.”
MacGillycuddy’s Reeks Mountain Access Forum said they will be organising the re-erection of the cross.
Martin Kocsis
23 November 2014The peak is better without a massive lump of iron on it. Surely erecting that was the original act of vandalism?
Bernie Hughes
23 November 2014Surely putting large metal crosses on top of hills is an act of vandalism in itself?
Ken
23 November 2014Sayanim involvement? Wouldn't surprise me.
Parky
23 November 2014The mountains of Ireland have a much greater religious significance than in the UK. Many are sites of pilgrimages with shrines and crosses acting as waypoints. It somehow doesn't seem out of place and having been up Carrauntoohil only last month, I do feel slightly saddened at this. Is a cross any more an act of vandalism than, say, a railway station and cafe on top of Wales' highest?
Paul Fleuriot
24 November 2014Every individual has their own spiritual belief. Surely that comes from within. Manifestations of others personal beliefs are a distraction and obstrustion to the true wild settinge of such places where experience should be entirely personal and unhindered by permanent and intrusive fixtures that serve to remind us of other peoples interepretation.
ttime
27 November 2014The cross shouldn't have been there in the first place. Why is it that religious folk insist on shoving their beliefs down other peoples throats? If I wanted to worship I'd go to church.If I want to enjoy the hills I don't want to see the clutter of a cross in them. The mountain wasn't "theirs" to claim by putting an unnecessary metal cross on top in the first place. The sooner the world is rid of organised religion the better.
Parky
30 November 201484.2% of the population of Ireland are Roman Catholic. A cross on top of their highest peak is more acceptable to them than perhaps in the UK. There a great many crosses on top of the more well known mountains of Europe. I'm sure there would be a greater sense of outrage if say, the one on top of the Matterhorn had been chopped down. I think we should respect the sense of anger that has been expressed in this part of the world.
Rob
02 December 2014I think it's ugly and should be cut down. Whoever thinks a box iron girder somehow equates with venerating Jesus are living in a delusional world.
Parky
08 December 2014Well, Rob, it has been cut down. However I do agree about it being ugly and not very inspiring as a piece of summit ironwork. Now it's down then perhaps it should stay down but it would be interesting to see what the strength of feeling is amongst mountaineers in Ireland - if at all.