'Significant" archaeological findings uncovered at Nobber

Significant archaeological findings from the early Bronze Age to late medieval period have been uncovered in a recent investigation in Nobber. Archaeological investigations began at Bridge Park, Nobber, as part of the expansion of the park over a fortnight ago and already preliminary findings have been described as exciting. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of early Bronze Age to late medieval settlement, which includes boundary ditches, Fullacht Fia"s (Bronze Age cooking sites) and a corn drying kiln. According to Nobber resident and secretary of the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society, Oliver Ward, the findings were the result of initial clearing of the site and he expected quite a lot more would be discovered when the full excavation is undertaken. The recent finds come just a few years after the discovery of significant stone artefacts at the old St John"s cemetery in Nobber. The monastic sculptures, dating back more than 1,000 years came to light during a clean up of the cemetery. The chance find included complete crosses, several feet in height, together with the remains of much larger ones. All had been sculpted with Christian depictions and sometimes geometric motifs. The old graveyard, next to the remains of a church and monastery, was neglected and overgrown and took several years of voluntary work by local people to clear. Beneath the dense undergrowth they found the stone artefacts. At the time the site was described as being a significant place in early Christian times. Nobber is already known as the birthplace of Turlough O"Carolan, the blind harper and composer known as the last of the Irish bards.