Dunboyne's 'big tree' to be felled in weeks

It has - until now - stood the test of time and overseen centuries of change, but the ‘big tree’ in the centre of Dunboyne has reached the end of its life.

The lime tree, which has been the subject of art and song, has been examined by experts on behalf of Meath County Council, who have confirmed the tree is dead.

Cllr Maria Murphy says: “The 'big tree' in Dunboyne is loved by Dunboyners old and new. Following recent concerns about the condition of the tree, I asked Meath County Council to commission an expert report. Regretfully the report confirms that the tree is dead. It will be felled in the next couple of weeks and once the date is known it will be widely circulated.

A major community project will be required to replant a mature tree in the same location and a meeting will be planned to decide next steps when it is possible given the current restrictions.”

A summary of the expert report for the tree which was commissioned by Meath County Council said: “The tree is infected with a fungal disease. This disease has caused a decay of the buried stem and roots. The canopy is entirely dead, The tree is now at risk of branch and stem failure and should be felled as soon as possible. The existing stem would not be suitable to be retained as a monolith carving or standing sculpture due to the extent of decay in the stem and roots. I would recommend a Lime, Tilia Cordata ‘Green Spire’ as a replacement. The species is suitable for planting as a large specimen, and establishes well after replanting.”

The tree is the subject of a sing by Charlie Wall, released by singer Mick McAuley, while Eva Henrietta Hamilton (1876-1960), a member of a famously artistic family from Hamwood House outside the village, painted a view of Dunboyne village featuring the tree.

‘The Piper’, circa 1911, was chosen by Dunboyne man John Bruton during his period as Taoiseach for his Christmas card to send to dignitaries around the world (pictured above).

Last year, Annie McEnroe turned on the Christmas lights at the big tree to mark her 100th birthday.

Cllr Damien Reilly explains: “Joe Murray came back from Dublin on the Mullingar bus in 1964 with the first set of cables and bulbs. The equipment was purchased from Nugent and Cooper, Store Street, from counter Manager Tony 'Nat' Conroy of St Patrick’s Park.

"Muintir na Tíre were the first sponsors in 1964 and Dick ‘Diks’ Moran was the first person to call for the 'Big Tree' to be wired with Christmas Lights. Joe's helpers on the day wiring the tree were Jimmy Green, Long Larry King and George Gilsenan. Joe Murray wired the 'Big Tree' every Christmas since 1964."

Many locals also have memories of waiting for buses underneath the tree.