Archaeological find in Athboy

ATHBOY"S long-lost medieval Carmelite Friary may have been partly exposed during archaeological surveys prior to the town"s sewerage scheme works, area councillors learned last Monday. Project engineer David Keyes reproted the discovery of 'arcaheologically significant features' found by the CDDS Archaeological Consultants dig adjacent to the Town Wall at Danes Court, Townsparks. These included fragments of medieval pottery, structural features and stone surfaces, pointing to 'the close proximity of Athboy"s Carmelite Friary', whose location was unknown at present. CRDS had reported its investigations with recommendations relevant to the construction of the sewerage network, added Mr Keyes. This proposed that the sewer could be constructed underneath the most archaeolgoically sensitive area, using a tunnelling technique, while works elsewhere could continue by open trench, with constant archaeological monitoring. The report has been forward to the National Monuments section of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The report added the Council was considering the re-routing of the sewers in Connaught Street and part of Main Street, Athboy, to avoid the medieval town gate sites at the two locations. The town is considered a national monument owing to the presence of its medieval enclosing walls, underlining its location on the very edge of the Pale. Chairperson Liz McCormack welcomed the report which had generated 'great interest locally'. She asked area manager Brendan McGrath if more detailed reports would issue. He replied that copies of the full report to the Department would be provided to councillors shortly.