Big dig helps to uncover Trim's long-buried secrets

Trim politicians paid a recent visit to the site of an archaeological dig seeking to unlock its potential to draw people to the town. Deputy Ray Butler, Councillor James O'Shea, Councillor Jimmy Fegan and Noel French, president of Trim Chamber of Commerce, paid a visit to the Black Friary archaeological dig site in Trim last week. Finola O'Carroll of Irish Archaeology Field School outlined the discoveries on the site and its future potential. The Irish Archaeology Field School provides the opportunity for anyone to become an archaeologist for a period and have been attracting students from America, Britain, Australia and Ireland to the Trim dig annually. The dig is focused on the cloister area and, already this year, the skeleton of a juvenile, aged between nine and 12, has been uncovered. In a dig a number of years ago, the remains of a number of young men were uncovered in a closed-in well at the edge of the site. The walls of the church, cloister garth, refectory and dormitories and other associated buildings are no longer visible above ground; they have been identified by geophysical prospection and topographical survey and the ground plan of the friary has been revealed. The Irish Archaeology Field School is anxious to involve the local community and the group discussed the future development of the site. The dig could be the focus for walking tours. The company has promoted the programme to colleges in America and further afield. It hoped to increase the number of students next year. Ms O'Carroll is anxious that the site be kept free from dumping as this increases the difficulty of the work. One area of the site may not be as important archaeologically and this merits investigation. Play space and garden allotments are two of the ideas which are being explored for the area once occupied by the infields of the friary. One suggestion being considered is that a patron supports the work of landscaping and re-developing the site. Decisions as to the future use of the lands around Blackfriary will be made in consultation with the local community for the common good. Ms O'Carroll said it might be possible to transform a derelict site into one of the most pleasant sites in Trim. Deputy Ray Butler praised the project, saying it had the potential to be good for the community as well as good for tourism and the local economy. He said he liked the idea of getting local people actively involved in the work on the site and in its future use.