After our recent visit to Cloneagh Church in Co. Laois, I drove back up the road to a cemetery I had spotted in search of some cross slabs which were said to be nearby. When I pulled up I noticed this rather ugly looking tree on the side of the road. A notice board said that it was known as St. Fintan Tree? It also claimed that the tree was only planted about 200 years ago, So what is it connection to Fintan of Cloneagh whom died over 1400 years before? Well for one it was planted on the site of the early Christian monastery of Cloneagh. Then you have the tale of the nasty farmer. Apparently this local farmer got annoyed by the amount of people visiting the Holy Well which was once associated to Fintan. As the well was on his private land, he decided to fill it in. After this the water from the well was said to have sprung up across the road in between the roots of the tree. And so this young sycamore tree became a place of pilgrimage for many.
The tree came to be known as “The Money Tree” after it became customary for people to hammer coins into its bark as thanks for the Saints’ help for some intention. Like many other rag tree’s you may also find cloths attached to the tree as was customary at Holy well locations around the country. Now I have no issue with tying rags on a tree if that is your custom. But hammering coins into a tree really gets me annoyed. The fairy tree on the Hill of Tara in Co. Meath suffered a similar experience from ignorant people jamming coins into its bark. Thankfully a group of concerned individuals spent some time and a lot of hard work in removing the offending items from the tree. Fintan’s money tree was not so fortunate though. It was said to have been blown down in 1994, and the current tree is a re-growth from the remaining stump. Unfortunately there are still some idiots who insist on hammering coins into the bark of the tree. This can be clearly seen to damage the tree as there are signs of metal poisoning in not only the leaves but the trunk itself. The holy water spring can no longer be seen, but its clear that people still come here as was custom many years ago.
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Why do they do it Eddie? Is it a tradition for luck? Oh no I see, as thanks.
Ive never heard of that before. The Sycamore must be an amazing tree and long lived.
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It survived a storm only to be in a very bad state of decay from metal poisoning. Dont see it surviving if people continue this 😦
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Its sad… and I cant help thinking.. So strange.
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Very interesting about the money tree. Why would hurting a tree bring the offender any sort of good luck? Another good historical image and post.
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Thanks Robert, It never ceasesto amaze me how stupid people can be. I know people would throw coins into a wishing well, but this is just crazy
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🙂
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Thank you for a very interesting story. Maybe the owner can put a bucket left to the tree and attach a note saying money goes in here? So sad for the tree. Helen
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What a great idea Helen, they could use it the funds to replant all the trees that have been damaged around the country 😃
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Ive seen various ‘fairy trees’ on my travels around the ancient places of Ireland, but I’ve never seen or heard of this practice Ed! Amazing! Can they not see the damage they’re doing?
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Yes indeed, the one out at Tara was the latest victim, I guess they must think it’s ok, even though the notice board tells them not too.
Sure they are far to busy breaking their own gods laws. Was worshipping false idols I.e. (saints) not one of the commandments of the old testament? Oh well if their god does not give them a hiding for being dumbasses maybe ours will, lol💪
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Oh ok, not MOONEY tree…MONEY tree. 😛
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Gee your in flying form 🙂
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lol
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Reading the notes on treecouncil.ie this is a re growth of the original tree blown down in 1994 & they note it was thriving then despite the metal. I remember this tree being spoken about when I was a child. I understand there have been many of these trees at this site over a long period. Interesting to read of the damage & see your great photos.
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Thank you 🙂
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Too bad those who want to give coins to say thanks can’t donate those coins to a good cause!
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For sure, it would make sense to put a donation box nearby for something worthy 🙂
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Great article – and so sad about poisoning the tree.
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Thank you, its a real shame.
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Nooo. people can be so daft about nature. That poor tree. It’s trying to live.
This reminds me of how bridges are in danger of collapsing because of the love lock trend… and then people throw the keys into the water on top of it. Nothing says, “you’re mine forever” like destroying infrastructure and then littering in a waterway…
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