On the 25th of July 2012 Lt.-Col. Charles Artaud Byrne CCR visited Ballinacor estate in Wicklow where he was guided to places of personal interest by estate worker Declan Byrne. One of the most memorable moments was the visit to the Fananierin, the very spot where Fiach Mac Hugh was executed by the English in 1597.
Charles was accompanied on his visit by Derek Byrne, Edward Byrne Jnr. and Edward Byrne Snr. Together they said a prayer in silence at the place where Fiach lost his life.
Another great moment came as the party drove out of the estate when the ancient buriel site of Charles’ ancestors was pointed out to him across a field.
Following lunch, all four travelled to the graveyard of the Seven Churches in Glendalough were more relatives of Charles, the Croney Byrnes, are interred. Derek, Edward Jnr. and Edward Snr. were also able to visit the grave of one of their ancestors, Edward Byrne of Downings.
It was a very emotional day and an historic moment for Clan O’Byrne of Leinster.