Cash crisis keeps solstice in the dark
The annual airing of the winter solstice at the Newgrange site was cancelled this year due to "financial difficulty", organisers have revealed.
As one of the world's oldest archaeological monuments, which was constructed over 5,000 years ago, managers of the centre have been offering video footage of the winter solstice sun illuminating the area's underground passage for the past number of years and have streamed the video online since 2007.
Since its online debut, an average of 100,000 viewers from throughout the world have gathered around their computers to watch the annual event.
However, yesterday morning a number of historical buffs gearing up to watch the footage were left disappointed, and the Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre at Newgrange explained that they simply could not fund the live streaming this year because of the economic downturn.
A spokesperson said: "It's all down to finances, it's such a shame. In view of the current economic climate, the funds just weren't there. However, we're optimistic that we will be able to resume it in the next few years.
"I'm sure lots of people were frustrated. The streaming really widened our family of solstice watchers. We are aware that a lot of people are disappointed and we are a little ourselves to be honest."
The streaming is funded by the Office of Public Works and costs around €20,000 to air.
"We are hopeful that we can continue to air it again in the coming years," the spokesperson added.
cmcbride@herald.ie
- Caitlin McBride
