Expert confirms bones discovered in Abbeylands are human
An archaeologist has today confirmed that bones unearthed earlier this week at a Cavan Town site are human remains.
Some partial human skeletal remains have been discovered during the planned archaeological excavations at the carpark of the former Donohoe's Foodfare between Bridge Street and Abbey Street are believed to be historic.
The area is part of the St Mary’s Franciscan Abbey site, and the council say the remains could date from the 1800s.
Gardaí attended the scene this morning (Friday) as a matter of protocol and are satisfied the discovery is not a policing matter.
Contractors had been digging a series of trenches to establish if there are features of archaeological significance in this historic area of Cavan town in advance of commencing work on the Abbeylands project.
A Cavan County Council spokesperson today outlined: "These partial skeletal remains were discovered in one of five trenches excavated, and initial investigations indicate that these remains relate to peripheral burials which may have taken place outside the main Abbey graveyard. The remains discovered do not appear to be complete burials and have been extensively disturbed previously by urban development in the town, which could date back as far as the 19th century.
"Though this discovery is of some archaeological interest, it is not thought to be of major historical significance. As is standard practice, the National Monuments Service has been informed of the discovery.
"A full archaeologist’s report will be prepared and submitted to the National Monuments Service and Cavan County Council will await their recommendation as to the next steps to be taken with regard to this discovery."
Comments have been sought from National Monuments.
A council spokesperson had told the Celt on Thursday that nothing of any archaeological significance had been discovered at any site in the Abbeylands. It has emerged that confusion on the nature of the find arose as bones from animals were also discovered in a separate trench.
This site is key to the council's ambitious Abbeylands project, which is expected to greatly enhance this section of the town centre for both commercial and recreational purposes. Cavan County Council bought the Donohoe's site for approximately €500,000 at the start of this year.
The area is adjacent to the Franciscan Abbey, with its famous bell tower the only feature surviving. Originally the abbey was on a much larger site, stretching down to the current Bridge Street carpark, and is likely to have included the area where the remains were found.
The Council spokesperson concluded:
"Since the inception of the Abbeylands Masterplan, Cavan County Council has been cognisant that, given the historic nature of the region, some discoveries of this nature are to be expected. With that in mind, this archaeological excavation has been conducted at the outset to ensure that any future developments in the area will complement and enhance the area’s rich heritage."