Binne’s Boulder

Once upon a time

There was a giant called Binne

Who lived in the woods

We now call Curraghbinny

When you are walking there

You will surely see

How the paths are made

For someone the size of three

Wander up the trail

All the way to his grave

And from it make sure

To give a giant wave

Over to the big

Huge, massive boulder

That he once had the strength

To throw all the way over

Across the water

Reaching as far

As Crosshaven village

And the old Kennefick’s bar

-          Cat Heffernan

About Binne’s Boulder

My boys love wandering around Curraghbinny Woods, following the trails all the way to the Giant’s Grave.

It blew their minds altogether to discover that the boulder sitting just down the road from our house—right in the middle of Crosshaven village—was thrown there by that very same giant. That he was so big and so strong he could pick it up in one hand and hurl it all the way across the water.

I penned the little poem below, which was published in The Carrigdhoun Newspaper, about this incredible feat and beautiful piece of local folklore.