The Middle Kingdom

Ireland once had five provinces. The smallest was the kingdom of Meath – or Midhe – meaning the Middle Kingdom.

The story, as told by Gerald of Wales (1146-1223), was that, sometime in the Dark Ages, four brothers divided Ireland between them and then allotted their youngest brother, Slanius (or Slaine), a small portion of each their share so he would not feel hard done by.

Slanius is said to have gratefully received these allotments. He soon expanded his little kingdom and in due course became the first High King. The original sharing-out is believed to have taken place on the Hill of Uisneach, the mystic centre of Ireland. There is a huge boulder there called the Stone of the Divisions, said to mark the exact spot.

Fifty-five years ago, I was