Scattery Island: The Pattern at Scattery
Clare County Library
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A Pattern is a religious rite at holy wells and places. The Scattery Pattern was held at the beginning of March, often on Easter Monday, and celebrated St. Senan's victory over the Cathach. A description of the pattern is recorded on a stone which was removed from the island when the pattern was suppressed by Dean Kenny in the early 1800s, as the occasion was being marred by drunkenness. This description outlines the route of the pattern and the prayers to be recited at the 11 prayer stones:

'In the name of God, Amen
Bare head, bare feet, all pious Christians are to kneel
At every station say or read, five Paters, Aves and a Creed
Five times round each blessed place
singing hymns and partner (? pater beads)
Round the altar is a first
And two noted stations on the strand annex (? are next)
Round the island on the water's edge:
Fourth, the Nun's tomb on the strand du (sic) west.
Whoever kneels and read (sic) a prayer will not meet a watery grave. Bringing up a stone to Monument Hill perform there and that's the fifth. Sixth, N. East a place called Laoth and at Our Lady's church women stop. Eighth, the large church. Ninth is the Srs (? Saviour's).
Tenth is the bed called St. Synan's grave.
The well is eleventh finish and pray for ye souls of ye erectors of this blessed place.'

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