GC1QV9Q The Duck of Maralin (Traditional Cache) in Ulster, Ireland created by DodgerM

This cache has been archived.

Cuilcagh: The cache owner is not responding to issues with this geocache, so I must regretfully archive it.

Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.

Cuilcagh - Community Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching HQ (Ireland)

GC1QV9Q ▼

A cache by DodgerM Message this owner

Hidden : 5/2/2009

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Magheralin - Maralin. An ecclesiastical centre since 8th Century and the main upstream Lagan town long before Lisburn and Hillborough.

Located near the River Lagan, Maralin is now a quiet litte village with some industry - Irwin's weaving factory and the "Bovril" which now makes mozeralla cheese. The village can be traced back to the 8th century and the remains of a 14th Century church and graveyard is where the cache is hidden. The cache is an irregular shape with room for a geocoin or small travelbug. The cache is not accessible by wheelchair users.

Please treat the graveyard with due respect and in particular, take care not to topple any headstones. The site is locked at night, (about an hour before dusk in the summer, and 4:30pm in the winter. Opens maybe about 7:30am.)

An interesting and unique characteristic of the village is the local nicknames that were given to areas of the town, many of which are a result of the village's commercial and industrial heritage. Flaybuck Lane, Squeezegut Entry, Skitter Hill, Sturabout Row, Crutch Hotel, Flinty Row and Duck Street, to name a few. Duck Street, the main Maralin to Donacloney Road, got its name from the weavers who became known as the "Ducks of Maralin" because they used duck grease to lubricate their looms. One of Magheralin's well-known sons is the poet James Malcolmson who wrote the poem "The Ducks of Maralin" which expresses so clearly the pride felt by the natives of this small village. Here's a link to a Youtube performance. (visit link)

Here're a few verses: altogether now ----
"Oh it's just a year ago today I went to see the Queen
She dressed me up in satin and its colour it was green
She decked me out in medals and they were all made of tin
Ah go home sez she you tinker yer the mayor of Magheralin.

Chorus:
Oh it is the finest city in the real old fashion style
A credit to the County Down the pride of the Emerald Isle
It has the finest harbour for the bread carts to sail in
And if ever to sail to Ireland you'll sail by Magheralin.

Oh you've all heard of Napoleon, Napoleon Bonaparte
He conquered half of Europe but left the other part
He tired to conquer Ireland but they would not give in
And he died in St. Helena when he thought of Magheralin. Chorus...

Oh you've heard of Cleopatra the treasure of the Nile
And how she conquered Tony with one alluring smile
She tired to conquer Ireland but they would not give in
And they beat her out with cabbage leaves in the town of Magheralin. Chorus... "

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Sbbg bs ryqre

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

This cache has been archived.

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The Duck of Maralin Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

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Geocache Description:

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