Description

‘Fascinating, strange, groundbreaking research in an area that intersects folklore, history, mythology and strength training’ THE BLINDBOY PODCAST

‘I found this book, unlike its weighty subject, easy to pick up and hard to put down’ PETER ROSS, AUTHOR OF UPON A WHITE HORSE

A compelling and heartwarming journey across Ireland to revive the lost tradition of stone lifting.

When world kettlebell lifting champion David Keohan heard about old tales of stone lifting, he was captivated. So he set off on a quest to see if he could rediscover any of these famous stones, and whether he could match the feats of the heroes of the past by lifting them to allow the wind beneath the stone once more.

Helped by a 1930s archive in which schoolchildren shared their local folklore, Keohan began to travel the country in search of the stones. They were often to be found hidden away in quiet villages or cemeteries, their purpose almost forgotten. But, as he journeyed round Ireland, he met those who recalled the stories of the stones, and the legends attached to them. Soon, others were joining him as he took on the challenge of lifting these pieces of history, the heaviest of which weighed well over 200 kilograms.

As Keohan’s efforts gathered more and more attention, he came to realise that this was more than a personal challenge. Stone lifting had become a way for Irish people to reclaim their lost heritage and to come together to celebrate what made their homeland special. The Wind Beneath the Stone is an inspirational story of hope, togetherness and community, revealing how a simple challenge can take on a life of its own.

Publisher Review

Fascinating, strange, groundbreaking research in an area that intersects folklore, history, mythology and strength training — THE BLINDBOY PODCAST A grand tale told with vigour and charm. I found this book, unlike its weighty subject, easy to pick up and hard to put down — PETER ROSS, author of Upon A White Horse A fascinating read … This book is not just about David’s ability to lift great stones. By answering the call of the stones, he has rediscovered a deep spiritual connection to the Draiocht – the magic – of the landscape, folklore, mythology, history and the language of Ireland. Through his relationship with the stones, he describes a journey of reclamation and healing, and of becoming at one with this land — EIMEAR BURKE, Chosen Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids A gripping and glorious tale of the rediscovery of a lost Irish custom and the hunting down of the stones of strength themselves, which amazingly turn out to survive all over the country. David Keohan reveals how folklore offers profound connection to the landscape and the past – and the fine adventure there is to be had in seeking out (and in his case lifting!) storied stones. — FIONA ROBERTSON, author of Stone Lands: A Journey of Darkness and Light Through Britain’s Ancient Places An excellent piece of literature embracing social history, folklore and storytelling with a nice literary style. A journey that enlightens and informs but also encourages us to reacquaint ourselves with what belongs to all of us: our language in its entirety and not just in its words — SEAN O COISDEALBHA