County Derry man keeping Irish tradition alive by lifting the heaviest stone in Ireland

A Maghera man has lifted the Sefin Stone, officially the heaviest stone in Ireland. 

Dee Maguire posted on Facebook a video of him lifting the 257 kg stone. 

Mr. Maguire’s post said: “What an unbelievable experience to recreate our history.”

Like Scotland, Iceland, and the Basque region, Ireland has a rich history of heavy stone lifting as a form of passage. 

Successfully lifting the stone marked ones transition from boy to man. They are also awkward to hold and are typically only lifted once. To lift a heavy stone is to prove one’s manhood, and a successful lift means a lifetime reputation as a strongman.

Mr. Maguire said: “Amazing to witness a crowd of around 60–70 people gathered around to watch the lifting as they once did 100’s of years ago!

“It was an amazing experience to put wind beneath the stone, and I’ll be back to lift it in better lighting soon.”

Mr. Maguire stated in his post that he was inspired by @_indiana_stones_ on Instagram. 

Indiana Stones posted on the social media platform last year about the history of lifting this Sefin Stone in County Derry. 

His post said: “The most incredible stone and story so far.

“Absolutely magical.

“This is the Sefin Stone (Se = Suí = Seat..Fin = Fionn McCumhaill..Seat of Fionn), situated near the top of a hill in Co. Derry.

“I met Deaglán ó Doibhlin, a wonderful local historian who gave me all the information on it. It used to be a chieftain's coronation stone; the people would ascend to the hilltop, and the chieftain would proclaim his right to rule.

“As this stone was touched by Fionn, it was a sacred stone.”

Maghera’s Mr. Maguire finished his post by letting everyone know this is not the end of him doing this ancient Irish tradition.

He said: “Then it’s onto the Scalp Stone in Omagh next!”