On a beach in County Waterford, David Keohan, also known as Indiana Stones, recently revived an ancient Irish tradition: stone lifting. He located a 115kg limestone boulder, wedged it loose, and successfully lifted it to his chest, a feat demanding considerable strength.
A Lost Culture Revived
Keohan, 47, has almost single-handedly brought back the practice of stone lifting in Ireland, sparking interest both domestically, and internationally. He describes the sport as more than just a test of physical power, stating, “It’s not just about strength. Every single lifting stone has an amazing story attached to it.” He believes this practice has “opened up a whole culture that was lost.”
Keohan, who maintains an Instagram presence as Indiana Stones, researches myth, folklore, and literature to locate these historically significant stones around Ireland. These stones were once used for centuries to test strength and foster community bonds.
The stones served various purposes, including tests of strength at funerals, harvest festivals, and as a form of assessment for aspiring stonemasons. Lifting a stone “a few inches above the ground” was known as “getting the wind under it,” and lifting it to the knees signified championship status.
A History of Decline and Rediscovery
The practice of stone lifting began to decline in the 18th and 19th centuries, exacerbated by British colonisation and the devastating impact of the Great Famine in the 1840s. However, the stones themselves remained largely untouched.
Keohan’s journey began during Covid-19 restrictions when he started using stones as weights. Inspired by similar traditions in Scotland, Iceland, and the Basque region, he embarked on a quest to rediscover Ireland’s own stone lifting heritage. He has so far identified 53 lifting stones across Ireland.
Enthusiasts are now traveling to locate and attempt to lift these stones, with one stone in County Clare inspiring female participation. A boulder known as Cloch Bán was even shipped to enthusiasts in Boston last year.
Cultural historian Conor Heffernan notes that stone lifting practices existed across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and that the legend of Finn McCool illustrates Ireland’s deep connection to its rocky landscape. Keohan and Heffernan are working to have stone lifting recognized as part of Ireland’s intangible cultural heritage.
Keohan, who works at a construction depot, is also the author of a forthcoming book, The Wind Beneath the Stone, and has embraced his nickname, Indiana Stones, with a potential PhD application on the horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lifting stones has David Keohan identified?
He has identified 53 lifting stones spanning beaches, fields, and graveyards, and hopes to locate dozens more.
What was the significance of lifting a stone to the chest?
Lifting a stone to the chest signified a “phenomenon of strength” and would result in the lifter being spoken about for generations.
What prompted Keohan to initiate stone lifting?
Covid restrictions closing gyms prompted Keohan to start using stones in his garden as weights, which led to his research into the ancient tradition.
As stone lifting gains momentum, will this ancient practice continue to connect people to Ireland’s rich cultural past and inspire a new generation of strength and storytelling?
