Explanation Card Reads:

Above the village of Slane, the first Easter fire was lit by St. Patrick in 433 to symbolize the arrival of Christianity to Ireland.  A Monastery was built on the Hill of Slane in the 6th century, but little is known about it.  The ruins atop the hill today are what remain of the Franciscan friary and college, having been ravaged in turn by Vikings, Normans, and Cromwell's troops.  This cross design was developed and inspired by a cross at the present-day ruins.  The shamrocks, of course, are a symbol Ireland and seem to represent "everything Irish". The heart and rays streaming from it represent Christ, the Light of the world.  The small bosses of spirals represent spiritual growth. Along the sides of the shaft we have added a well-known Irish Blessing. "May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks."