Burial ground in Ballyknockan

The files of the National Museum of Ireland records that in June 1968 human remains were discovered during tree felling near Portlaoise, Co. Laois (Cahill & Sikora 2011, Vol. 2, 488). The remains were found in the root ball of a tree, which was apparently 60-80 years old at the time of felling. More remains were discovered in the immediate vicinity. The site was reported to the Coroner and the Gardaí who informed the National Museum. The site was visited by Joseph Raftery. According to Raftery's report, the burials had been inserted into the mound of earth which had been thrown up behind an old lime kiln, which was still visible. As the burials would therefore appear to have been of relatively recent date, they were reburied locally (NMI File). Compiled by : Caimin O'Brien Date of upload / revision : 10 August 2012