What is recorded here

Kilballymacshonickeen hides behind Power’s house in Cloonnafinneela, its mounds buried under grass and forgetfulness. People still climb the steep slope to St Flainn’s Well on St John’s day, promising rounds before drinking water believed to ease sore eyes and child ailments. The dead remain unnamed beneath the green, while the living keep moving up and down the same path, sustaining a friendship older than memory.

The precise location of a burial ground known as 'Kilballymacshonickeen' has not been identified in the townland of Cloonnafinneela. Described in 1948 in the minute book of the County Kerry Field Club which recorded that; ‘To reach St Flainn's Well [Toberflyn KE022-023----] near Kilflyn, the party were directed to enquire at Power's on whose land the well is. The district is called Cloonnafinneela. Though the waters of the well have been diverted from their original site the people still continue to pay rounds up and down the steep slope through which the waters flow. the rounds are paid on St John's day and have to be promised beforehand. They are good in case of any ailment but particularly so in the case of sore eyes and child ailments. An ancient burial ground existed on the top of the slope North West; back of Power's house. this is overgrown and neglected but some trace of burial mounds may still be seen. The location of the burial ground is 'Kilballymacshonickeen' ' (Minute Book Co. Kerry Field Club Vol. 2, 826). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 13 June 2022

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.