Church in Ballintaggart

O Murchadha (1960, 19-20) records Rosbeg as a parish from c. 1100 AD until the end of the 18th century, sometimes called Teampall Breacáin (modern townland of Ballybricken). The site of Rosbeg church (CO087-049----) was noted by Bishop Dive Downes in October 1700 as 'a heap of rubbish in Mr. Abraham Dicksons orchard at Ballbricken' (Lunham 1909, 176). The 1842 OS 6-inch map shows a walled garden NW of Ballybricken House, but in Ballintaggart townland which may be the location referred to above. This is also likely to be the site of the 'early Irish church and graveyard which O'Leary (1918, 159) describes as being in Ballintaggart townland 'on the lawn before Mr. Birds house'. Listed by Hurley (1982, 302-3) as one of the 'principal sites' of the early church in the south-west of Ireland. Area now occupied by industrial complex; no visible surface trace. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

The church in Ballintaggart, also known as Teampall Breacáin, was likely built by the local Gaelic community around the 12th century and served the parish of Rosbeg until the 18th century. Its significance lies in its long-standing role as a center of worship and its historical association with the O Murchadha family.