Church (in Ruins)

In a totally overgrown graveyard (KD029-013001-) which also contains a medieval graveslab (KD029-013002-). According to Fitzgerald (1912-14a, 336), ‘Jago, or Yago, was at one time the name of a distinct parish in the Barony of South Naas, but it is now incorporated in that of Ballymore Eustace. It comprised the Townlands of Gaganstown, Moorhill, Boleybeg and Ardinode. The parish church stood in the burial ground [KD029-013001-] in Anfield Demesne.' According to Ronan (1941a, 37 note 112), the church is mentioned first as ‘Domnachmor an Athechda’, in 1179. Described in 1837 by O’Keeffe in the OSL (Herity 2002, 62 (180)) as, ‘… a very small portion of an old church.’, with the local tradition of a castle (KD029-036----) having stood in this area, ‘in a place called “Cúl a Teampuill” situated near the site of the old church of Gaganstown …’. The use of the terms 'Domhnach' and 'Teampull' suggest a pre-Norman foundation, while Yagostown, the old name for Gaganstown, derives from ‘Jago/Yago’, St James. A local tradition persists today that pilgrims returning successfully from Santiago de Compostella in Spain contributed to the building and upkeep of the church. In 1615, the church and chancel were described as being ‘in good repair', but were in ruins by 1630 (IHS 1941a 37, 1941b, 78). The surviving ruins were recorded on the OS 25-inch map as an E gable wall (L. c 8m, orientated NNE-SSW) and the E end of the adjoining N sidewall (L c. 4m, orientated ENE-WSW). A rectangular hollow (L 8m NNW-SSE; Wth 3m NNE-SSW; D 1m) faced with thin mortared flags along the E-side is all that survives of the church above ground. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 05 September 2013

The church at Gaganstown was likely built in the medieval period, possibly as part of the ancient parish of Jago or Yago. Its style and dedication are not clearly recorded, but its association with a medieval graveslab and overgrown graveyard suggests local ecclesiastical significance in the medieval era.