What is recorded here

Russan's Church vanished behind pasture and memory, leaving only a faint circular shadow on old maps. The site marked a grave yard and worship place within Killaspugmullane parish, yet no wall, stone or doorway remains visible to touch. What is certain is that the church existed, was recorded, and was lost; what is not certain is how much of its life has already slipped away.

In pasture, on E-facing slope. Depicted on 1842 OS 6-inch map as large dotted circle (diam. c. 110m) labelled 'Grave Yd' (CO064-014002-), with rectangular dotted structure in SE quadrant labelled 'site of church'. No visible surface trace. According to Power (1923, 176), 'the large circular surrounding fence was thrown down within the last half century', he gives the site as 'Cill Rossaín (Russan's Church)'. Large circular enclosure suggests possible remains of early monastery (CO064-014001-). One of two churches (the other CO064-012001-) 'in good repair' in Killaspugmullane parish in 1615 (Brady 1863, vol. 1,153). 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

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