Font in Ballyboodin

Recovered from the Gowl River some years ago and replaced in the church. (Carrigan 1905, 229). A large granite stone (W. c. 0.3m, dept. c. 0.18m) with a perforation in the centre. This is the church of St. Aedhog, Maedhog or Mogue. (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 229-30). Rectangular area (dims. c. 9.2m N-S, c. 6.2m E-W) constructed of rough limestone boulders. The South wall is best preserved (W. c. 0.6m) only the foundations of the other walls are visible. No architectural features visible. Described by Carrigan as 'The churchyard (LA029-041002-) of 'Kyleogue' or 'Killogue' is situated in the townland of Ballybooden. The church (LA029-041001-) has disappeared, not even a trace of its foundations being left. But few interments take place here now. There is but one inscribed tomb; it dates about 1850. Some years ago the holy water font, recovered from the Gowl River, to which, perhaps, pious hands had committed it, to save it from desecration, was again brought back to the churchyard; it is of freestone, very rough, with bowl 12 in. in diameter and 7 in. deep.' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 229). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

The font in Ballyboodin, associated with the church of St. Aedhog, Maedh, is a large granite stone with a central perforation, likely dating to the early medieval period. Its style and function suggest a Christian liturgical use, though specific builders and exact date remain unidentified.