What is recorded here

Fr. O'Connor's well in Borris Great, County Laois, still leaks through a wet patch south-west of the old church. Called the Priest's Well before taking his name, it suggests generations drew water there for prayer or healing. The ground remains damp, remembering hands that cupped it when the world was smaller and the sacred lived inside ordinary things.

To SW of church site (LA013-022001-). Indicated by a wet patch of ground. Formerly known as the Priest's Well, now known as Fr. O'Connor's well (O'Dooley n.d., 5). 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

Linked to Saint Patrick, the well is traditionally associated with healing and pilgrimage, with the name "Priest's Well" suggesting its use in early Christian ritual or blessing practices. Local tradition may have later attached it to a more recent figure, Fr. O'Connor, reflecting evolving devotional practices.

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