Killeenoghty Church (in ruins)

Medieval church of Cill Fhíonnachta / church of Fíonnachta, anglicised Killeenoghty stood in the centre of a rectangular-shaped graveyard (LI022-057002-) both of which lie in the S quadrant of a large oval-shaped ecclesiastical enclosure (LI022-057003-). Described in 1840 as 'Teampal na Sgeach is a local name signifying, "the church of the whitethorn bushes". It received this name because several large white thorn bushes stand here. These ruins are about 46 feet [14m] long and about 20 feet [6m] broad. The walls are razed to the ground. There is a small graveyard around them' (OSNB, 1085). The Ordnance Survey letters recorded that the name of this parish is in 'Irish Cill Fhionachta which signifies the Cell or Church of Fionachta [Fionshneachta], who is believed to have been a Saint' (OSL, 148). Westropp (1904-5, 381) recorded the following details on Killeenoghty; ‘Parish in Pubblebrian. Kyllanatan, 1201; Killanajan, Keilinoghtan, or Keilnaghan, separate from Killonaghan, 1410; "Ec. de Killynatan vendicabatur perprebendarium de Kylbekan sed fuit in man. Epi.," 1418; Kyllynoghtie, 1584 (O'Brien's Inq.); Killentaten, 1615 b.; Killinaten "mearing with Knockdrowmessill" (Petty, 69; D.S. (B) 21; Civil Survey, p. 5). Cillpionpneacca Called Teampull na Sceac, or "Church of the Bushes," 1840. Site - The foundations measured 46 feet [14m] by 20 feet [6m]; no other trace was found in 1840 (O.S.L. 14, E. 8, p. 381). Outline of church visible today on Digital Globe aerial photographs. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 03 January 2019