Labbamolaga Church (in Ruins)

To the SW of centre of a graveyard (CO010-003002-), within an early ecclesiastical enclosure (CO010-003001-) and c. 3m to the N of an earlier church (CO010-003004-). Remains of the parish church of Templemolaga, consisting in the ruin of a rectangular structure (11.85m E-W; 7.15m N-S) built of squared sandstone blocks (Wth of E wall 1m). It was reported 'in ruins' in 1615 (Brady 1863, vol. 2, 114), and heavily reconstructed by OPW; only the basal course is original; the entrance (Wth 0.8m), at the extreme W end of the S wall, does not appear to be original though no other opes survive. The W wall is entirely rebuilt, not necessarily on the original line. The reconstruction incorporates a sharpening stone and two quern fragments into the top of the S wall and a bullaun stone (CO010-003008-) atop the N wall. The character of the original masonry and the plinth at the base of the S wall appear Romanesque in date; in the mid-19th century, Windele (Grove White 1905-25. vol. 4, 4-5) described a doorway, probably at the W end, with one jamb remaining, 'the external angle...formed into a column. In the [earlier church (CO010-003004-)] is a cap of a column...'. Cleary (1995) noted five roll-moulded blocks, presumably from the doorway, Romanesque in appearance, built into the inner face of the W graveyard wall. A secondary structure, with narrower walls (6m E-W; 2m N-S; Wth of walls 0.48m), was added onto the E end of the church; the entrance (Wth 0.77m), off-centre in the S wall, does not have cut stone jambs. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. This is a National Monument in State Ownership (no. 18). Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009