Penitential station in Balla

In the village of Balla, located adjacent to a holy well (MA090-024001-). This is one of two stone-built penitential stations, the other being (MA090-024002-), that were associated with the holy well. They are indicated on the 1838 OS 6-inch map as ‘Monuments’, and are described OS Letters (1838) as follows: 'There are also two little pillars of mason-work called by the people Station Monuments (leachta) and used as such, on top of which are two small crosses, one on each, and on which are fixed (in the work of which are placed) two stones, one on each, with inscriptions on them dated 1733.' The inscription was a Latin dedication to the Mother of God. No trace of the penitential stations is now evident, but according to local information, their original location is marked by two low, contiguous heaps (max. diam. c. 3m) of loose stone and earth, located c. 6m E of the well. A small stone cross (shaft H 0.37m; arm L 0.30m), with the inscription ‘IHS’ barely legible in low relief at its centre, is set in concrete in a building (MA090-024003-) adjacent to the holy well. It is possible that this is one of the crosses that surmounted the penitential stations. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 25 June 2018

Penitential stations in Balla are associated with local Catholic pilgrimage traditions, often linked to nearby holy wells used for prayer and healing. These stations were used by penitents during processions, particularly on significant feast days, as part of devotional practices seeking spiritual renewal and physical cures.