Old R C Chapel — Buttevant

In Buttevant, forming part of S boundary wall of graveyard attached to Convent of Mercy. Named 'Old R.C. Chapel' on 1842 OS 6-inch map and shown as rectangular structure with projection on N side (off-centre to E); symbol for 'site of antiquity' marks it on 1937 OS 6-inch map. Portion of S wall of church survives (L 18m; max. H 2.8m; T 1m), of random-rubble limestone construction. Blocked window ope in central highest section, with cut-limestone edging stones visible inside may be part of an earlier nunnery (14385). Internal (N) side of wall has statue of St Joseph inserted into a blocked ope. Towards W end of wall is a blocked ope, visible on external (S) side, which appears to be part of doorway with cut stone jambs; similarly blocked ope on E side appears to be remains of window with masonry surround. Plaque on N side of wall, erected 1896, reads 'on the adjoining site stood the old thatched chapel of Buttevant and beneath are deposited the remains of the Rev James Roche P.P. (1779-1807) which were laid at gospel side of the altar, without headstone or inscription'. Second memorial stone in Latin commemorates person named Donegan who died 1774. Lane at S side of wall, named 'Chapel Lane' on 1842 OS 6-inch map and 'Mill Lane' on 1906 and 1937 OS 6-inch maps, leads to corn mill (15205). Replaced in 1830s by present church (14735) on main street. 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. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009