Leitrim Church (in Ruins) — Ballynalacken

In centre of graveyard (14544). Ruin of rectangular church (int. 18.6m E-W; int. 6.1m N-S), built of mud-mortared sandstone rubble. Walls, densely overgrown with ivy, mostly survive to full height, though sections of outer facing have collapsed. East wall low in centre with gap for central window barely discernible; photographs of 1913 (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 4, opp. 19) shows window as narrow opening covered by segmental arch, light missing. Round-arched wall press at S end of E wall and E end of N wall (side-by-side). South wall has collapsed area (L 3.1m) towards centre. At E end of S wall is lintelled wall press, rear collapsed outwards; immediately to W is window embrasure with splayed ingoings, missing its light. Towards W end is doorway with straight sides (Wth 1.19m), covering arch collapsed, door surround missing. Photograph of 1913 (ibid.) shows doorway covered by flat arch, chamfered door surround had round arch and with holy water stoup in W jamb. North wall has doorway just W-of-centre, covered by flat arch, outer door surround collapsed. West wall is low, featureless. Interior clear of overgrowth; in centre of W half is 19th century chest tomb (Campion). Parish church of Leitrim; surviving remains late-medieval in appearance. Reported 'in repair' in 1615, abandoned by 1694 (Brady 1863, vol. 2, 304). A church here listed in Papal Taxation of 1291 (ibid.). 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