Church in Carrignagroghera

In Fermoy, in commanding position on N side of Blackwater River. C of I parish church of Fermoy, known as Christ Church. Built in 1802 on new site to the design of A. Hargrave, and consecrated in 1809 (Brunicardi 1984, 4-6). Built of random-rubble dark stone with lightly coloured stone detail. Wide rectangular nave (long axis E-W) with tower at W end and shallow apse at E end roofed with hipped continuation of main roof. Triple-light round headed E-window of limestone. Large round headed window in side walls of nave have limestone surrounds; at W end of side walls is blind rectangular window-like niche with oval niche overhead, both outlined in light stone; similar features form sides of apse. Tall 2-storey tower at W end topped by spire; original spire removed in 1820s and replace sometime later with the present one. Tall round-headed door in S wall of tower is main entrance. Access to interior not gained. Mortar, or water stoup (H 10in; diam. 11in; D 6in) discovered in nearby garden in early 20th century, now in church; this has four carved faces, one damaged, set between vertical rolls (see Zajac et al. 1995, 38-9, plate 4); described by Day as a 13th/14th century mortar (Abbot 1928, 48); according to local tradition, came from nearby Cistercian abbey (14384). 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