Rathcooney Church (in Ruins) — Rathcooney

In centre of graveyard (CO063-087001-), as shown on 1842 OS 6-inch map. Ruins of rectangular church (12.7m E-W; 6.7m N-S); E and W gables have broken edges and missing tops; side walls stand to near full height but gap near centre of S wall (L c. 1.2m), centre section of N wall rebuilt. Central round-headed door in W wall of late 17th century appearance (H 2.15m; Wth 1.1m), with outer surround of plain limestone blocks - keystone and block capitals slightly enlarged. Large central round-headed ope in E wall rising from ground level (H 3.5m; Wth 2m) with arch formed of long, narrow voussoirs similar to internal arch for W doorway. Ope inserted; size might indicate originally intended as archway into chancel, of which there is no visible surface trace. In 1700 (Lunham 1909, 172) described as 'in good repair....well furnished with seats and pulpit, the communion table railed in .... walls plastered on the inside .... Capt. St. Leger's father got this church repaired about 20 years ago by a presentment at the assizes'. Though repaired c. 1680 core of church could be earlier in date. Parish church of Rathcooney; out of use by 1837 (Brady 1863, vol. 1, 53). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009