Church in Ballymacelligott

The church listed 'Ecclesia Nova' in the 1302-6 papal taxation of the Deanery of Hacnye, diocese of Ardfert may have been the medieval church of Ballymacelligott (Cal. doc. Ire., 296). In 1477 there is a reference to the rectory of 'Ecclesiae Novae de Akymis' (O'Connell and Costello 1958, 26). Acccording to O'Connell and Costello this rectory was 'situated east of Tralee between the parishes of Ballyseedy and Nohoval, both of which are still marked on the O.S. map. That would identify Ecclesia Nova with the modern parish of Ballymacelligott. The name Akymis refers to the Aicme Chiarraighe whose location was the barony of Trughanacmy where the two rectories referred to in the present annate were situated. The mandate adds the information that the earl of Desmond was patron of the rectory of Ecclesia Nova' (ibid.). In 1596-7 advowson of the church of Ballymacelligott which was lately of the possession of Gerald, earl of Desmond was granted to George Isham of Brianstown, Co. Wexford (Nicholls 1994, 277-8). In 1612 a patent letter issued by King James 1 recorded the ‘presentation of Israel Taylor to Ballymcellygod otherwise Ellcott rect.[ory] and to Kilcomyne and Mullahaffe vic.[arages] in Ardfert dioc.[ese] vacant by the death of the last incumbent or otherwise, and in the King’s gift of full right or otherwise; united for this turn only on account of the smalleness of the incomes and their mutual proximity’ (Cal Pat Rolls Jas 1, 215). The 1615 Royal Visitation of the Diocese of Ardfert recorded the following details; 'Parsonadge of BallymcElligott and Vicar of Mollahiff. Nathaniell Langdon minister legens able to Cattechize. Valoris 20 marcarum. Affirmed by Mr. Harbert to be worth 30 libri' (Murphy 1915, 183). In 1841 the Ordnance Survey recorded the following details about Ballymacelligott Church; 'The site of the Old Church of this Parish is occupied by a Protestant one which was built in the year 1824' (O'Flanagan 1983, 64). 19th century C of I church in N quadrant of graveyard (KE039-215001-) was probably built on site of medieval church. No surface remains visible of medieval church of Ballymacelligott. The 19th century church was described by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) as a; 'Freestanding double-height Church of Ireland church, built c. 1820, with four-bay nave and single-bay two-stage cut-stone-built entrance tower to west gable end. Renovated and extended to east gable end, c. 1865, with single-bay double-height chancel having single-bay single-storey lean-to vestry projection added to north-east corner. Graveyard to site with various cut-stone grave markers and mausolea, c. 1820-present. Gateway, built c. 1820, to east comprising pair of cut-stone piers with wrought-iron gates. Rubble stone boundary walls' (NIAH Reg. No. 21303901; www.buildingsofireland.ie). Castle and church of Ballymacelligott depicted on 17th century map of County Kerry. See attached 17th century map of County Kerry showing Ballymacelligott Castle and Church. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 30 May 2022