Mass-rock in Killaclohane

Folklore collected from Castlemaine School about the the mass rock in Killaclohane known locally as Carrig an Aifrinn (Mass Rock) or Poll an Aifrinn (Mass Pit) recorded the following tradition; 'Carrig an Aifrinn or (Stony Church) is situated south of Castlemaine and east of Milltown. Many tales, some tragic are told concerning this ancient Mass rock. Records tell us that on the 7th June 1651 two priests, one Father Cornelius Mc Carthy and the other Fr. Thaddeus Moriarty were captured while holding there a general station. Both were taken under escort to Fair Hill, now known as Martyrs Hill and were executed there. Those were the only arrests, as the people and the other priests escaped safely. This place is also known as Poll an Aifrinn, because of the many holes which are shaped like birds' nests surrounding it. Those hollows were capable of holding hundreds of people secretly from view even from a person standing ten yards away. The Mass rock is a beautiful rock shape of a heart and stands on the brink of two holes. It affords a nice hiding place as it is surrounded by a large wood, which at that time was densely planted with larch and oak. In the vicinity is also seen mounds and curious stones which are believed to be grave marks of early days. A few Cromlechs are to be seen also there. Mass was celebrated there as late as 64 years ago by the late Rev. Batt OConor P. P. Milltown when a convert was received into the church. She was an Indian Princess who came on a holiday to Kilcolman, and like the saints of old she chose the Cloister for silence. She received her first Communion at this holy spot. Many call there to pray, and many names both past and present are carved into the rock. As Ecclesiastical records would mention in the winding up of their history many pass this historic spot unmindful of the scenes unacted there and those who laid down their lives for the true faith' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0433, Pages 036-7;https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4687710/4686094). A second story collected from Castlemaine School about Poll an Aifrinn (Mass Pit) recorded the following tradition; 'Poll an Aifrinn is a name given to a holy stone and place, where Mass was offered in the Penal days, it can be seen yet. It is situated about 500 yards from the entrance to Kiloclohane wood from the Castlemaine side. It happened that a few young men from the surrounding district (it was a great custom in those days) went killing birds by night equipped with splinters oil and matches. They went on to the wood, it was Xmas night, the night was very wild and this suited the purpose. When they landed at the wood they fixed up their lights and prepared for a good night's haul. They travelled on for about three hours, and could not meet any bird. At last their lights quenched. To add to their misfortune. They having plenty matches and oil, they could not light their torch, so they were left in darkness in the middle of the wood. They got indread (afraid) it was now about mid-night Xmas Eve. They thought of going home, when suddenly they heard a bell ringing at Poll an Aifrinn louder and plainer than you would hear a church bell on Sunday for Mass. They then thought of the night they had, and said it was not right to be out on Xmas night. They landed home safely and never again went out (torching) during Xmas. This is a true story and happened about 50 years ago' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0433, Pages 030-1; https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4687710/4686088). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 23 May 2022