Church (in Ruins) — Killegy Lower

In the SE quadrant of a graveyard (KE066-082004-). A rectangular structure (7.45m E-W; 4.88m N-S) entered through a segmental arched door ope with rough voussoirs at the W end of the N wall. There is a single cut-limestone jamb on the E side of the door ope and a corbel supporting arch on the W side. A central window in the E wall has an arched embrasure with moulded corners and a round-headed light (Wth 0.2m; H 0.53m). A central window in the W wall with a rectangular light (Wth 0.82m; H 0.8m) and two holes for glazing bars in the sill. Altar at E end with low platforms on either side. Wall press at E end of N and S wall. Pointed vaulted plank centred roof, corbel support for centering in N and S wall. Tower-like W gable is ornately stepped with bellcote atop gable. According to Barrington (1976, 206), the old reconstructed church was built over the grave of Col Maurice Hussey. According to a wall plaque in the chapel it was built as a 'family mortuary chapel by Maurice Hussey of Cahernane … 1714'. Skinner (1945, 6) also suggests remains of the old church was converted into a family mortuary in the SE quadrant of the graveyard. However the earlier church (KE066-082001-) is indicated on the 1848 OS 6-inch map as a cruciform church in the SW quadrant of the graveyard. Compiled by: Elizabeth Byrne, Ursula Egan and Sheila Ronan, Archaeological Survey Unit, University College, Cork. Date of upload: 31 January 2011