Church (in Ruins) — Clonenagh

Clonenagh meaning the Ivy meadow was a monastery founded by St. Fintan around 548 (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 291). His feast day was celebrated on the 17th of February (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 291). In 1576 Robert Hartpole of Carlow was granted the ‘manor of the Blackeforde (LA014-045----), a castle in Monyferricke (LA014-100----), Rathmadocke alias the Blackeforde, the lands of Moniferick, Rathmadock alias the Blackeforde, Kilteighan, Garrans, Kilgessin, Ballekilkavan, Dromlin alias Killiclery, Inche alias Ballicowley, and Bavon an old castle in Colvanacre (LA008-015----) alias Colbanahore [Coolbanagher], the lands of Colvanacre alias Colbanahore, Ballarighan, Killgenne, Ballenebeg, Shanebeg, Ballemolrone, and Ballenestraghe, the lands of Shrowle [Shrule] (LA032-012001-), Ballyhormer, Ballecollin, Rathduf, Garribriken, Aghatenan, and Cappescribedor, in the lordship of Slemarge, a ruinous castle and lands in Clonrere [Clonreher] (LA013-019----) alias Merickeston, lands in Cultwerin, Killclonhoberd, Ballekillkaraghe, Knockandiere, Rathnemanaghe, and lands of Killehide, Ballehide, Garrenoe, Ballinecard, Farrinduf, Rossemore, and Ballim’Kegane, in the lordship of Slemarge, the lands of Ballirahen, Rossenalgan, Garroughe, Dormoile, and Capoile, or Cappahoile, in the same lordship; the advowson of the rectory of S. Fenton [Fintan], of Clowenenaghe [Clonenagh] (LA017-003001-), diocese of Leighlen, all in Queen’s co.. To hold for ever, by the service of a fouth part of a knight’s fee; rent £26 1s. 2d., Maintaining six English horsemen’ (Nicholls 1994, 376). Archdall writing in 1786 states that 'Clonenagh is now a Parish Church of the Diocese of Leighlin. The adjoining graveyard (LA017-003002-) is used as a place of interment chiefly of Protestants; on the opposite side of the road is another cemetery (LA017-003007-) in which Catholics are exclusively interred' (Comerford 1883-86, vol. 3, 298). Situated on a slightly elevated area. St Fintans Well (LA017-003003-) and Holy Tree (LA017-003004-) located to the N of the church. Low motte or possible ringwork (LA017-003009-) located in field immediately S of church and graveyard. A second burial ground with possible church site (LA017-003023) that was known in the 19th century as St Bridget's graveyard (LA017-003008-) is located in field to E of church with a second graveyard (LA017-003007-) located across the main road to the N of the church. A sixteenth-century nave (Wth c. 8.6m), and chancel (Wth c. 6.4m, L c. 8.9m) church built of roughly coursed sandstone and limestone rubble. The nave is only discernible at the cross-wall. The E gable contains a two-light limestone window with tracery. It is lightly hammer-dressed and has bar-holes and glazing-grooves. The sandstone chancel arch (Wth c. 3.55m, T c. 1.4m) has a central rib of finely hammer-dressed limestone. Immediately above the apex of the arch is a sandstone rectangular shaped window with flat chamfered head. No original opes visible in N or S walls. Good evidence of external lime render on walls of chancel, church located in E quadrant of large graveyard (LA017-003002-). A large number of uninscribed grave-markers and headstones, post 1700 AD in date, are visible in the surrounding subrectangular graveyard; also a block of sandstone with a skull and cross-bones in relief, and a corbel with a human face (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 291-9). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: David Sweetman Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 16 November 2015