Oughaval Church (in Ruins) — Carricksallagh

St Coleman whose feastday is commeorated on the 15th of May, founded a monastery here in the sixth century. In 1616 the later church and its chancel were in good repair (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 323-326). It is situated on high ground overlooking Stradbally to the N. The later medieval church, constructed of roughly coursed limestone, was subsequently greatly modified by the Cosbys who built their family burial vault within the nave (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 324-6). As a result, the ground-floor level of the chancel (L c. 10.45m, Wth c. 9.15m, T c. 4.2m) is now higher than that of the nave (L c. 17.4m, W. c. 6.75m, T. c. 1.9m). A three-light window, with later ninteenth century insertions, survives in E wall of chancel. Evidence of drafting is visible on three windows in N and S walls. Over the chancel lies a barrel-vault and loft, with a possible wall-walk on N and S walls. A two storey square tower projects from NW angle of nave. Within nave, a nineteenth century doorway leads to the Cosby vault. The circular enclosure (LA019-003003-) defining the graveyard (LA019-003002-) was removed by the Poor Law Guardians and replaced by a modern square one (ibid.). According to the History of the Queens County this church was located near the Ballaghmore or 'great road' that ran between Stradbally to Carlow surviving up until the early eighteenth century (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 323). This place was previously known as Druimnetogha or Druimtogher, the ridge road probably from the ancient road that ran near this placed (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 324). 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. Date of upload: 17 December 2007