Dysart ch. (in Ruins) — Aghnacross

Marked on the 1563 map of Leix and Offaly (Hore 1863, f.p. 345). Associated with St Monahan who died in 648 (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 105-6). His feastday is commemorated on the 2nd of January (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 105-106). Situated beside river in undulating countryside. Within a roughly triangular graveyard, which is defined by an earthen bank (Wth c. 1m; int. H c. 1.1m; ext. H c. 0.5m) from NE-SE, is a nave and chancel church (Wth c. 6.6m, L. c. 12.7m, wall T c. 0.9m) built of roughly coursed limestone. Doorway, and ope in N and S walls, and ope in W gable. The segemental chancel arch (Wth c. 2.5m, T. c. 0.85m) is constructed of sandstone. All visible headstones postdate 1700. Described by Comerford as 'The ruins of the former parochial church of Dysart Gallen still remains. The old ecclesiastical building here has been divided into, nave and choir…The choir is utterly ruinous, as indeed it is described to have been so far back as 1615, as we find from the Liber Regalis Visitationis of that date. The foundations show it to have been about 20 feet in length by 14 in width. The nave walls are in much better preservation. These measure 40 feet in length by 20 in breadth. The walls are over three feet in thickness. A great part of the side walls are removed, but in two of them doorways may yet be traced. Two windows are also visible. The western gable is still very perfect, but it is terminated by a tottering belfry. A large window likewise topped it. A gable wall surmounted the beautifully pointed arch near the choir. The base of an old cross (LA030-011003; LA030-047002-) is to be seen built into a wall in the adjacent roadside. This has been probably removed from its former place in connection with the church' (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 105). 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