R. C. Church — Ballynagall

Reference to a thatched chapel built in 1686 by a member of the Hartpole family (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 2, 579). Situated atop high ground with excellent views of surrounding countryside. It was subsequently replaced by the modern church. No early grave-markers visible. Described in the History of the Queen's County as 'The earliest place of worship in this parish of which any record remains was the thatched chapel built in 1686, of which Grose gives an illustration and description. It was erected he says by a lady of the family of Hartpole. In one of the transepts there was 'a small chapel which was the place of interment of the Grace family'. According to the published memoirs of this family this ancient thatched chapel was replaced in 1795 by a structure of better class. This in its turn, yielded place to the present beautiful edifice, to the erection of which the munificence of Mrs. Grace, of Gracefield, largely contributed' (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 2, 579). 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