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Kennys Well — Gortavalla East

Holy well
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What is recorded here

Situated immediately E of a kink in a stream, in poorly drained pasture. Indicated on the 1927 OS 6-inch map as 'Kenny's Well'. Described by Ó Danachair (1955) as 'a clear spring well about three feet in diameter…the water cured many ailments. Locally called 'Saint Kenny's Well', reputed to be St Cainneach of Kilkenny. There is a legend that the well moved when an infant was washed in it'. The site is now covered by overgrowth but there appears to be a circle or square of rocks around the spring (Wth c 0.5m). The well no longer seems to be in holy use. See attached photos taken in 1954 by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, courtesy of and © National Folklore Collection, UCD. The Photographic Collection, F025.21.00288 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/24544 and F025.21.00287 accessible online at www.duchas.ie/en/cbeg/17028. Compiled by: Denis Power Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 1 October 2020

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