Kilfinny Church (in ruins) — Ballynakill

In centre of graveyard (LI030-011001), partially ivy-clad ruin of church, roofless but walls standing to full height, consisting of nave (14.1m E-W; 7.05m N-S) and chancel (6.2m E-W; 5.7m N-S); side walls of nave butt against E end wall of nave indicating chancel later addition. Entered through doorway near W end of S wall of nave; W side of door surround missing (see ill. OSL vol. 2, 129), E side composed of plain limestone jambs, the topmost one projecting to support large lintel (recently cracked) covering door; front face of lintel decorated with shallow rectangular projection (Wth 1.3m; H 0.25m; D 0.05m). Nave lit by much-damaged window near E end of S wall; single segmental-headed light. Opposite, high on N wall, is blocked ope. Wall between nave and chancel and chancel arch much rebuilt, probably when chancel converted to 'burial-place' for Pigott family in 1810 (Westropp 1904-5, 411); defaced limestone memorial on S wall of chancel erected in 1718 by John Pigot in memory of his family (Fitzgerald & McGregor 1826, 383). Central E window in chancel also heavily rebuilt but inside edge of embrasure, with semi-circular arch, is original. Second chancel window in S wall; this has single semi-circular arched light chamfered on outside edge. Interior of nave covered by burials, the earliest headstone here dating to mid-19th century. Remains of parish church of Kilfinny; in repair in 1615 (Westropp ibid.). Compiled by: Denis Power Date of upload: 26 August 2011 See attached ASI aerial photographs ASIAP – taken on 04/03/2006.