St Finnchus Stone

In mid-stream, at S side of Ballynamona Bridge and c. 450m to ESE of Brigown early ecclesiastical site (13877). Large millstone, probably runner stone from a horizontal mill. Named after 'St. Fanahan, Patron Saint of Mitchelstown and surrounding parish of Brigown' (Power 1980, 7). Power (ibid., 10), recounts legend that the saint was taken prisoner in Clonmel, chained to two millstones, but was given the strength to roll the stones back to Brigown. One stone broke on the way, the second remained in the river after he was set free by a stranger on a white horse (ibid.). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

St Finnchus (also known as St Fanahan) is traditionally associated with the promotion of fertility and the protection of flocks, and his name is linked to several early Christian sites in Ireland. The stone at Brigown may have been used in a small water mill, reflecting the integration of Christian and agricultural practices in early monastic settlements.