Sites and Monuments Record · Ireland
Church
Killeen (upperwoods By.), County Laois, Ireland
The record
- Townland
- Killeen (upperwoods By.)
- County
- Laois
- Country
- Ireland
- Latest-edition OS map
- Not indicated
- SMR number
- LA011-021003-
This record in the National Monuments Service's Historic Environment Viewer ↗
The National Monuments Service's description
Unlocated church within townland described by Carrigan as an ancient church in the townland of Killeen has disappeared its site being pointed out on a small low ridge in the 'Burying Meadow' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 151). A graveyard known as the 'Burying Meadow' which was the burial place of unbaptised children (LA022-021002-). In the field to the N of the graveyard there was a font (LA011-011) located beside the 'Mass Pit'. No visible surface remains. According to the History of the Queen's County 'The "Mass Pit" in Killeen is one field north of Killeen "Burying Meadow" (LA011-021001/002-), in which stood many centuries ago the ancient church of Killeen. Beside the Mass Pit is the holy water font (LA011-011) of the church, a piece of rough freestone with round artifical hollow 9in. Wide and 3 in. deep.'
According to Carrigan 'The old church in the townland of Killeen has disappeared as completely as those of Srahane and Mounthall, being probably also, like them, built of wood. Its site is still pointed out on a small, low ridge, in the "Burying Meadow". In the graveyard (LA011-021002-) there are many small, rude head-stones, marking the graves of unbaptized children, who alone have been buried here in the memory of the oldest residents. Killeen "Mass Pit" is one field north of the graveyard. Beside the pit lies the holy water font (LA011-011) of the old church, a piece of rough freestone with a round artificial hollow 9 in. wide and 3 in. deep' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 151).
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 17 December 2007