Church

The National Monuments Service's description

Only the W end of Crecora Church stands in the W quadrant of a graveyard (LI022-009002-). In 1840 the Ordnance Survey recorded that 'the ruins of the old parochial church, which was destroyed during the Wars of the Confederation, stand in the Glebe' (OSNB, 482). The condition of the church was described in 1840 as following; 'The east gable of this ruin is entirely down. About 16 feet [4.87m] in height of the side walls remain. The west gable is standing. The church is of rectangular shape, about 34 feet [10.36m] long and about 22 feet [6.7m] broad' (OSNB, 492). The upstanding remains were described in 1840 as following; 'Crecora old Church ruins are situated in the Glebe of Crecora and consist of the west gable and twelve feet [4m] in length of the side walls joined thereto. Even the foundation of the remainder of the building is not traceable. The breadth inside at the gable that is standing is twenty four feet [7.3m]; the length of the whole structure in its original state is not ascertainable. The side walls are eleven feet [3.35m] high and four feet [1.2m] thick. The materials of the building are large field limestones (not quarry ones) and cement of lime and sand mortar. Here is a large grave yard (LI022-009002-) much in use' (OSL, 111).
Westropp (1904-5, 370-1) recorded the following details on Crecora; ' A parish in Pubblebrian. John de Cogan granted to St. Mary's Cathedral, Crecourhia, in Ocholchur, 1282 (B.B.L., p. 96), or in Othotochor (Ib., p. 100). See also p. 96. Symon f. Walter was rector of Crecouertha, 1278, and resigned 1282 (Ib., p. 44). W. de Wess granted all his claims on the church of Crecourtha, in "Orthorlothor," to the Dean and Chapter of Limerick, c. 1280 (B.B.L., p. 130); Crecouth, 1291; Crecowere, 1302; Criochura, dedicated to SS. Peter and Paul (29 June), 1410; Crewcourtha, 1418; Crecorah, 1615; Crewcroah, 1633; Crecory (D.S.(B.), 23), 1655. It is shown as roofed, 1657 (D.S.(B.) 21), O'Huidhrin calls it "the territory of O'Conaing, by the meadow side of Craobh Cumhraidhe," 1420 (Topography, p. 129). Crecora, "the branching tree" (Dr. Joyce). Fabric - Only the ivied and featureless west end, 24 feet [7.3m] wide, and about 14 feet [4.25m] of each of the sides remain. The walls are 11 feet [3.35m] high and 4 feet [1.2m] thick, and are built of large field stones. It stands on high ground with a fine view'.
According to Begley (1906, 120) this church was 'mentioned in the Black Book that the church
of Crecourvertha (Crecora) was in Ocholchur. This word seems to be the same as the latter part of Imhcolchuir, and would signify the same place. The church now called Crecora may have been known at this early period by the name of the locality where it was situated'.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 02 January 2019

References

OSL - Ordnance Survey Letters. Letters written by members of the Ordnance Survey's 'Topographical Department' (T. O'Conor, A. O'Curry, E. Curry, J. O'Donovan and P. O'Keeffe) sent to headquarters from the field (1834-41). MSS in Royal Irish Academy.

Westropp, T.J. 1904-5 A survey of the ancient churches of Co. Limerick. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 25C, 327-479.

OSNB - Ordnance Survey Name Books. Pro-forma books arranged by Civil Parish for recording townland and other name-forms and compiled in the course of the OS 6-inch survey 1824-1841. The name books also include minor names and incidental references to antiquities. National Archives of Ireland.

Begley, J. 1906 The Diocese of Limerick ancient and medieval. Dublin.