Church

The National Monuments Service's description

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.

References

ASIAP - Archaeological Survey of Ireland Aerial Photographs (c. 1996 - c. 2010).

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.

Fitzgerald, P. and McGregor, J.J. 1826 The history, topography and antiquities of the county and city of Limerick. Dublin.