Ecclesiastical enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

Monastery founded here in the 6th century by Colmán Eala who died in 611 (Ó Riain 2011, 203; Gwynn and Hadcock 1988, 41). St. Colmán Eala was listed as the most important saint by the Ceinéal Fiachach tribe, from whom the O’Molloy clan, lords of Fercall, are descended from (Ó Riain 2011, 205). Present remains consist of a multiperiod church (OF016-031001-) originally of pre-Romanesque date standing in N quadrant of graveyard (OF016-031002-) with cropmark of possible early Christian enclosure in field to the S. This field also contains the remains of an Anglo-Norman motte castle (OF016-032001-). A holy well (OF016-031008-) located to the SW of the church was filled in several years ago. No surface remains visible of levelled ecclesiastical enclosure. Aerial photographs (Leo Swan) shows crop mark of possible ecclesiastical enclosure. Early Christian cross-slabs (OF016-031004-/0310012-) now in the National Museum were discovered in a mound in the field immediately to the S of the motte castle.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 8 June 2015

References

Ó Riain, P. 2011 A dictionary of Irish Saints. Dublin. Four Courts Press.

Gwynn, A. and Hadcock, R.N. 1970 (Reprint 1988) Medieval religious houses of Ireland. Dublin. Irish Academic Press.