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There were churches in Bolindrum,
Kiltilly, Ballinaberney,
Brideswell, Knockaree and
according to legend, at Raheen Turn. There was also an
interdenominational church established at Clohamon.Now there are two roman catholic church
in the parish one in Kilrush and one in Askamore.
Ballinaberney
St Brigid's Church of Ireland Kilrush.
Kilrush Church is deep in the countryside
reached by a maze of minor roads from Bunclody. The site of St. Brigid's Church at
Ballinaberney is an old ecclesiastical site, apparently once dedicated to St. Columbia
Crossaire. The dedication to St. Brigid dates from the 13th Century. The churchyard has
graves dating from 1725.and there is a Bullan stone of historical interest nearby. After
the Reformation a John Leacy is recorded as Prebendary of Kilrush in 1614. He is described
as 'an ancient minister borne in Ireland, skilful in English, Irish and Lattin tongues,
residinge thereon.' The date of the present church is uncertain but Lewis records that in
1839 it had been recently repaired with a grant from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In
1834 the Protestant population was recorded as 350 and there was a school at that time.
The school is now a parochial hall. The church is small but picturesque, surrounded by the
old graveyard and by fields in rolling countryside. It has a gallery at the west end and
is an easily managed building, well suited to the present population of Kilrush. Again the
families who worship here are extremely loyal to their church and its upkeep is a matter
of great pride to them.
There are four parishes which make up the present Union of parishes. Bunclody
and Kildavin have been combined for many years. The parish of Clonegal was added to them,
followed by the addition of the parish of Kilrush, both in the mid nineteen eighties. Each
church is very different and each has its own history. Bunclody and Kilrush are in County
Wexford, Kildavin and Clonegal are in county Carlow and much of the land of Clonegal falls
within County Wicklow.
A Bullan stone with two cup shaped hollows lies close by.It is quiet a large and
heavy stone and is unlikely that it has ever occupied any other site.
The school attached to the Church of Ireland served the community
until its closure in 1965 when transport was provided to bring the children to other
suitable schools in the district.
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