CLONMACDUFF GRAVEYARD, CO. MEATH  HEADSTONES AND INSCRIPTIONS

Recorded by Dr. Beryl F E Moore 1977

Clonmacduff (alias Courtown, alias Black Church)

Clonmacduff Parish – Cluain Mic Duibh – Mac Duff’s lawn or meadow.  Contains 2540 acres.  The property of Lord Killeen, C S Tisdall of Charlesfort and Miss Grogan.  In 1836 chiefly under tillage but contains a large portion of bog.  It is situated in the barony of upper Navan.  There are a couple of good stone houses e.g. Meadstown but the rest are mud cabins. The inhabitants are all R C’s.  The cess for the half year of 1834 was £57.4.1 ½.  This is on of the parishes which constitute the union of Ardbraccan.  It is 3 miles from Trim its market town. 

Townlands… Great Ballarden—Baile an Ardain – town of the small hill or elevation.  The Civil Survey of 1654 showed a stone house and mill in Great Ballardan.  It contains 445 acres and is the property of Miss Grogan of County Kildare who has it let to P. Barnewall Esq. of Greenanstown House Athboy at 32/ per Irish acre.  He has it sublet to under-tenants at £2 per acre.  There is no bog.  The soil is good heavy clay which produces pretty good crops of wheat, oats and potatoes.  Houses mostly mud. 

Little Balladarrdan.. contains 114 acres, all cultivated and is the property of Lord Killeen.  Agent Mr. Owen Newman of Crossakeel in Kilskyre parish.

Meadstown.. Baile Na Leunadh- meadow.  Contains 1254 acres of which 49 acres are bog.  The property of Tisdall but Joseph Barnewall Esq of Bloomsbury Kells holds the whole except one farm of 30 acres.  The tenants pay 1/6 per perch for bog.  All mud huts.  On the south east is a very good dwelling house called Meadstown House with out offices, garden, and orchard attached.  It is the residence of Christopher Brennan Esq.  South east of this house on the side of the road are ruins of ‘The Black Church’ and ½  mile further ‘Courtown Friary’ up an avenue.  The Friars were expelled for non-payment of rent.

Tullaghanstown – Baile An Tulchain – town of the hillock.  Contains 726 acres of which 312 acres are bog.  The property of Lord Killeen.  The size of the farms are from one rood to 56 acres.  Bog is free.  In the south the soil is very heavy clay and produces poor wheat, but tolerably good oats and potatoes. Very little flax is sown in this parish and the only manure used is dung.  Houses all mud.  The dedication in St. Bridget. 

The Church – is a small narrow one measuring 58 ½ ft by 14 ft and is in ruinous condition since 1641.  Nowadays the east wall is completely gone, while the north and south walls are 1-2 ft high but covered in grass.  The west wall has survived almost intact with 7 ft above ground.  Inside an Aumbry has survived on the north and south sides, while outside we get 2 square holes about 7 ft. above ground which likely were putlog holes.  Bishop Dopping’s Visitation book (1682-5) says the Protestant cure was performed by Rev. Geo. Prowd till 1693 and after that by Dr. J. Stearne who resided in Trim.  Will Dease was the parish Priest.  There was no Popish Schoolmaster, no Protestants live in the parish, the church and chancel are ruinous, all books, furniture, registers, bells, windows etc are missing.  The graveyard is not fenced in.  18 ½ acres of glebe but has been invaded by Reilly of Milltown and the Glebe House has been wasted since 1691.  Lord Killeen’s part of Meadstown has been farmed by Mr. Owen Newman of Kilskeer. 

The Font – 2 parts of the ancient Clonmacduff font was reported by me when the Meath Archaeological Society was making a census of the Medieval fonts of the Diocese of Meath for Miss Roe’s book and consist of a sandstone octagonal base with a drain and a pedestal also with a drain and a roll ornament around the middle.  I found no basin.  When Miss Roe came to inspect them the pedestal was found to be missing.  Miss Roe however thought from my description that the Clonmacduff font must have been similar to the Killeen one which is very feasible as Lord Killeen owned one-third of this parish for a considerable period of time and might have instructed his Killeen sculptor to make a font for this little church. 

9 Headstones in the ruined church.

1)  Kane 1943 – ringed cross with flaming heart in centre, boss at end of each limb, scroll with ‘MY JESUS MERCY’.  Curb around this large grave.  This headstone is on the east side of the grave and the inscription faces west.  There are 3 older headstones on the west side of the grave with inscriptions facing west and leaving no room for this modern stone.  “In loving memory of William Kane Boyneview Trim died 17 March 1943 RIP”.  On the left side of this headstone “Pray for the souls of William Kane and Margaret Kane and their son Rev. Patrick Kane”.  At bottom J. RENNIX. 

2)  Kain 1840 – This stone and Nos. 3 & 4 are placed side by side on the west side of this grave and all belong to the same family.  This one is an old stone tilting slightly to the left, with a domed top and a well carved crucifixion in the centre of the top.  Our Lord has his head inclined to viewer’s left, his arms are upraised, a cherub’s head and wings on each side and a raised frame around the inscription.  “This monument was erected by Thomas Kain in memory of his father Patrick Kain who depd this life the 21st of JULY 1842 aged 57 years.  Requiescant In Pace”.  This name must have been Kain in earlier times and later became Kane. 

3)  Kain and Kane 1819 – 1887 – This stone is exactly similar to No. 2 but is badly eroded especially in the centre.  “Here lieth the b. . . . of Elizabeth Kain . . . . . . parted this life 22nd July 1819. This stone is erected by  . . . . . . father Thos Kain Stonestown who departed this life . . . . . .1854 aged 80 years . . . . . . . Anne Kane died 23 . . . . . . . . 1887.  William Kane died 2 Oct. 1870”.  At bottom Requiescant In Pace.

4)  Kane 1884-92 – A plain stone with a small ringed cross on top of a peak and a plain cross below in a circle.  A 4 petalled flower on each side.  “ERECETED BY DANIEL KANE OF ARDBRACCAN IN MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED WIFE ELIZABETH KANE WHO DEPd THE 4TH OF AUGUST 1884 AGED 67 YEARS.  HERE ALSO LIES THE ABOVED NAMED DANI KANE DIED 20TH JUNE 1893 AGED 83 YEARS.  R.I.P”. 

5) GANNON 1899-1952 – Peaked stone with a flaming heart in an oval plaque.  “SACRED HEART OF JESUS HAVE MERCY ON THE SOULS OF ANNE GANNON NAVAN WHO DIED 22ND FEBy 1899.  HER HUSBAND JOHN DIED 2nd APRIL 1927.  ROSANNE GANNON NAVAN WHO DIED 21ST JUNE 1952”.  GERRARD NAVAN at bottom left & R I P in centre of bottom. 

6)  MC Govern 1971 – Plain cross with a cross in its centre and a leafy design around it.  “ERECTED BY JACK McGOVERN IN LOVING MEMORY OF HIS WIFE AND FAMILY.  THE ABOVE JACK DIED 10TH MARCH 1971 AGED 87 Yrs |R I P”. 

7)  GARRY 1870-1939 – Old large stone with domed top and Crucifixion in centre.  Our Lord has upraised arms, head bent to left and bent legs.  The cross is very wide.  Over the Crucifixtion is ‘JESU MISERERE NOBIS’.  This stone hasn’t the usual straight sides but has elaborate carvings projecting from the sides.  “ERECTED BY THOMAS GARRY OF YELLAWALLS IN MEMORY OF HIS DECEASED PARENTS AND FRIENDS.  PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THOMAS GARRY YELLOW WALLS (HERE YELLOW IS SPELT CORRECTLY) DIED MARCH 17. 1870.  JOHN GARRY TRIM DIED FEB. 23. 1884. CATHERINE GARRY TRIM DIED MARCH 27. 1919. THOMAS GARRY WORCESTOR MASS. USA DIED SEPT. 2. 1928.  JULIA MAGUIRE TRIM DIED AUG. 12. 1939  REQUIESCANT IN PACVE. AMEN”.  WADE SCULPT 91 THOs ST. DUBLIN.

8)  NEWMAN  no date – Small stone with peaked top and cross on a mount.  “ERECTED BY THOMAS NEWMAN OF ONGENSTOWN IN MEMORY HIS AUNTS ELLEN CARTY AND ANNE NEWMAN”.  R I P & W.  RENNICKS at bottom. 

9)  NEWMAN 1917-1960 – Ringed cross with flaming heart in centre of a domed stone and a raised frame around inscription.  “ERECTED BY THOMAS NEWMAN ONGENSTOWN IN LOVING MEMORY OF HIS WIFE FANNY WHO DIED 10TH JAN. 1917 AGED 40 YEARS.  THEIR SON PATRICK DIED THE 24TH JANy 1922.  THE ABOVE THOMAS NEWMAN DIED THE 12 FEBy 1942 AGED 68 Yrs.  R I P at centre bottom,  GERRERD on left bottom and NAVAN on right. 

16 Headstones to east of ruined church.

10)  TIMMONS 1957–66 – Ringed cross with flaming heart.  “ERECTED IN MEMORY OF KATE TIMMONS WHO DIED 23RD SEPT.  1957.  PATRICK TIMMONS DIED 5TH FEB. 1961.  JULIA TIMMONS DIED 26TH NOV. 1961, ROSE TIMMONS DIED 25TH OCT. 1966”.  R I P at bottom.

  1. No name or date has survived on this iron cross.
  1.  MURRAY 1909-68 – ringed cross with flaming heart in centre. “ERECTED BY

HIS DAUGHTER MARY IN LOVING MEMORY OF HER FATHER LAURENCE MURRAY DIED NOV. 24TH 1919 AGED 92 YEARS.  ALSO HIS WIFE MARGRET DIED FEB. 2ND 1909 AGED 58 YEARS.  AND THEIR SONS JAMES DIED MAY 13TH 1906 AGED 34 YEARS.  THOMAS DIED JULY 7TH 1910 AGED 30 YEARS.  CHRISTOPHER DIED JULY 23RD 1912 AGED 43 YEARS.  ALSO LIZZIE MURRAY DIED SEPT. 17TH 1910 AGED 8 YEARS.  MARY KENNY DIED JAN. 23RD 1968”.  At BOTTOM “SWEET JESUS HAVE MERCY ON THEM R I P”.   BENNETT NAVAN.

13)  MURRAY 1910-72 – Modern black marble slab on a limestone base with a crucifixion on the left side.  “PRAY FOR CHRISTOPHER MURRAY DIED 23 JULY 1912.  HIS WIFE ANN DIED 2 DEC. 1943.  THEIR DAUGHTERS ELIZABETH DIED 17TH SEPT. 1910.  MARGARET O’TOOLE DIED 26TH SEPT. 1970.  LAURENCE MURRAY DIED 27 SEPT. 1972”.  At bottom “R I P ERECTED BY THEIR SON LAURENCE”. P. BENNETT KELLS at bottom.

14)  CLARKEN 1862–1947 – This stone and the next (No. 15) are within the curb.  It is a very big grave.  The headstone has a domed top.  “GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO” around top, IHS in a full sunburst, on each side a floriated cross.  “ERECTED BY THE CHILDREN OF JAMES CLARKEN WHO DIED ON THE 16TH OF MARCH 1873 AGED 53 YEARS AND THEIR MOTHER MARCELLA CLARKEN WHO DIED ON THE 22nd OF MARCH 1871 AGED 51 YEARS.  ALSO THEIR BROTHER MICHAEL WHO DIED ON THE 1ST OF APRIL 1862 AGED 7 YEARS.  ALSO JAMES SON OF THOMAS WHO DIED 4TH JANUARY 1903 AGED 25 YEARS.  ALSO THEIR BROTHER PHILLIP WHO DIED 21ST DECEMBER 1930 AGED 86 YEARS.  PATRICK SON OF THOMAS DIED 8TH DEC. 1947 AGED 60 YEARS”.

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15)  CLARKIN 1947- Ringed cross with flaming heart in centre, sprays of shamrocks on

shaft.  “ERECTED BY JAMES CLARKIN WHOSE REMAINS LIE BENEATH BORN NEAR CROSSES OF ROBINSTOWN CO. MEATH 24 APRIL 1859 DIED 31 JAN. 1947.  O MERCIFUL LORD MY SINS FORGIVE , DEIGN TO REMEMBER ME , RELEASE MY SOUL AND LET ME LIVE IN PARADISE WITH THEE.” R.I.P at bottom.

16)  O’CONNOR 1786 & 1787 – A large stone tilting to right with domed top, full sunburst around a cross IHS and 3 nails.  A cherub with outstretched wings on each side.  A leafy design and a raised frame around the inscription.  “ERECTED BY THOMAS O’CONNOR IN MEMORY OF HIS WIFE ANN FAY WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 4TH OF DECr 1787 AGED 68 YEARS.  ALSO HIS SON PATRICK DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 12TH OF MARCH 1786 AGED 23 YEARS”.  Scrolls are carved after each sentence to finish off the line and the long ‘s’ is used in ‘also’.

17)  GILLICK 1962 – The upper part of this headstone is broken off and lies against the base, the inscription being on the upper loose piece.  There is a fancy cross on each side of the inscription.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF MICHAEL GILLICK ROBINSTOWN DIED 4TH JAN 1962.  HIS WIFE BRIDGET DIED 4TH JUNE 1962”.  R. I .P at bottom. 

18)  KANE 1883-1900 – Leaning forward, peaked top, IHS in centre.  “IN MEMORY OF JAMES KANE WHO DIED 23RD JUNE 1883.  ALSO HIS WIFE CATHERINE KANE WHO DIED 11TH AUGUST 1900”.

19)  FINEGAN 1850 & 1872 – An old stone with domed top and ‘ Gloria IN Excelsis Deo’ around it..  A full sunburst with cross IHS and 3 nails.  A floriated cross on either side in a panel.  “ERECTED BY PATRICK JAMES AND PETER FINEGAN OF NAVAN IN MEMORY OF THEIR BELOVED MOTHER CATHERINE FINEGAN WHO DIED ON THE 26TH OF FEBy 1850 AGED 58 YEARS.  AND THEIR FATHER THOMAS FINEGAN WHO DIED ON THE 5TH FEBy 1872 AGED 65 YEARS”

20)  KANE 1955 – The cross which was on top of this stone is now broken off.  It had sprays of ivy over it.  “PATRICK KANE MEADSTOWN DIED 8TH AUGUST 1955 R I P”.

21)  FRANCISCAN COMMUNAL GRAVE HEADSTONE NO.1 – This large plain rectangular stone is on the east side of the grave and the carving and inscription is on its west side, but all is very worn and difficult to decipher.  We get a horseshoe shaped sunburst with a cross IHS and heart.  On each side is a fancy tassel.  Below is the Franciscan Arms according to Woodward’s Ecclesiastical heraldry 1894 at page 418 … Argent, a cross of Calvary traversed by two human arms in saltire (sometimes issuant from clouds in base), one in bend naked representing the arm of St. Francis, both bearing the stigmata.  Inscription reads … “HERE LIETH THE BODY OF THE REVd JOHN COLEMAN WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 15TH DAY OF MARCH 1767 AGED 74 Yrs.  REQUIESCAT IN PACE.  LIKEWISE THE BODY OF THE REVd FATHER JAMES O’FARREL WHIO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 28TH DAY OF OCTOBER 1776 AGED 29 YEARS.  REQUISCANT IN PACE”.  Farrel is begun with a small f and ends with only one L.

22)  FRANCISCAN COMMUNAL GRAVE HEADSTONE NO.2 – This is a very large recumbent slab placed on top of the communal grave of the Franciscan Friars and the inscription on it faces west but is very worn and hard to read.  There is a horseshoe shaped sunburst at the top of the slab with a faint cross and IHS.  “THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY THE REVd JOHN MOLLOY IN MEMORY OF THE REVd GENTLEMEN FOLLOWING: REVd JOHN COLEMAN, REVd JOHN CLARKE, REVd JOHN WALDRON, REVd JAMES FARRELL, REVd WILLIAM REYNOLDS, REVd MICHAEL FLEMING.  REQUIESCANT IN PACE 1800.  HERE ALSO LYETH THE BODY OF THE REVd MICHAEL TIPPER LECTOR EMERITUS OF SACRED THEOLOGY AND EX-DEFINITOR, WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE OCTOBER THE 8TH 1801 AGED 68.  HERE ALSO LIES INTERRED THE REMAINS OF THE REV. JOHN MOLLOY WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 7TH DAY OF JANUARY 1818 AGED 70 YEARS,  HERE ALSO LYETH THE BODY OF THE REVd PATRICK RYAN WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE AUGUST 23RD 1826 AGED 60 Yrs”.  Cogan says  “THE FOLLOWING ARE ALSO INTERRED UNDERNEATH THIS STONE BUT NOT RECORDED ON IT  MESSRS WEYBURNE, LYNCH, DONAGHOE & BRADY”. 

The Trim Franciscan monastery stood where the Court House is now and after its closure in Williamite times a small community of Friars settled near Clonmacduff Church which they serviced for Dr. Luke Fagan Bishop of Meath at that period as well as some half dozen neighbouring parishes.  A Protestant farmer set them Courtown farm (to the east of the Church up a long straight boreen) at a moderate rent where they built themselves a house which they called ‘the Courtown Friary’, the Prior of which was always Pastor of Clonmacduff.  The first Prior was Revd Fr Fay and he ruled the house from 1720 to 43.   the last Prior was Revd Patrick Lynch and he died in August 1826.  By then the remaining Friars were few and old and unable to work their little farm or pay their rent, and in 1826 they and their furniture and library were removed to Multifarnham.  Some of the Courtown Friars were very literary men and quite unfit for a farming life.  Fr. John Clarke was an Athboy man and served as a Chaplain to the Irish Brigade at the Battle of Fontenoy which was fought on May 11th 1745.  When he had retired from the army through old age he came to Courtown Friary and died there and rests in Clonmacduff quiet graveyard. 

23)  MURPHY  1791 & 1802 – An old stone with domed top,  cross IHS and heart with 2 barbs in a full sunburst.  On each side is a dove with an olive branch in her mouth.  The inscription is in a frame.  “ERECTED BY SIMON MURPHY IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER TERENCE  MURPHY WHO DEPd THIS LIFE JANy 12TH 1791 AGd 63. ALSO HIS MOTHER MARGARET MURPHY ALIAS FARLEY WHO DEPd THIS LIFE FEBy 11TH 1802 AGED 70 Yrs”. 

24)  MOONEY 1714 – A small old stone with a domed top, a cross and IHS.  “HERE LYETH Ye BODEY OF DANNESS (?) MOONEY WHO DEPARTED Ye LIFE IN SEPTEMBER YE 21 IN Ye YEAR OF OUR LORD ANNO DMNEY 1714 AGED 51 YEARS”.  This is the oldest stone in Clonmacduff.  

25)  FLOOD 1763 – A very old stone partly buried in the ground and tilting backwards.  It has a notched top, full sunburst with cross and IHS and flaming heart.  “THIS STONE WAS ERECTED BY CATHERINE FLOOD OF DREWSTOWN IN MEMORY OF HER HUSBAND JAMES FLOOD WHO DIED APRIL Ye 10TH 1763 AGED 49Yrs”.

15 Headstones south of the church

26)  FENAGAN 1787 – Old stone covered in lichen with notched top, full sunburst surrounding IHS and 3 nails.  Gloria etc underneath the sunburst.  A round ornament inside a wreath on each side and a vinetrail on each side of the inscription.  “THIS STONE WAS ERECTED BY JOHN FENAGAN OF MOYMET IN MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED WIFE MARY FENAGAN OTHERWISE CLARKE WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 14TH OF APRIL 1787 AGED 50 YEARS”.  At bottom REQUIESCANT IN PACE.

27)  MULLIGAN 1878 – Ringed cross with ram in centre and scrollwork around.  “ERECTED BY EDWARD AND ELEZABETH MULLIGAN OF DUNDERRY IN MEMORY OF THEIR BELOVED SON EDWARD WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 5TH FEBRUARY 1878 AGED 28 YEARS”.  At bottom WADE BERKELEY ST. DUBLIN.  Elizabeth is spelt peculiarly.

28)  REILLY 1892—Small cross on 3 steps with inscription on 1st step. “IN LOVING MEMORY OF ANNE REILLY DIED JUNE 27 1892 MEADSTOWN”.  On 2nd step

R I P.

29)  MULLIGAN 1913-35 – Large ringed cross with a flaming heart in centre.  “ERECTED IN LOVING MEMORY OF MRS MARY MULLIGAN WHO DIED 5TH MARCH 1913.  MARY MULLIGAN WHO DIED 1ST JUNE 1916.  MRS KATIE MULLIGAN WHO DIED 21ST JUNE 1930 AND JOHN MULLIGAN WHO DIED 27TH FEB. 1933”.At bottom R I P & JOE RENNIX.

30)  MULLIGAN 1794-1801 – Domed top with cross IHS and flaming heart in a full sunburst.  A lozenge ornamentation.  “THIS STONE IS ERECTED BY DENNIS MULLIGAN OF DUNDERRY BRIDGE IN MEMORY OF HIS MOTHER FRANCES MULLIGAN ALIAS PLUNKETT WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 20th OF APRIL 1794 AGED 70 YEARS ALSO HIS WIFE BRIDGET MULLIGAN ALIAS BYRNE WHO DEPd THIS LIFE THE 24TH OF SEPTEMBER 1797 AGED 37 YEARS.  ALSO HIS FATHER ARTHUR MULLIGAN WHO DEPARTd THIS LIFE THE 28 OF SEPTEMBER 1801 AGED 77 YEARS”.  This stone is flaking badly on the right hand side.

31)  CLARKE 1823-69 – Ringed cross with ram on a cross in its centre.  “ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF DANIEL CLARKE BALREASK WHO DIED 28TH MARCH 1883 AGED 80 YEARS.  AND TO HIS BELOVED CHILDREN PATRICK WHO DIED 21ST JULY 1854 AGED 13 YEARS.  MARY WHO DIED 13TH MAY 1869 AGED 20 YEARS”.  At bottom R I P & JOE RENNIX.

32)  NEWMAN 1965 & 66 – A modern grey stone with IHS at top and a cross on each side of the inscription. Curb around the grave.  “ERECTED BY MICHAEL NEWMAN IN LOVING MEMORY OF HIS WIFE ROSE DIED 16TH NOV. 1966.  HIS SISTER KITTY DIED 3rd OCT. 1965.  ALSO HIS PARENTS R I P”. Newman at bottom and RENNICKS HIGH ST. TRIM.

33)  FITZSIMONS 1916-67 – A peaked stone with a small cross on top of the inscription which is carved on a white inset.  “PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF JOHN FITZSIMONS BETAGHSTOWN DIED 1930.  HIS WIFE MARY DIED 1937.  THEIR DAUGHTER MARY DIED 1916.  THEIR SON PATRICK DIED 1952 AND THEIR SON THOMAS DIED 8TH AUG. 1963.  ALSO THEIR COUSIN WILLIAM FITZSIMONS BOYERSTOWN DIED 2nd FEB. 1967. AGED 66 Yrs.  ALSO HIS PARENTS MICHAEL AND MARCELLA FITZSIMONS R I P “.

34)  FITZSIMONS no date – This small stone is set in a curb and has only this sentence on it, “IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND WILLIAM FITZSIMONS R I P”.

35)  MURRAY 1768 – Notched top, sunburst with cross and IHS.  “HERE LIETH Ye BODY OF RICHd MURRY OF KILBRIDE DECd AUGt 21st 1763 AGED 63 YEARS.  ALSO ANN MURRY ALIAS O’BRIEN WIFE TO Sd RICHd DECd FEB 2d 1768 AGED 49 Yrs.  ERECTED BY THEIR SON THADY MURRY”. On each side there is a tulip on the end of the leafy branch. MURRY is spelt without an ‘A’.

36)  DALY 1939 – Modern grey stone with a plain cross with ‘MY JESUS MERCY’ & IHS.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN DALY TULLAGHANSTOWN DIED 9th AUG.1939 AGED 72 Yrs R I P “. At bottom DALY.

37)  NEWMAN 1862-1960 – This stone has a rounded top with IHS in the centre.   “ERECTED BY JAMES NEWMAN IN LOVING MEMORY OF HIS MOTHER MARY NEWMAN WHO DIED 6th JUNE 1862.  ALSO HIS FATHER THOMAS NEWMAN WHO DIED 7TH OCT. 1884.  PETER DIED 17th MARCH 1891 AGED 5 YEARS.  PATRICK DIED 26th FEB. 1898 AGED 21 YEARS.  HIS DAUGHTER MRS BRADY DIED 25th DEC 1912 AGED 32 YEARS.  HIS SON MICHAEL DIED 24th APR. 1915 AGED 24 YEARS.  THE ABOVE JAMES DIED 27th NOV. 1916 AGED 71 YEARS.  AND HIS WIFE MARY DIED 2nd DEC. 1917 AGED 60 YEARS.  MARY ROSE NEWMAN DIED 25th AUG 1933 AGED 33 Yrs.  AND HER  HUSBAND JOHN DIED 26th DEC. 1960 AGED 80 Yrs R I P”. At bottom GERRARD NAVAN.

38)  HANNON 1912-53 – A ringed cross on top of a plain domed stone with a small cross in its centre and a flaming heart in a circle above the inscription.  “ERECTED IN MEMORY OF JAMES GANNON OF TULLAGHANSTOWN WHO DIED APRIL 22nd1910.  ALSO HIS WIFE MARCELLA DIED MAY 4th 1934 AND THEIR SON PATRICK DIED 18th OCT. 1941.  ALSO MICHAEL DIED 18th DEC. 1945 JAMES DIED 16th DEC. 1953”.  R I P at bottom.

39)  HEALY 1939 – Small thin stone with a solid cross on top with IHS in its centre and ‘MY JESUS MERYC’ around it.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF MYRA HEALY NEE NUGENT LATE OF 7 ANNESLEY PARK DIED 23rd MARCH 1939 AGED 36 YEARS”.  At bottom “R I P ERECTED BY HER FOND HUSBAND & CHILDREN’.

40)  NUGENT 1889-1929 – peaked stone with ringed cross on top.  “ERECTED BY PATRICK NUGENT IN LOVING MEMORY OF HIS FATHER RICHARD NUGENT DIED MAY 9th 1889 AGED 61 YEARS.  ALSO HIS MOTHER MARY NUGENT DIED OCTr 18th 1889 AGED 59 YEARS.  HIS BROTHER JOHN NUGENT ARDBRACCAN DIED 24th JUNE 1927.  HIS SISTER ANNIE NUGENT DIED MAY 1929.  THE ABOVE PATRICK NUGENT DIED 6th OCT. 1906”.  At bottom R I P & W .Rennicks.

9) Headstones west of the church

41)  MC CABE 1896 – This small stone is placed just outside the west wall of the ruined church.  It is a plain cross with a flaming heart in its centre.  “PRAY FOR MARY ANNE MC CABE  DIED 27th MARCH 1896 AGED 33 Yrs”.  At bottom “R I P ERECTED BY HER SON BERNARD”.

42)  MC INROE 1720 & 1940 – An old stone with domed top and cross and IHS .” HERE LIES Ye BODY OF HUGH McINROE DIED IN Ye Year 1720 AGED 40.  LIKEWISE MARGARET HIS WIFE DIED IN Ye YEAR 1740 AGED 57”.  This stone is leaning forward and hard to read.

43)  No name or date – Plain cross broken into a couple of pieces.

44)  GARRY 1923-69 – White marble stone with cross in centre and flaming heart on each side; flowers and leaves around it.  “IN MEMORY OF OUR PARENTS HUGH GARRY DIED DEC. 1923 JULIA GARRY DIED JUNE 1929, SONS PAT DIED AUG 1962, PHILIP MAY 1928, JAMES JAN. 1969.  HIS WIFE MARY J. DIED JUNE 1966.  THEIR BABY SON DIED 1931 R I P”.

45)  GANNON 1882-1939 – Ringed cross with flaming heart in its centre. Covered in lichen.  “ERECTED BY MARY GANNON MOYMET IN LOVING MEMORY OF HER FATHER JOHN GANNON WHO DIED 8th JAN. 1882.  HER MOTHER BRIDGET DIED 2nd NOV. 1896.  HER BROTHER JAMES DIED 7th NOV. 1899.  HER BROTHER PATRICK DIED 10th NOV. 1921.  HER SISTER BRIDGET DIED 16th DEC .1922.  HER BROTHER JOHN DIED 9th FEB. 1930.  HER NIECE MARY B. DIED 1st APR. 1910.  HER NIECE JULIA DIED 16th AUG.1926.  ALSO THE ABOVE MARY GANNON DIED 24th APRIL 1939 AGED 87 YEARS”.  At bottom GERRARD NAVAN & R I P.

46)  GANNON 1803-50 – Domed top, 2 stopper stones, a frame around the inscription. A rose on each side and full sunburst with cross IHS and a vine trail.  It is covered in yellow lichen.  “ERECTED BY JAMES GANNON IN MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED FATHER JOHN GANNON WHO DEPd THIS LIFE 9th JUNE 1817 AGED 54 YEARS. ALSO HIS MOTHER BRIDGET GANNON WHO DEPd THIS LIFE 15th NOV 1803 AGED 37 YEARS, ALSO HIS WIFE MARCELLA GANNON WHO DEPd THIS LIFE 3rd JULY 1850 AGED 57 Yrs.  ALSO HIS DAUGHTER MARY GANNON WHO DEPd THIS LIFE OCT r 1st 1850 AGED 21 YEARs”.  Below D. Scally & Son Glasnevin.

47)  Gannon 1874-1912 – Tall stone with ringed cross with IHS in centre standing on a base which has the inscription.  “Erected by Francis Gannon in memory of his brother Patrick Gannon who died 16th Oct. 1874.  Also his sister Marcella who died 27th Oct 1882.  Also Annie Martin his niece who died 21st Nov. 1882 Also Francis Gannon died 18th April 1912” R I P at bottom.

48)  GANNON 1858-1971 – Large modern stone with a lamb on a cross in a pediment and several different carvings on each side.  “Erectd by PATRICK GANNON OF MOYNETT IN MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED FATHER JAMES GANNON WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 7th JULY 1858 AGED 60 YEARS.  ALSO PATRICK GANNON DIED 10th NOVEMBER 1921 AGED 71 YEARS.  AND HIS WIFE BRIDGET GANNON DIED 19th APRIL 1943 AGED 76 YEARS.  AND THEIR DAUGHTER BRIDGET CLERKIN DIED 11th SEPTEMBER 1971 AGED 72 YEARS”. At bottom R I P & D SCALLY & SON GLASNEVIN.

49)  GANNON 1842 – Domed top with a crucifixion.  Our Lord’s arms are upraised.  Head bent on one side and legs straight.  Ribs are clearly seen.  On the left (viewer’s) side is the Blessed Virgin wearing a voluminous robe to the ground and on the right side is St. John kneeling on one knee.  A winged cherub is on each side.  “ERECTED BY MGt GANNON IN MEMORY OF HER HUSBAND Jn GANNON WHO DEPd APRIL 2ND 1842 AGED 51 Yrs”.  A scroll completes the line.  A verse of poetry follows but is almost impossible to read.  FRIENDS DEAR WEEP NOT FOR FEAR THE DEAD SHOULD ON YOU FROWN WHEN I WAS YOUNG THE LORD …………………. AND QUIETLY …….. DOWN.  There is one stopper stone.

21 Headstones to north of church

50)  CONNELL 1871-1921 – A small solid cross on top of a large base with a chalice.  “ERECTED BY WILLIAM CONNELL OF STONESTOWN, IN MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED SON THE REVEREND JAMES CONNELL WHO DIED 20TH SEPTEMBER 1871, AGED 26 YEARS.  LORD HAVE MERCY ON THE SOUL OF THE ABOVE WILLIAM CONNELL WHO DIED 24TH JAN. 1872 AGED 65 YEARS.  ALSO HIS SONS BERNARD DIED 13TH AUG. 1887 AGED 35 YEARS.  THOMAS DIED 9TH FEB. 1894 AGED 34 YEARS.  ALSO HIS WIFE CATHERINE DIED 18 APRIL 1907 AGED 96.  AND THEIR SON PATRICK DIED 29TH APRIL 1916 AGED 66.  REQUIESCANT IN PACE AMEN”.  On right side “ALSO HIS WIFE MARGARET CONNELL DIED 25TH AUGUST 1921”.  HARWOOD on left base.

 51)  CONNELL 1916-71 – Cross with Crucifixion, head inclined to viewer’s left, feet crossed, rays shining out of Our Lord’s head, arms upraised.  Scroll on top with INRI.  IHS on base of cross.  “CRUCIFIED JESUS HAVE MERCY ON THE SOUL OF WILLIAM CONNELL WOODTOWN WHO DIED 15TH DEC. 1916 AGED 43 YEARS.  OF HIS FATHER JOHN WHO DIED 16TH MAY 1921 AGED 82 YEARS.  AND OF HIS MOTHER JULIA WHO DIED 18TH SEPT. 1923 AGED 83 YEARS.  AND OF HIS SISTER TERESA WHO DIED 8TH MARCH 1955 AGED 76 YEARS.  JAMES CONNELL DIED 2ND SEPT. 1968.  REV. PATRICK CONNELL DIED 30TH MAY 1971 AGED 87 Yrs R I P”.  Left base T H DENNANY.

52)  TRAVERS 1929-70 – A large grave with a curb around it.  White marble with cross on right hand side and IHS on top.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF PATRICK TRAVERS DIED 27TH JULY 1960 AGED 84 YRS AND OF HIS SONS EUGENE DIED 10TH JULY 1949 AGED 29 YRS.  LAURENCE DIED 3RD JUNE 1929 AGED 6 YRS.  ALSO HIS WIFE MARGARET DIED SEPT. 1970 AGED 84 YRS.  R I P”.

53)  MC DONNELL 1873 & 85 – A large recumbent stone measuring 46 ½ ins by 97 ins.  At bottom ‘REST IN PEACE AMEN’.  At top “UNDERNEATH LIETH THE REMAINS OF THOMAS McDONNELL OF NEILSTOWN SOLICITOR WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE JANUARY THE 16TH 1873 IN THE 73RD YEAR OF HIS AGE.  ALSOP OF HIS BROTHER CHARLES McDONNELL OF NEILSTOWN WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 18TH OF FEBRUARY 1885 IN THE 79TH YEAR OF HIS AGE”.

54)  KELLY 1938 & 61 – Ringed cross on a peaked stone.  In a square plaque we get a cross and IHS, then “IN MEMORY OF PATRICK KELLY MEADSTOWN DIED 21ST MARCH 1951, HIS WIFE KATE DIED 20TH FEB. 1961, THEIR DAUGHTER MARY DIED 18TH APRIL 1938”.

55)  MARKEY 1937 – Modern stone with flaming heart in centre of a small cross.  “ERECTED BY PATRICK MARKEY IN LOVING MEMORY OF HIS WIFE BRIDGET DAUGHTER OF PATRICK DUIGNAN WHO DIED 28TH OCT 1937 AGED 22.

56)  DUIGNAN 1898-1955 – Modern stone of grey limestone with ringed cross above and domed top.  “ERECTED BY THOMAS DUIGNAN I N LOVING MEMORY OF HIS FATHER CHRISTOPHER WHO DIED 21ST DEC. 1913.  HIS MOTHER MARGARET DIED 20TH OCT. 1906.  HIS SISTER ANNE DIED 19 NOV. 1898.  HIS BROTHER EUGENE DIED 9 APR. 1900.  HIS SISTER ELIZABETH DIED 17 JUNE 1904.  CHRISTOPHER DUIGNAN DIED 27 AUG 1942 AGED 17 YRS.  HIS MOTHER MARY DIED 13 MARCH 1946.  HIS FATHER JOHN DIED 1 MARCH 1955 R I P”.  Left corner of base GERRARD and right NAVAN.

57)  DUIGNAN 1939 – Ringed cross with floral design, flaming heart and cross on top in an ornamental circle.  “ERECTED IN MEMORY OF PATRICK DUIGNAN WHO DIED JUNE 6. 1939 AGED 61 YEARS.

  • GARRY 1937-74 – Within a curb, a black and white modern headstone, Cross and

Crucifixion.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF THOMAS GARRY DIED 3 JULY 1965.  HIS PARENTS JOHN DIED 13 JULY 1937.  ELIZABETH DIED 14 APR 1952.  HIS SISTER MARY ROSE DIED 19 APRIL 1929.  HIS BROTHER EAMONN DIED 23 MAY 1958 R I P.  HIS BROTHER MICHAEL DIED 3 JULY 1974.”  RENNICK TRIM at base.

59)  MULLIGAN 1910-54 – Plain cross on base.  “ERECTED BY THO. MULLIGAN MEADSTOWN IN MEMORY OF HIS WIFE ROSE WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 28TH APR. 1910.  HIS SONS JOHN AND JAMES DIED YOUNG.  ALSO THE ABOVE THOMAS MULLIGAN DIED 13TH JULY 1924.  HIS SON PATRICK MULLIGAN DIED JAN 7TH 1954 R I P”.  PEPPARD NAVAN at bottom.

60)  IVORY 1972 – White marble headstone inside a curb.  Cross at each side of top.  Crucified Head of Our Lord with a crown of thorns at top,  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN IVORY DIED 5TH DEC. 1972, HIS PARENTS PATRICK AND ROSE AND SISTER MARY R I P”.  RENNICK TRIM at base.

61)  TUITE 1902-54 – Ringed cross with its hat like ornament on top and flaming heart in centre.  “ERECTED BY EDWARD TUITE TULLAGHANSTOWN.  IN LOVING MEMORY OF HIS MOTHER ELLEN DIED 22ND FEB 1902.  HIS FATHER EDWARD DIED 27TH MAY 1913.  HIS SISTER IN LAW ANNIE K. TUITE DIED 10TH MAR. 1920.  HIS SISTER MARY DIED 10TH JAN. 1945.  ALSO THE ABOVE EDWARD DIED 29TH APRIL 1945 AND JOHN TUITE WHO DIED ON THE 11TH DEC. 1951 AGED 68 YRS.  R I P.  ALSO EDDIE TUITE WHO DIED ON THE 4TH AUGUST 1954 AGED 29 YEARS”. 

62)  COMMONS no date – fancy iron cross.  “IN MEMORY OF PATRICK JAMES AND CHRISTOPHER COMMONS ROBINRATH NAVAN R I P”.

63)  REILLY1924-57 – Flaming heart in a ringed cross.  “IN MEMORY OF LAURENCE REILLY DIED 22ND DEC. 1924.  ALSO HIS WIFE BRIDGET DIED 9TH DEC. 1957.  R I P”.

64)  MC CORMICK 1955 – Small domed plain stone with cross in the dome,  “PATRICK McCORMICK DUNDERRY DIED 10TH FEB.1955”.

65)  KING 1952-65 – In a curb with chippings over grave.  Plain domed stone.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN KING DIED 15TH SEPT. 1952.  ALSO HIS PARENTS AND BROTHERS.  ALSO HIS WIFE AGNES DIED 29TH OCT.1965 R I P”.

66)  HEALY 1908-50 – Small plain cross with flaming heart in centre.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF ANNE HEALY DIED 2ND MARCH 1926.  ALSO HER HUSBANDJOHN HEALY DIED 9TH FEB1908.  AND THEIR SON WILLIAM HEALY DIED 26TH OCT.1915 AGED 14 YEARS R I P”.  On the right side of base “ALSO WIFE OF R. HEALY DIED 1950”.  W. RENNICKS on base.

67)  Mathews 1879 – Domed top with cross in circle and IHS in its centre.  “Erected by Michael Mathews of Maidstown in memory of his beloved wife Mary who departed this life March 20th 1879 aged 65 years.  May she rest in peace”.

68)  Traynor 1973 – Small stone with cross on top and flaming heart in centre.  “In loving memory of Michael Traynor His wife Elizabeth and daughter Mrs Dack.  Their son John died 15 Feb. 1973 R I P”.

69)  Can’t read name or date Solid cross on top with R I P in its centre, cross in a pediment and inscription in a deep frame.  We think there was a small Crucifix nailed to this cross and we found one that fitted and left it at the grave but it has disappeared.  We failed to read inscription.

70)  Sherry 1952-75 – Cross with flaming heart in its centre.  Grey limestone.  “Pray for the soul of Stephan Sherry Yellow Walls Dunderry.  Died Dec. 6th 1952 aged 59 years.  His wife Mary died Oct. 6th 1975 R I P”.

I would like to thank Mrs. Plunkett, Mrs Maguire and Michael Kenny for helping me to read the headstones of Clonmacduff graveyard.  Also Mr. Julian Walton for obtaining for me the Franciscan Arms.

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