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Clonca Churchyard, Parish of Cloncha, Headstone Inscriptions
The ruins of a small seventeen-century church, about 48 feet by 21 feet, known as the 'Church of Cloncha' that occupies an older foundation, lie eastward of Bothchonais (Carrowmore), on the road to Culdaff. Carrowmore, now better known as Baskil (basilica), was the probable site of the Monastery of Bothchonais mentioned by John Colgan. In Bishop Downham's Visitation Book, 1622, we find 'The church of Cloncagh is fallen down, and altogether decayed.' In that year 'Edward Boucker, clerk, an honest man, but noe licensed preacher,' was Incumbent, who was considered as 'suffficient for a parishe consisting wholly of Irishe.' This old church was roofed and used for Devine Service until the year 1827.
Outside, west of the graveyard of this church, are the remains of a High Commemoration Cross, known as the Cross of St Buadon. The portion of the shaft now erect in its original site measures about 10 ft. high by 16 in. by 8 and a half in. It is divided into panels, and carved with figures representing Scriptural subjects, after the style of the Monasterboice crosses. In the same field is what is stated to be the remaining portion of the cross, consisting of the upper limb, or head of the cross, which gives a further height of about 5 ft. 6 in., or a total height of about 15 ft. 6 in. The appearance of this cross, if restored would resemble in many respects the model of the restored cross after Henry O'Neill, now in the Museum, Kildare Street. The head of the cross extends over the body by a projection 20 in. wide by 13 and a half in. high, and 5 and a half in. thick, so that the sloping sides, beginning at 16 in. wide, taper at the top to 13 and a half in., while the thickness of the stem of 8 and a half in. wide also diminish at the top to 5 and a half in. The top of the cross extends 2 ft. 9 in. from the centre of the arms. A central small circle, 10 in. in diameter, divides the arms that project 20 in. on each side of the centre, giving an extreme width of 40 in. across the body. The shoulders of the cross are sunken spaces, but not perforated, as in most Irish crosses. The circular rim, or nimbus, is formed by intersecting circles, having a raised boss 7 and a half in. in diameter in each. A memorial cross of this magnificence is rarely found, and the Author regrets that the time at his disposal when visiting the locality of the site would not permit a more careful examination. (From Inis-Owen and Tirconnell, Being Some Account of Antiquities and Writers of the County of Donegal, by William James Doherty 1895) Photographs by Lindel, 2010 |
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Inscriptions
[Emblematic device]
Here lies the body of
William Callwell
Who died in the 40 yeare of his age
Ma 29 1706
And also his wife
Margrat Lorn
Who died in the 48 yeare of her age
Aprile 15 1718
Erected by John Calwell and ?
His offspring linialy anno dom 1718
In centre of chancel, to right of 'Cloncha Stone' : -
IHS
This was erected by
Dennis Canny
In Memory of his Brother
John Canny
Who departed this life Oct 20 1797
Aged 86 years
Underneath are deposited the remains of
William Cramsey
Who departed this life Nov 21 1809 aged 87
Here lyes the body of
Charles Davenport Esquire
Who dyed in the 17th year of his age
On Monday 19 Jul 1697
As also the body of Margaret his wife
Eldest daughter of Major George Cary of Redcastle
With 5 children
Note:
The Davenports were formerly landed gentry in this parish, having a lease of Glengad and Carthage from
Lord Donegal, which, in 1775, passed into the hands of the Young family
IHS
[Bell, skull and crossbones]
This stone only sheweth that underneath lie the mortal remains of
Michael Doherty, late of Dunross
Who departed this life 20 Sep 1812 aged 44 years
