Part I. Topography of Thomond Chapter 9. Ui Fearmaic; Gleann Omra; Ui Bracain; Ui Floinn; Ui Ronghaile

Ui Ronghaile

Kilnoe Parish; Ancient Deed of Mortgage of lands situate in this parish

Kilnoe cannot possibly have been the designation of the church of this parish. Its very name contradicts such a supposition. From the fact of a holy well, dedicated to St. Mochuille, being found in the neighbourhood, it may be inferred that the church likewise was dedicated to that saint. Very little of its remains exist, but a large graveyard adjoins the ruin. In the townland of Kilgorey (Cill-Ghuaire) is an ancient burial-place no longer used by the people. Another of the same kind called Killana is found at Ballydonahan. Part of the east wall of a castle stands in the townland of Coolreagh East, and the remains of another castle are found at Ballinahinch. In the list of 1580 no allusion is made to either of these structures, possibly owing to the circumstance that they did not exist at that time. Among the Irish Deeds translated by Hardiman, is one relating to lands in this parish as follows:—

“This is the sum given by the Earl of Thomond to Cumara, son of Sheeda, son of John MacNamara, viz., two marks for one half of Cumara’s part of Clonmoher, and the Earl and his son after him are to enjoy the fee simple of the same for ever from Cumara and from his son; and the Earl covenants to befriend Cumara, and to protect and to defend him in his rights. These are the witnesses present at the making of this covenant—viz., Mahone Oge, Honor O’Brien, Gilleduff MacTeige, Conor MacGorman, Richard Roe MacMiler, and Rory More. I, Denis O’Duffertain wrote the above at Cúl Riabuig (Coolready), with the consent of both parties, the third day of the month of August.”