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

Gleann Ómra. Churches and Tombs situate in Gleann Ómra

The district of Gleann Ómra was known as the country of the O’Kennedys, who bore the tribe name of Sliocht Donchuain. ^[22] It is exactly co-extensive with the parish of Killokennedy. The O’Kennedys were driven out of this territory by the MacNamaras during the struggles between the descendants of Turlogh and Brian Roe O’Brien. They settled at the east side of the Shannon, in the baronies of Upper and Lower Ormond, and in that country of their adoption they became far more powerful than they had ever been in their ancient home in Thomond. The parish church, called after their name Killokennedy is long since in ruins, but it is surrounded by a burial ground largely availed of by the country people around. A disused graveyard is also found in the parish, as well as three holy wells, dedicated respectively to St. Cronán, St. Slaney, and to certain nuns (Tobernamanrielta). Who these holy women were cannot be ascertained. The remains of one castle, that of Glenomera now entirely destroyed, existed in the district. It was the property of 1580 of Turlogh, son of Daniel Roe MacNamara. St. Cronán of Tomgraney, there can be little doubt, was the patron of the parish. Beside his well grows a very large ash tree which, according to an inscription on a stone near it, was planted by W. Doogan, P.P., in the year 1733. The tomb of this priest is in the churchyard. It was erected by himself long before his death.

“This thomb was erected by William O’Doogan, Rector of the parish of Killalowe, Killsealy, and Killogenedy, 1723.”