Kilbonane.

Sources:
"The Ruined Parish Churches of the Diocese of Cork"
By Michael H. J. Brunicardi

Civil Survey 1654

Smiths History of Cork

Brady Church Records

Bishop Dive Downs Parish Visitation

In 1615, according to the Royal Visitation Book, we find the church and chancel in ruins. It was repaired at some date between 1615 and 1639, As there is another record of the latter date, which says that it was in good order. Bishop Downes has left no record of this church, and one is forced to conclude that it was not in use after 1639. Indeed, a record given by Brady of the year 1837 states:

"The church in this parish, in which there never had been one until 1834, is reported to be in want of many necessaries to complete it. "

This entry is a reference to the Protestant church in this parish, and could not have reference to the ruins in the old graveyard. The presence of a headstone since 1740, within the church, is sufficient testimony to this statement.

Smith says of Kilbonane :

"This rectory is impropriate and it belongs to Tonson Rye, Esq. The Bishop presents to the Vicarage; in ruins. Anciently the Prioress of Grany was rector."

On the Ordnance Survey Map is marked the ruins of an old Catholic chapel situated at about three-quarters of a mile from the present ruined church. All traces of this edifice are now gone. These ruins, however, are not within the memory of any person living in Kilbonane (or Kilmonane, as pronounced locally). It is said a graveyard, was formerly there, but no trace remains.

Kilbonane Graveyard >>