All that remains of the former Church of Ireland church in the village of Athlacca, County Limerick. Samuel Lewis’ Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837) notes of this building, ‘The church, built by aid of a loan of £560 from the late Board of First Fruits, in 1813, was burnt by the Rockites in 1822; and the present church, a small but neat edifice, with a tower and lofty spire, was erected in the following year by a cess levied on the parish.’ The ‘Rockites’ were supporters of a widespread agrarian revolt across south-west Ireland during 1821-24, the name derived from a mythical ‘Captain Rock’ who was supposedly their leader. Athlacca church remained in use until 1942 after which the greater part of the building was demolished, leaving just the tower and spire as a reminder of what once stood here.
I am interested in this church and does anybody know why they left the tower and spire. It is exactly the same as tower and spire of Knockmark, Co. Meath. This church was also demolished in 1800,s. Both buildings are fascinating. Geraldine.
I agree the conical tower is unusual, not common? But I also find the picture showing a niche with a Virgin Mary statue fascinating as not typical of a Church of Ireland location? Or were some of those churches more ‘high’ Anglican and closer to the RC in practice (compare to no saint statues, simplified to severe Protestant approach)? Or a contemporary addition by the locals?
The Virgin statue is, I suspect, a relatively recent addition. As for the conical tower, that is unusual yes.
To compare, here is a pic of Knockmark, (you may have to pan, move the picture to see the tower. Looks similar, but Athlacca seems to have a circular smooth finish.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Knockmark,+Killeen+Castle,+Co.+Meath,+Ireland/@53.5106363,-6.5930446,3a,75y,219.34h,98.32t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sFyF4DbQK03Jn7QYfqqv6xA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DFyF4DbQK03Jn7QYfqqv6xA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dsearch.TACTILE.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D392%26h%3D106%26yaw%3D199.66284%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656!4m5!3m4!1s0x486768ffdc6865d7:0xa0237f0755fc1315!8m2!3d53.509226!4d-6.58948
Thank you, the additional information is appreciated.
The statue is totally inappropiate- architecturally, artistically & most importantly theologically & should be hastily removed.
Does any one know the dedication of the church at Knockmark? The graveyard is beautifully maintained.