Clogher Heritage Complex
The Holy Well - Tobermacduagh
Clogher, Claremorris, County Mayo,
Ireland
Location
In the townland of KILLEEN the parish of DRUM.
Extract from - 'Ancient Landmarks' - History of Mayo
J F Quinn
There is in Killeen townland, in Drum Parish, a well
called TOBERMACDUACH. The name is ascribed to
Colman-Mac-Duac, who lived at the beginning of the 7th
century.
Another sister well is located in Kinvara, County Galway
and is closely associated with Colman, who gave the name
Kilmacduach to the diocese. He was closely related to
Guaire, King of Connaught.
Stations of the Cross were performed annually on Good
Friday. Pilgrims came and erected tents in this area. (Mr
Gavin's handwritten notes.)
Over 100 years ago this tradition ceased and the well
fell into disrepair.
In this area was the site of an old Church and burial
ground for the unbaptised babies. It was said that little
coffins were brought in the night and the only sign that a
burial had taken place was a newly made grave. This practice
stopped around 1900 and cattle were let graze in the area
but it was never tilled. - (Mr. Galvin's handwritten
notes).
The phrase "Children's burial ground" refers to an
unconsecrated place used primarily, though not exclusively,
for the burial of unbaptised children. Those most commonly
used in Co. Mayo are cillin/Killeen, lios/Lisheen. The word
cill is derived from the Latin cella, and means Church or
Graveyard. (History of Mayo).
When the Well was being refurbished it was thought to be
appropriate to recognise those who lay here and erect a
small memorial to them.
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