Timoleague
A West Cork Village
Timoleague Abbey
Timoleague abbey
was founded by the franciscan order in 1240 A.D. The abbey was built
on the site of a monastic settlement founded by Saint Molaga in the
6th century.
The village's name comes from the Irish for House of
Molaga, Tigh Mologa.The abbey was extended by Donal Glas McCarthy in
1312, and by Irish and Norman patrons in the 16th century.
The monks
were dispersed by the Reformation, but returned in 1604. In 1612 the
abbey was sacked by English soldiers who also smashed all of the
stained glass windows, but much of the significant architecture
remains. The friars remained in the abbey until 1629.
The history of the abbey can be summarised as follows:
| c1300 | Founded by the Franciscans on the site of ancient monastery of St Molaga: endowed by the Barrys and the McCarthys who are burried here. | |
| 1480 | Book of MacCarthaigh Riabhach of Killbrittain otherwise known as the Book of Lismore written here | |
| 1495 | Edmund de Courcy O.F.M., Bishop of Clogher, became Bishop of Ross and resided here: built the tower, dormitory, infirmary and library | |
| 1601 | Battle of Kinsale: Friary under threat from both sides as some of the Barrys and McCarthys joined Hugh O'Neill's rebellion while others remained loyal to Queen Elizabeth | |
| 1603 | Burial of Eoin MacEgan, Bishop-elect of Ross, killed in battle against the forces of the Queen | |
| 1620 | School of Philosophy established | |
| c1633 | Timoleague Chalice made in London: later lost but re-discovered on Cape Clear in the 1850's: Still in use. | |
| 1639 | Visit of Micheál Ó Cléirigh, one of the Four Masters, to copy from the Book of Lismore. | |
| 1642 | Friary Burnt down by Cromwellian soldiers | |
| 1813 | Séan Ó Coileáin wrote the poem 'Machnamh an Duine Dhoilíosaigh' (Caoineadh Thigh Molaige), Reflections of the Meloncholy Person (Lament for Timoleague) lamenting the destruction of the friary |
Photograph Courtesy of
Mike Brown
Photography
(copyright Mike Brown Photography)