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Archiver > NIR-ARMAGH > 1999-07 > 0932579989


From: Leo and Sarita Cannon <>
Subject: [NIR-ARMAGH-L] Rice/Lennon/Crossmaglen
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 1999 13:59:49 -0400


Dear Howard,

Hope the Hill Clan is enjoying winter down under. The heat on our
east coast has been especially strong this year. So far, here in
Florida, we have been spared the hurricanes.

Saw your message to Sally regarding the Ancient Creggan Cemetery
which goes back into antiquity. The present protestant Church of
Ireland stone church, circa 1758, is situated over part of the ancient
ruins of a church which dated to the 1400s. There are also graves of
Catholics in the cemetery. An O'Neill family vault was uncovered during
a cemetery renovation project. It contained over 60 skulls. It is in
the corner of the remains of the ancient church walls.

Creganbane Glebe and nearby Drumbally townlands were part of
catholic church lands owned by a Franciscan Friary at Creggan. The
Cemetery was called the "Indulgence". Recent Research into a small
stone roofed building in the Creggan Cemetery has led to the theory it
was an early celtic christian church dedicated to St. Jarlath, a native
of the area and 3rd or 4th successor to St. Patrick. It is the subject
of a recent book written by Dr. Geraldine Carville of Queen's University
in Belfast. If my memory is correct on the anniversary of the death of
St. Jarlath the sun shined through an orfice and bathed the altar in
light.

If Sally doesn't find Michael and Rosanna listed in the Guide to
Creggan Cemetery, don't despair. There are other graveyards of more
recent origin. One lies in Glassdruman, St. Patrick's RC Church has a
graveyard in Crossmaglen. Likely, it dates to 1827 or thereabouts when
the church was built. Another RC churchyard lies behind the church in
Cullyhanna, Lower Creggan parish but it is of more recent vintage.

I believe the Lennons operated a tavern or public house in
Crossmaglen during 1700s. There is a strong possibilty that a Marriage
register exists for 1815, Upper Creggan Parish, which would show James
Lennon's marrige to Mary Rice and the names of the witnesses/sponsors.
The records which were computerized by the diocese reside at
St.Patrick's RC Church in Crossmaglen. The priest would be likely to
have an indexed print-out of the original register. There are also
other cemeteries, some peculiar to certain religions. Hope this helps
you.

Regards...Leo J. Cannon, Gainesville, Florida

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