Kilfane Church

Located 3.5 kilometres north-east of Thomastown are the ruins of Kilfane Church. The first half of the 14^th century is suggested for the construction of the church based on the architectural features present in the now roofless structure. Standing beside the church ruins, and with direct access to the church interior, is a multi-storey tower that had an upper section added in the 15^th century. Although originally built as a church, and still in use as a Protestant church until the early 19^th century, the building would later serve as a schoolhouse before falling into disrepair.

Within the body of the church, a number of original features survive. There is a sedilia, these were seats for the officials conducting the mass. Beside the sedilia is an ambry, a recess in the wall for holding the consecrated items and oils. The triangular headed niches to either side of the east window would have had statues placed within them. Traces of the original paint scheme can be seen in places within the interior of the church. Traces of red pigment can be observed in the sedilia, while traces of yellow, red and white paint are evident around one of the statue niches. There are also four painted consecration crosses within the church, with the cross highlighted in red on a white background.

The tower-like structure outside the body of the church proper may have functioned as a sacristy with living quarters above, with direct access into the church itself via a doorway that was later blocked up. At the top of the first flight of stairs there is evidence of an unusual feature, a trapdoor that would have secured the upper floors from access. The stone sockets for the hinge of the trapdoor can still be seen, as can the recess for the trapdoor itself to slot into when shut. Other features on the upper floors of the tower include a fireplace, garderobe, ambry and an altar. The tower is topped by a double bellcote.

Perhaps the outstanding feature of Kilfane Church is the huge effigy that greets visitors as they enter the interior of the ruins. Placed against the north wall of the chancel in the 1930’s, and standing larger than life, is the figure of a knight clad in mail armour and wearing a surcoat. A sword and shield are also present, with rowel spurs visible at his heels. Although there is no inscription on the effigy, the coat of arms depicted on the shield is that of the Cantwell family. The effigy is known locally as “Cantwell fada” or “long Cantwell” and it is easy to see why when standing beside the imposing figure. There is a suggestion that it may represent Thomas de Cantwell who died around 1319 but there is an argument for an earlier date of mid-13^th century for the effigy.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014