1997:402 - CHURCHFIELD AND ARDOLEY, Mayo

The ecclesiastical remains at Oughaval are located in the townlands of Churchfield and Ardoley. The remains consist of four separate archaeological sites: SMR 87:23—Ecclesiastical remains (Cloonpatrick), including church and graveyard; SMR 87:24—Church (site of); SMR 87:39—Ecclesiastical remains (Oughaval), including church, graveyard and miscellaneous (Leac Columbcille); and SMR 87:40—Holy Well (St Columbkille’s Well).

The parish of Oughaval traces its origins to the 5th-century visitation of St Patrick, who traditionally founded a church there. There is some confusion as to whether 87:23 or 87:24 represent this church. In the 7th century an abbey (87:39) of Columban monks was also established at Oughaval under the patronage of St Columbkille.

A programme of trial-trenching was undertaken in the environs of the complex from 11 to 15 December. The work was carried out in advance of the R335 road improvement scheme. The areas for testing had previously been delimited in the archaeological assessment prepared by Gerry Walsh in respect of the scheme.

Seven trenches, ranging in length from 27m to 91.5m, were excavated by mechanical excavator fitted with a ditching bucket. The trenches were located c. 1m inside the field boundaries along the existing road frontage in the respective delimited areas of testing.

In general, the topsoil consisted of an homogeneous, moderately loose, mid-brown silty clay with a grey hue. This lay directly upon the undisturbed ‘natural’ subsoil, which was in turn investigated to a depth of c. 220mm. No features or finds of archaeological interest were uncovered during the course of the work. Monitoring of level reduction in this general area will be carried out during either 1998 or 1999.

39 Kerdiff Park, Monread, Naas, Co. Kildare