2007:1541 - Rinnarogue, Sligo

Pre-development testing was carried out on 27 and 28 September 2007 at a proposed extension to Cloonameehan graveyard, part of an ecclesiastical complex in Rinnarogue, Co. Sligo. The proposed extension measured c. 60m by 55m and consisted of the provision of a number of new grave plots and intervening footpaths. There were no archaeological features visible within the proposed development site, which was already in use as an extension to the graveyard, with a line of graves along the western boundary, the earliest dating to 1990.
The testing consisted of the excavation (by machine) of seven trenches which measured 16.8m, 25.3m, 46m, 44.8m, 40.1m, 30.2m and 10.7m long respectively, 0.8–1m wide and 0.1–1m deep. Below the disturbed topsoil was tarmac, orange/grey/brown compact clay, loose orange/grey/brown sand and gravel, fill, original topsoil, orange/grey/brown plastic clay, grey firm sandy clay and grey friable sandy silt loam. The disturbed topsoil contained a modern metal artefact. The fill contained bits of plastic and rotting timber. The investigation of the spoil using a metal detector yielded a modern metal bolt and two pieces of modern wire. It would appear that the area was cleared and graded when it was enclosed in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Nothing of archaeological significance was in evidence.