2013:390 - DROMBANNY, Limerick

Limerick County Council provided technical assistance to a local community to advance a graveyard extension (0.2ha) in the townland of Drombanny, Co. Limerick. The site is adjacent to the west of the early medieval church foundation of Donaghmore. The place-name is mentioned in the Triparite Life of St Patrick. The extant church on site dates to the late 11^th/early 12^th century. It developed as the centre of the civil parish of Donaghmore. A geophysical survey was carried out and a number of possible features were located. On advice from the Department a series of test trenches were subsequently excavated targeting the anomalies identified. Fourteen test trenches were excavated. Agricultural features such as plough furrows, gullies and drains were recorded, particularly to the west of the site. A large pit or gully-like feature was recorded in the south-west corner. A large drain or gully-like feature extending roughly north-south was located in three test trenches to the east. Further extensive excavation will be required if the project goes ahead.