2020:019 - Killeenyarda and Rathkennan, Tipperary

A programme of archaeological monitoring was undertaken in the townlands of Killeenyarda and Rathkennan to the west of Holy Cross village, Co. Tipperary as part of the Thurles Regional Water Supply Scheme. The presence of an archaeologist was requested as a condition of planning to ensure that no archaeological finds or features would be overlooked or damaged during the initial phase of ground works. The overall development consists of the construction of a new Water Treatment Plant in Killeenyarda townland outside Holy Cross village and the installation of an outfall pipe from the plant southwards to the River Suir. Trenching along a section of the public road adjacent to a motte and bailey (TN046-027001) in Rathkennan townland to the west of the Water Treatment Plant was also carried out under archaeological supervision. A number of recorded monuments are located in the vicinity of the works including a motte and bailey (TN046-027001) and a church site (TN046-026) in Rathkennan townland.

Monitoring works were carried out over a period of one and a half years at different stages of the project. The first and main phase of monitoring occurred at the Water Treatment Plant site in Killeenyarda townland. Trenching for pipeline installation on a section of the public road, along the wayleave flanking the Cork-Dublin rail line and on the wayleave for the outfall to the river was also supervised. No features or finds of archaeological significance were noted in any of the greenfield areas. Of note was the exposure of a wide, relatively shallow ditch beneath the public road adjacent to the motte and baily (TN046-027001) in Rathkennan townland. It measured 2.3m in width and reached a maximum depth of 0.48m. The fill consisted a mid-dark brown sticky silt with a high clay content and occasional lenses of orange stony gravel. The ditch is probably part of a complex of enclosures associated with the former ‘Rathkierane’ village which documentary sources indicate was located between the motte and bailey and the former church (TN046-026) to the north (Smyth 1985).

Reference:
Smyth, W.J. 1985 ‘Property, patronage and personality: reconstructing the human geography of mid-seventeenth century Tipperary’ In: W. Nolan (ed.) Tipperary, History and Society. Dublin, Geography Publications, pp. 104-138.

Rostellan, Midleton, Co. Cork