2024:155 - Knockatemple, Mayo

Archaeological monitoring was undertaken of the conservation works to RMP MA070-167001- Church and within the Zone of Archaeological Potential for recorded monuments MA070-167002- : Graveyard, MA070-167003- : Children's burial ground and MA070-167004- : Earthwork. The works were funded by the National Monuments Service Community Monument Fund 2024 and entailed conservation works to the medieval historic fabric of the church. Conservation of the church was undertaken in 2023, except for the north wall which was completed in 2024. Archaeological monitoring was undertaken at various dates in June and July 2024. Monitoring was conducted during works involving the conservation of the ruinous medieval fabric of the church which focused on the exterior of the north wall. In 2023 vegetation had been carefully removed from the north wall to facilitate a 3D survey in advance of conservation works to facilitate access for erecting temporary scaffolding. Further removal of vegetation was conducted under archaeological direction and supervision to uncover any loose stones in the vicinity of the church. The loose stone was sorted, and examined for cut stone pieces and archaeologically recorded, and where possible it was reused for the masonry repairs to the church. Stones that appeared to be set upright, flags or anything that might indicate that the stones were in use as grave markers were not disturbed. The large breach in the north wall was repaired and consolidated by inserting stone from the vicinity of the church along the field boundaries and reinstating the missing masonry. The window above the breach was repaired to support the cracked lintel over the window whilst maintaining the ruinous nature of the feature.

Cooldrumman Upper, Carney, Co. Sligo