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Thanks to Janice Friel and Jack Devitt for contributing the following file.
Data with an asterisk was submitted by Jack and refers to his family research.
Anyone interested in the gravestone location within the cemetery, please contact me at [email protected] and I will send a copy.
Transcription from Janice Friel researching Bryan Freel of Beefpark, Mountcharles, Co. Donegal
St. Catharine's Old Graveyard and Church ruin, Killybegs
The Parish of Killybegs takes its name from early monastic cells known as the "Little Churches". Tradition represents the village as dedicated to St. Catharine', as its patron from the sixth century, when the "little churches" or early monastic "cells", were first erected. The ruins of the present church are possibly the remains of St. Catharine's friary, founded by MacSwyne, chief of Banagh, for the Third Order Regular. The church was abondoned when the new Church of Ireland, St. John's, was built in 1829. The Magonagles or Conwells were the Herenachs, and to this sept belonged Patrick, the Bishop who erected the manor-house at St. Catharine's in the year 1360. Donnchadh Mac Gonagle was Rector of Killybegs and Killaghtee up until his death on the 29th September 1589. His grave has not been identified, but there is a possibility that he may be buried in the Old Killaghtee graveyard.
The graveyard surrounds the church and all denominations have used it. The oldest stones in the graveyard date from 1685 and 1721. The former is to John Linsey and the latter is to George Blain. The Blain family carried on a sucessful Shipping business during the 19th century. One of their ships "Mary Blain" operated regularly between Killybegs and New York in the 1850's. Some of the stones to the Nesbitts, Greenlawsof Castlereagh, Hamiltons of Fintragh, and the Browns have fine Coats of Arms.
(Central Library, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland)
Gravestone Inscriptions
ASKEN
See Brown
ATHERTON
( Upright sandstone slab) Sacred to the memory of William Henry Atherton, died 5th October 1837 aged 37.
BANKS
(Broken sandstone tablet) In momory of Lieutenant Thomas Banks of His Majesty's Navy who died March 13th 1807 in the Command of Maulinbeg Signal Station. He was born August 12th 1777, had been in the service of his Country from his sixteenth year, and bore a part in Lord Viscount Duncan's glorious victory over the Dutch Fleet 11th October 1797.
N. B.
Admiral Duncan defeated, in the Battle of Camperdown, off the coast of Holland, a powerful Dutch fleet, prepared for an invasion of Ireland. Eleven of the enemy's ships were taken.
BLACK
(Horizontal sndstone slab) Here lies the body of Elizabeth Black who departed this life June the 12th 1783 aged 80 years. In pace requiescat. Also the body of Francis Black who departed this life 28th day of May 1789 aged 76 years.
BLAIN
(Sandstone tablet) The mortal remains of Margaret Blain repose here. She died on 19th March 1847 aged 80 years. Also of Charles, eldest son of William Blain who departed this life on 30th January 1850 aged 24 years. "He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down, he Fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not." Phoebe Blain wife of William Blain died January 3rd 1873 aged 75 years.
BLAIN
(Sandstone tablet) Sacred to the memory of William Blain who departed this life on Saturday 16th December 1848 aged 49 years. "The memory of the just is blessed." Edward Blain son of William and Phoebe Blain died June 24th 1878 aged 47 years.
BLAIN
(Broken sandstone slab with Coat of Arms) Here lies the body of George Blain who departed this life September 26th in the 64 year of his age. Anno Domini 1721.
BRICE
(Sandstone tablet badly weathered) In Memory of Michael Brice who departed June 17th 1781 aged - Also the body of William Brice who departed this life 11th March 1785 aged 70 years.
BROWN
(Horizontal sandstone tablet with cross at the top and the letters I.H.S.) Underneath repose the remains of Margaret Brown who departed this life June 2nd 1847, being in the 44th year of her age.
BROWN
(Horizontal limestone slab with Coat of Arms and Motto, Pro : Patria : Semper) Here lyeth the body of Mary Brown alias Asken who departed this life November 5th 1742 aged 70 years. This monument was erected by Archibald Brown for his father George Brown who departed this life May 6th 1758 aged 74 years.
CARR
(Horizontal sandstone slab with the letters I.H.S. in a circle) In hoc signo vinces. Erected to the memory of James Carr who died April 18th 1847, by his sons in America, aged 70 years. Requiescant in pace.
CONWELL
(Sandstone tablet with the letters I.H.S. and cross at the top) Sacred to the memory of Mary Conwell who departed this life 27th Febraury 1847 aged 69 years. Also Anthony Conwell who died 11th January 1864 aged 80 years.
CONWELL
(Horizontal sandstone slab) Here lieth the body of John Conwell who departed this life 1st of August 1817 aged 56 years
DEVENNY
(Horizontal limestone slab, flaking) Here lyeth the body of Mary Devenny who departed this life 7th June 1740 aged 59 years.
DOBIN
(Horizontal limestone slab) Memnto Mori. Doth lie the body of John Dobin who departed this life and was interred under this stone the 23rd April 1784 aged 36 years.
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FINISON Patrick (*)
Inscription: "HERE LYETH THE BODY OF PATRICK FINISON BEING ?? YEARS OF AGE DECEASED THE 24 OF APRIL ANNO DOMINI 1703
IN THIS TOMB A PROVOST LIES THAT WAS BOTH PIOUS JUST AND WISE HE WAS BOTH PLEASANT AND SINCERE THE GOOD HIM LOVED THE BAD DID FEAR AND WHEN HIS TIME WITH YEARS WAS SPENT THE CORPORATION DID LAMENT"
The inscription is much weather-worn, and is deciphered from my own close observations over several hours and an earlier transcription made by Pat Conaghan of Killybegs.
Ship: Above the inscription is carved a three masted sailing ship with a highly elevated decorative stern, all within a border.
Commentary: In 1904 correspondence between my great grandfather's brother Frederick and his son Theophilus, he describes, from his memory as an eight year old boy, the interment of his mother Margaret Hamilton Devitt in 1847 alongside the "ship stone", and that the stone was to be placed over her. Patrick Finison was believed to have been the father-in-law of Margaret's grandfather, Robert Greenlaw.
Patrick Finnison (with two n's) appears in the Killybegs 1665 Hearth Money Rolls (also John Finnison) and in the 1703 Index of Raphoe Wills.
The "ship stone" and Alexander Greenlaw's "stag stone" are adjacent to each other between the south wall of the church and the raised Hamilton stones.
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GALLAGHER
(Collapsed sandstone tablet with the letters I.H.S.) Sacred to the memory of Francis Gallagher who departed this life 01 September 1856 aged 88 years.
GALLAGHER
(Horizontal limestone slab with cross at the top and the letters I.N.R.I.) John Gallagher died March 26th 1818 aged 50 years. This tomb was erected by his wife.
GAY
(Horizontal sandstone slab, flaking) John Gay departed this life Febraury 5th 1784 aged 79 years.
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GREENLAW Alexander (*)
Inscription: "This Tomb Was Erected By Robert Greenlaw for his father Alexander Greenlaw Who Departed This Life Febry The 25th 1741 Aged 46 Years".
Coat of Arms: Carved into the stone above the inscription, with three stag's heads in the main field and a stag standing at the crest, above which the motto "Deus Alit Eos"
Physical: Dark gray slate, lying horizontal on the ground
Commentary: The above was obtained from the 1906 journal of Theophilus Devitt, who had obtained it from correspondence with the Rev. John McKnight, Rector. The date on the inscription and the last two words of the motto are now gone. Robert Greenlaw was my gg grandmother's (Margaret Hamilton Devitt--d. 1847) grandfather. The motto is said to have originated from the Greenlaw's presence in the seige of Derry in 1689, and translates to "God Will Feed Us". I have been unable to find any record of the granting of this coat of arms, so its origin remains a mystery.
From copy of correspondence from Aidan Manning to Cheri Greenlaw, Jan. 28, 1999: "Alexander Greenlaw, 1722-41, Revenue Boatman. This Alexander was set on board a ship in Killybegs Harbour in September, 1740, and was unable to get off until it docked in England. The adventure affected him as he died the following February, age 46. His tombstone was erected by his son Robert". Manning's source for this information is not known.
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GREENLAW A. R. (*)
"In memory of A. R. Greenlaw the only beloved son of Aaron and Susanna Greenlaw who fell asleep in Jesus in the 32nd year of his age December 18th 1902 at Castlereach"
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HAMILTON James (*)
Inscription: "Here Lies the Body of James Hamilton who departed this life the 12th of February 1813 Aged 39 years Also the remains of William Hamilton who departed this life the 25 day of November 1832 Aged 54 years"
Location: East of church.
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HAMILTON James (*)
Inscription: "Here Lyeth the Body of James Eldest Son of James Hamilton of Fintra Esqr who departed This life 23 Sept 1811 Aged 50 years"
Badge: Carved above inscription at top of stone a circle containing a tree, a cross-cut saw, and the motto "THROUGH"
Location; South of church. Horizontal slab set on four posts, partially collapsed.
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HAMILTON James (*)
Inscription: "Here Lieth the Body of James Hamilton Esqr of Fintragh who departed this life on the 15th day of May 1815 Aged 93 years"
Location; South of church, next to above. Horizontal slab set on four posts, partially collapsed.
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HAMILTON Richard (*)
Inscription; "Here lieth the Body of Richard Hamilton Esqr of Fintragh who departed this life the 22nd day of April 1817 Aged 43 years. Also the body of his Daughter Hannah Hamilton who departed this life on the 4th day of May 1816 Aged 12 years. This stone is erected to their Memory by Ann Hamilton the Affectionate wife of the said Richard"
Location: South of church, next to above two James. Horizontal slab set on four posts, partially collapsed.
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HEGARTY
(Upright freestone slab with cross at the top and the letters I.H.S.) Erected by James Hegarty to the memory of his beloved wife Catherine Quinn who departed this life 21st day of June 1858 aged 36 years.
HENDERSON
(Sandstone tablet) Underneath are interred the remains of James Henderson Esq.,who departed this life at Killybegs, January 26th 1836 aged 72 years.
JONES
(Sandstone tablet) Sacred to the memory of Margaret Jones wife of James Jones of Rushen. She died October 23rd 1819 aged 65 years.
KELLY
(Sandstone tablet) Sacred to the memory of Mary Kelly the beloved wife of Hugh Kelly who departed this life July the 19th 1869 aged 74 years.
KENNEDY
(Upright freestone slab) Sacred to the memory of Patrick Kennedy of Firbrega who departed this life on the 17th day of April 1856 aged 62 years. This stone was erected by his son Charles Kennedy.
KENNEDY
(Upright freestone slab) Sacred to the memory of Mary Kennedy of Firbrega who departed this life on the 12th day of November 1855 aged 52 years. This stone was erected by her son Charles Kennedy.
LAPHEL
(Upright slate slab, flaking) Sarah Elis Laphel born 16th November 1838. Departed 2nd November.......................
LINSEY
(Broken sandstone slab inside church S.E. corner) Here lyeth the body of John Linsey : Being 27 years : Deceased : The : 30 : Day of : June Ano Dom : 1685.
LONG
See Teelin
MAGEE
(Horizontal sandstone slab) Sacred to the memory of Mary Magee who departed this life Febrauary the 14th 1804 aged 84 years. Also her husband Alexander Magee who departed this life August 8th 1804 aged 82 years. Also to the memory of Mary Magee their daughter who departed this life January 12th 1811 aged 38 years.
MAGEE
(Sandstone tablet) Sacred to the memory of William Magee and of Ann Magee his wife, the former died January 31st 1811 aged 84 and the latter died October the 12th 1812 aged 74 years.
MATHEWS
(Upright freestone slab) To the memory of Catherine daughter of Alexander and Isabella Mathews who departed this life January 27th 1858 aged 29 years. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
MCCARTY
See McLean
MCCLOSKEY
(Horizontal sandstone slab) In memory of John McCloskey who departed this life May the 1st 1850 aged 63 years. He lived beloved and died lamented and remembered. A man more just or true to trust he has not left behind.
MCFADIEN
(Horizontal sandstone slab) Underneath this stone lyes the body of Feragal McFadien departed this life February 4th 1806 aged 3 years. This stone erected by Feragal McFadien his father.
MCGHEE
(Sandstone tablet) Sacred to the memory of Andrew McGhee of Killybegs who departed this life April the 22nd A.D. 1615 aged 77 years.
MCGILL
(Sandstone tablet with the letters I.H.S. in a circle) Erected to the memory of Cornelues McGill who departed this lifw 29th March 1847 aged 47 years. Also his wife Mary McGill who departed this life on 8th January 1860 aged 37.
MCGUINNIS
(Horizontaln sandstone slab, broken) Here lieth the body of John NcGuinnis who departed this life June 6th 1841 aged 63 years.
MCHUGH
(Horizontal sandstone slab with the letters I.H.S.) Sacred to the memory of Philip McHugh who died March the 3rd 1816 aged 80 years.
MCINTYRE
(Sandstone tablet with cross at the top) Erected in memory of William McIntyre who departed this life March 30th 1832, aged 65 years.
MCLAUGHLIN
(Sandstone tablet) Sacred to the memory of James McLaughlin who departed this life on the 16th day of March 1837 aged 34 years.
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NESBIT Alexander
Inscription: "Here Lyeth the Body of ALEXANDER NESBIT S??? O???N??? NESBIT Of ??ANEW WHO DIED ?????THE 15, 1719"
Coat of Arms: Carved above inscription, three wolf heads looking left in main field, at crest, an upraised hand holding a broken sword? pointing right.
Location: South of church, and immediately west of above Hamilton stones.
(Upright sandstone slab with the letters I..H.S.) Sacred to the memory of Mary McLean the beloved wife of Michael McCarty, C. G.who departed this life the 27th of December 1857 aged 29 years.
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MEIGHAN
(Upright freestone slab) Sacred to the memory of James Meighan of Killybegs and in York who departed this life on 2nd September 1857 aged 28 years. Also Patrick Meighan who departed this life 5th May 1858 aged 78 years. Also Kate Meighan, in religion, Tiressa Joseph of Mt. St. Vincent in York who departed this life June 1862 aged 24 years.
Requiescant in pace
MITCHAEL
(Sandstone tablet) Erected by James Mitchael in memory of his son John who departed this life November 5th 1840 aged 34 years. Also his brother William as above aged 21 years.
MORRISON
(Horizontal limestone slab with letters I.N.R.I.) Memento Mori. Here lieth the body of Methew Morrison who departed this life March the 12th 1826 aged 62 years.
MORRISON
(Horizontal sandstone slab with the letters I.H.S.) Here lieth the body of James Morrison who departed this life Febraury 6th 1836 aged 65 years.
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NESBIT Alexander (*)
Inscription: "Here Lyeth the Body of ALEXANDER NESBIT S??? O???N??? NESBIT Of ??ANEW WHO DIED ?????THE 15, 1719"
Coat of Arms: Carved above inscription, three wolf heads looking left in main field, at crest, an upraised hand holding a broken sword? pointing right.
Location: South of church, and immediately west of above Hamilton stones.
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O'BOYLE
(Horizontal limestone slab with the letters I.N.R.I.) Here lieth the body of Ann O'Boyle who departed this life November 2nd 1808 aged 18 years.
PALLOCK
(Horizontal sandstone slab) Sacred to the memory of William Pallock who departed this life April 16th 1833 aged 28 years.
QUINN
See Hegarty
TEELIN
(Horizontal limestone slab) MementoMori. Here lies the body of William Teelin who departed this life August 6th 1785 aged 43 years. This stone was erected by Anne Long alias Teelin for her husband.
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