Next to the new stands a reminder of the ancient past

JUST adjacent to Park West in Mallow can be seen St Anne’s Church, which was built in the 12th century, probably completed by 1190.

Now a ruin, it remains an imposing structure and a reminder of Mallow’s ancient past.

Originally built on an older, Gaelic church, in 1306 the church underwent a major reconstruction and upgrade, marking it and Mallow as major centres in North Cork.

In 1584 St Anne’s was confiscated during the time of the Munster Plantation and was taken over by the Reformed Church (Protestant). From then, the Roman Catholic community continued their worship in humble buildings, out of view from the main street of the town.

The church suffered again when the town was attacked by Irish and Old English forces in 1598 and in 1642 the church was damaged during a battle for Mallow Town in the Confederate War. Then again in 1690 the church was badly damaged during a battle in the Long Meadow (Town Park), in the Williamite-Jacobite War.

In 1814 Thomas Davis, Irish Patriot, Poet and essayist was baptised in St Anne’s (the baptismal font can be seen in St. James’ Church, where it is still in use.) Then shortly after, in 1821, St Anne’s Church was closed due to the high cost of constant repairs, and the steady increase in the Church of Ireland population.

On completion of its construction alongside St Anne’s in 1824, St. James’ Church was consecrated. St Annes was left to the elements and became the ruin that it is today, although in recent times a number of projects have been mooted which would have partially or wholly returned the building to use, with one proposal being as a heritage centre.

Meanwhile, it also stands as a reminder how old and new blend so closely in Mallow.