Ballinalacken

(Dr. Willie Nolan)

Ballinalacken, (also spelt Ballinalackey), was an ancient parish in the barony of Slieveardagh.  Ballinalacken church site and grave- yard is situated approximately half a mile south of Glengoole village.  The grave- yard is roughly 235ft. in length by 70 ft. at one end.  Within the boundary of the graveyard lies the ruins of an old church, only the remains of the church walls are visible.  One can presume that it was originally small as the remains only measure to about 24ft.  The church was situated at an angle to the wall.  At the lower end of the graveyard the wall is rounded and this measures at 70ft.  This cemetery is approached by a small avenue and is bounded on one side by a river. Local tradition has it that St. Patrick blessed the well within the wall of the cemetery, but there are no records of any pilgrimages being made to the site.  A rather small well is situated on the southern end of the graveyard.