Carrick Church

About

Situated in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, Carrick Church (Teampall Carraig) is approximately one mile to the north-west of the village of Derrygonnelly, on the shore of Carrick Lough. The Church is a late medieval structure built by the then Baron Gilbert O'Flanagan II, and his wife Margaret in 1483 in 'Honour of God and Mary'. Gilbert, son of Cormac, became chief in 1488.

The O'Flanagan sept, who supplied many of the clergy for both Devenish and Inishmacsaint, were the chieftains of Tuatha Rátha. The territory of Tuatha Rátha covered approximately the area which is known today as the Barony of Magheraboy and their stronghold was situated at Baile Uí Fhlanagain in the townland of Aghamore on the shores of Carrick Lake. Much trouble plagued the descendants of O'Flanagan and the Annals of Ulster record that in 1528 Gilleece O'Flanagan and his son Turlough were both murdered in the chapel, on the same day, by Patrick O'Flanagan.

Gilbert II may have built a church at Aghamore (the Great Field) as a private chapel but it raises the question; did he have a difference with his kinsman who was Prior on Inishmacsaint or did he build it for prestige? Gilbert II died in 1496 and when his wife...