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Ballymacpeake Mass Rock

The existence of a mass rock in Neil Birt's garden has always been part of the local legend in Ballymacpeake.

Tradition has it that Mass was said here during 17th and 18th Centuries, until a central point was established in Mayogall in 1802. This place of worship became surplus to requirements. Over the years while it may have become redundant it was never forgotten by the residents of Ballymacpeake. For years young and old acknowledged its existence by making the sign of the cross when passing by - despite nothing to mark the spot other than a large tree know locally as the alter bush.

Mass rocks were situated in secluded places and in an effort to comply with Canon law a bush was planted in order to provide cover. These became known as alter bushes. The bush on this site grew into a large tree with its roots enclosing the stone completely.

July 1999 when excavating was being done at Brigid Diamonds house, Brian Mulholland who was seriously ill, told her to pay attention to the alter stone and make sure it wasn't destroyed.

With this in mind a number of locals met one summers night and decided on a restoration project. A new millennium was about to dawn and many believed that the mass rock would be a fitting memorial to the sufferings of the Penal Laws as well as a local feature.

Brigid Diamond.

Main Events of Restoration Project

26/08/99	Tree cut down by Henry Kerr and Gerald Evans.
27/08/99	Tree sawed up by Philip Flanagan.
18/09/99	Tree stump removed by Victor Riddell. Hedge removed, stone lifted up, foundation laid for re-setting it. Donal McAtamney, Brendan McNally, Eddie & Edward Birt helped to clear away debris.
09/10/99	Foundation laid by John-Joe McNally & Donal McAtamney.
13-20/10/99	Stone wall built by John-Joe McNally and helped by Donal McAtamney with stones from Liam Mulholland’s farm and Neil Birt’s house.
21/1 1/99	The Mass Stone was placed in position by Bryan McNally, Edward Birt & Donal McAtamney.
19/02/00	Hedge dug out by Bryan McNally with J.C.B.
26/02/00	Beech hedge planted by Gerard McGill. Drains made to take away excess water by Bryan McNally.
18/03/00	The remaining building of the wall was finished and large stones were built in behind the wall. Foundation dug for laying the floor. The wording of the inscription stone was compiled by the Committee and translated into Irish by Benedict McElwee. It was then given to Jim Gaul (Sculptor).
13/04/00	An appeal was made through the Irish News by Donal McAtamney to trace the Penal Cross which had been used at this Mass Rock in the 18^th century
15/04/00	Top soil was brought to the site and spread.
22/04/00	Inscription Stone and Holy Water Font assembled in position.
03/05/00	Landscaping completed by John-Joe McNally, Donal McAtamney, Brendan McNally & Charlie Kelly.
06/05/00	Floor laid by John-Joe McNally & Donal McAtamney.
15/05/00	The Penal Cross was returned to Father O’Donnell by an anonymous donor. It was displayed to the Committee at their meeting in Brigid Diamond’s house.

The Penal Cross

The Penal Cross associated with the Mass Rock has been returned to the Parish as a result of an appeal printed in the Irish News.

The small Cross is made of black oak, approximately 7’/2 inches high. We presume the Cross was carved locally, with the figure of Christ made out of bone.

The Cross is very distinctive. The letters I.H.S. are carved into the wood together with other symbols - one is a spear representing the piercing of the body of Christ, and the other three nails representing the Crucifixion.

The Cross will be used at the Mass Rock and will then be displayed in a glass case in St. Mary’s Church, Lavey.

A replica of the Cross has been produced by Mr. Eugene Kelly and will be stored with Mr. & Mrs. J. J. McNally and family from whom it will be available for use at local townland stations.