St. James' Church, Ballinora

History

The parish history records that a church stood at Ballymah in early Christian times, and that the oldest known church in the area was at Ballinvrinsig, from where it was relocated to Corbally in the sixth or seventh century. That church appears in diocesan records from 1302 to 1591. Inniskenny parish church ceased to be used in 1615. The first post-Reformation church was built in 1720 on Logans Hill, beside Boithrin an tSeipeal, and remained in use until 1821.

The present church was built at Ballinora between 1821 and 1831 under the leadership of Fr Peter McSweeney. The roof was replaced in 1955 and further major renovations were carried out in 1979. A major restoration was followed by the re-dedication of the church in 2009. The new parish of Ballinora was set up in 1986 and dedicated to St James.

The building

The parish describes the architectural style of the church as Gothic Revival, with pointed arches as its characteristic feature. The sanctuary is framed by the original stained glass windows of 1860 and by two side windows added in 2009 carrying the words Peace and Forgiveness. The pews and chairs are of Irish oak. A marble baptismal font was moved to the entrance in 2009, and limestone slabs were laid on the floor.

Notable features

A bell and bell tower carrying the inscription Erin go Brath were installed in 1874, and the bell was automated in 2023. A stained glass window of 1860 carries the name of Fr David Horgan, and a plaque to Canon McCarthy was erected in 1901. Holy water fonts dedicated to Eithne Dineen of Sraleigh date from 1931.

The Stations of the Cross are oil paintings on canvas, alongside two further canvases representing the supper at Emmaus and Jesus in the company of Mary and Martha. A shrine of Mary and Child is carved from Vicenza stone. Fr James Prior, who ministered in the parish during the Famine and died in 1845, is buried outside the main door.