Every grave has a story. Every family has memories. Every visitor brings their own connection to this sacred place.
A comprehensive historical overview
Hello there. You're looking at the history of our graveyard, Templecurraheen. I've walked these grounds many times, and every step tells a story of Carrigtwohill's past. From its ancient origins to the present day, this place holds a special spot in the heart of our community...
18th December 1834 - The Tithe War tragedy
The worst incident of the Tithe War occurred in the parish of Gortroe/Bartlemy, near Rathcormac on 18th December 1834. When Rev Archdeacon Ryder JP sought military support for tithe collection, a confrontation with 200 tenant farmers resulted in twelve deaths, including two brothers from Carrigtwohill buried at Templecurraheen...
18th December 1834 - A family tragedy during the Tithe War
Among the twelve people killed at the Battle of Gortroe were two brothers from Carrigtwohill, John Collins (32) and Michael Collins (30). Stalwart young men who joined their neighbours in resisting the tithe collectors, they were laid to rest in Templecurraheen Graveyard alongside their father, their names forever inscribed on the family headstone...
The west-facing burial tradition, and the Penal-Times story behind Rev. Father John O'Neill (K.82)
Did you know that clergymen were sometimes buried facing West, rather than East like everyone else? Templecurraheen holds examples of this tradition — including the grave of Rev. Father John O'Neill, Prior of the Carmelite house at Castlelyons, whose burial here alongside the Coppinger family tomb points to a Penal-Times story of refuge, a hidden death, and a memorial paid for by those who sheltered him…
(Tradition has it) - The Cotter family curse and heroism
This very large prosperous house at Annsgrove, Carrigtwohill was owned by the Cotter Family. The story tells of a priest's curse that came to pass, and the heroic tale of James Cotter who gave his life trying to save others at Murphy's Cove in 1947...
From The Cork Examiner, 9th August 1947 — the inquest into the heroic death of James Cotter of Knockmonlea
The full Cork Examiner account of the Sunday tragedy at Murphy's Cove, Monatrea — the rescue attempts, the inquest evidence of Mr. Michael Blake and the witnesses who reached the beach, Dr. Mulvihill's medical testimony, the tributes paid by the Coroner and Mr. G. Y. Goldberg, and the Coroner's closing call for warning notices and life-saving apparatus at dangerous beaches…
A poetic reflection on the graveyard
"You'd miss it if you didn't know / Just a stile in the stone (wall) / A painted white gate, weathered but / looking well for its age..." A beautiful poem capturing the essence and atmosphere of Templecurraheen Graveyard, from the entrance gate to the east-facing stones...
(Leaba Í measc na Naomh go raibh aige) - A tribute to a remarkable man
Uncle John was a farmer, historian, Gaeilgeoir, musician and a deeply religious man. From childhood, the Rosary and Litany of the Saints was a nightly Barryscourt ritual, as was rounding up the geese and bantam hens, lowering the clothesline from the kitchen ceiling, winding the alarm clock. He would then go to the parlour, close the door and start to warm up the uilleann pipes...
Based on John Arnold's column in the Echo - a tribute to songwriter Mai Higgins
At the unveiling of the new information board at Templecurraheen, Echo columnist John Arnold paused at a simple headstone - that of Garda Michael Higgins and his wife Mai, the Waterford songwriter May Carew, who penned more than fifty songs including Dungarvan My Home Town, Moonlight On The River Shannon and The Silvery Sands of Tramore. Three singers stood on the hillside above Cork Harbour and sang in her honour...
A raised, unmarked mound at the back of the old graveyard
Stand near the ruined medieval church at Templecurraheen and look toward the back of the graveyard. You'll see a distinct shift in the ground — a large, irregular mound, set apart from the surrounding headstones, with no names, dates, or markers. Local tradition holds that beneath it lie the bones of famine victims from the parish...
Old Irish inscription with Modern Irish and English side-by-side
An 18th-century headstone in Templecurraheen carries a rare Irish-language verse. View the Old Irish lines alongside their Modern Irish rendering and the English translation.
More stories will appear here as the community shares their memories and discoveries.
Be the first to contribute by sharing your connection to Templecurraheen!
Do you have a family story connected to Templecurraheen? Perhaps you remember tales passed down through generations, or you've discovered something fascinating about the people buried here. We'd love to hear from you!
Your contributions help keep these memories alive for future generations. Whether it's a poem written about the graveyard, a family legend, historical research you've uncovered, or simply a personal reflection about this special place - every story matters.