Kilnambanorha Graveyard, Baunmore.

In the Townland of Bawnmore on the shore side of the main road between Moyasta and Lisdeen is a small graveyard called Kilnambanorha . Cill-na-mBan-Ortha translated is The Church of the Women of Prayer , or of the Golden Hair. It is also called Cill Beag. There is a Holy Well here also called Tobar-na-mBan-Ortha and had Stations performed into the last century. So it must have been a centre of ecclesiastical value with its church , holy well and graveyard before it reached its present state of disrepair sometime in the 16 or 17 century.  It is difficult to find, and access is across a few fields, so it is literally a small area surrounded by fields with no access.

It is a neglected and sad place however a haven of peace and biodiversity. Mass is said there at times. It needs a little path to get access across the fields just big enough so a coffin could still be carried in for burial as it is still used.  With the grass cut twice a year and a bench installed it could become again a place to pray and watch the world go by.

In 1945 Simon (Sonny) McNamara was killed by a train engine while working at Moyasta Junction and is buried in this graveyard. He is interred with his family.

Ref: Ordinance Survey letters by J.O’Donovan and E.Curry 1849