By Dan Walsh
Essential conservation work has taken place at the ruins of the ancient church at Ballybrennan, just off the R730 Ballymackessy-Wexford road in the shadow of Bree Hill.
The graveyard surrounding the church ruins contains many fine 18th-century headstones, including several commemorating people killed in the 1798 Rising and the graves of a number of priests and monks.
In April of this year, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Wexford TD James Browne announced €30,000 of funding dedicated towards the repair works at Ballybrennan church.
Dedicated to St. Cuan, an 8th century abbot of whom little is known about, the church has a rich history dating back to the medieval period and was once associated with the Knights Hospitallers whose origins lay in the Holy Land.
Today, Ballybrennan is best known for its grotto and St. Cuan’s Well, dedicated in 1958 and cherished by many devotees.
These works are being managed by Wexford County Council’s Heritage Section with support from the Community Monuments Fund.
