Note dating to 1914 discovered in roof of Clonmacnoise's Temple Connor

By Rebekah O'Reilly

An artefact dating back to 1914 has been discovered in the roof of Temple Connor at Clonmacnoise, during preservation works at the site.

During works to the roof of the church, contractors discovered a bottle dated back to 1914, with a note signed by the previous carpenter.

The note dated July 11, 1914, appears to list the names of the employees who worked on the roof previously, and to be signed John Leigh, Harold's Cross, Dublin.

Although not entirely legible, the note appears to read: "Home Rule was passed that year ... thou art not conquered yet."

In April of this year, Temple Connor Church received €60,000 under the Government's Historic Structures Fund for the renewal of slating and flashings of the north roof slope, and insertions of insulation, as well as the repointing of the exterior and interior of the church structure.