School: Cross (roll number 13141)
- Location:
- Cross South, Co. Roscommon
- Teacher: Mártan Ó Colmáin
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0241, Page 102
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- (continued from previous page)the beginning of the 18th century places came to be called after the Mass. - Masshill, Massrock etc.
The four Altars were erected to afford protection to the priest while saying Mass. The people heard Mass in the field around the altars. When the wind came from the north the priest said Mass at the altar facing south and so on.
The Four Altars were built probably by Myles Costello who lived in Creggane. The gable of his home is still standing near the Altars.
The priest who served this district at the time lived probably at Aitinn na Sagart. Bocagh (a few miles on the Charlestown side of Ballaghaderreen) Aitinn = whin bush
In the course of time a thatched cabin was built in Craggagh neat Mr. Philips' or Mr O'Gara's and that was used as a Mass House for some years. The last priest who said Mass at the Four Altars was a Fr. Michael Farrell. One morning when he came to say Mass at the mud-wall Mass House(continues on next page)
