MAGHERNAGAW CHURCH

 

In Derrymore (a townland located on the western side of the parish of Aghagallon) is an ancient burial ground within which is the ruin of Maghernagaw Church. The founder of this church, down through the centuries, has been called by three different names – St Cahoo, St Gaw and St Mogawoge. It is said that this saint prayed on a large flat stone now embedded deep in the ground close to the remains of the old church. Local tradition states that he was buried under it although there is no evidence of this.

It is also reputed that St Patrick was associated with the Maghernagaw Church. The building itself was destroyed around the middle of the 17th century. A ‘holy tree’ stood in the graveyard. Many people hammered copper coins into the tree seeking a cure for warts. Unfortunately the tree died in the early 1990s due to the number of copper coins hammered into it.

In spite of its age and historical significance, burials continue to take place there. However, only families who have a very long association with the area can be buried there giving rise to the saying ‘Maghernagaw, where they bury no strangers.’