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PAROCHIAL msronv. C 75
castle, was erected in 1842. It stands on the site of the old chapel,
which was built in the year 17 9 5. The old building was cruciform,
and not of such large proportions as the present edifice. The
abbey burial ground which has been used without interruption for
seven centuries, was enlarged by the Most Rev. Dr. McGettigan,
Archbishop of Armagh, during his residence in Ballyshannon.
The Rock chapel, situate in the adjoining parish of Inismaesaint,
was, with the burial ground attached, consecrated in September,
1836. -
The first Presbyterian Church was in College Lane. It
was built in the last century, and remained in use till 1832,
when it fell into such a ruinous condition that it was decided to
build a new one. This was erected on the Mall in 1833, and
rebuilt with extensive additions in 1878-9.
Of the two Methodist chapels, that in the Main Street is much
the oldest, having been, according to the tablet inserted in the
well, built in 1791. The Rev. John Wesley, the founder of
Methodism, visited Ballyshannon on more than one occasion; and
in 1771 preached here. At that time, he seemed to have but
few supporters in the town, as the following entry in his journal
shows:-“I rode to Ballyshannon, and preached,in the Assembly-
room. I was acquainted with some of the chief persons in the
town; but they were ashamed to own me. Only some of them sent
their compliments to me, properly so called.” In subsequent
years, the cause of Methodism grew and flourished in Ballyshannon,
and at one time there was a large number of members, which
however, have dwindled away with the decreased population. The
Methodist Chapel on the Mall is a more modern structure, and
being roomy and commodiously situated, will soon supersede the
Main Street Chapel.
‘ There are 44 tovmlands comprised within Kilbarron, which, but for a nominal tithe
in the case of 7 townlands, have always been tithe-free. The cause of this freedom is
accounted for by a curious legend in which a. lame monk relieved the parish by walking
through its bounds in one day ; all the ground that his crutch touched was to be free.
When he came to the sea shore and could go no further, he flung his crutch across to
grassland of Ratlin O’Bc1'1-no, which from hencetorth became a part of the parish of
‘ anon! ‘