Sir, – As a follow-up to Rosita Boland’s feature on the pattern of Kilmakilloge, Co Kerry (“Repeating pattern: A tradition carved in stone”, Weekend Review, July 20th), it may be of some interest to point out that at least two other places trace their origins to Mocheallog. One of them is the town of Kilmallock, Co Limerick, and Kilmallock, Co Wexford.
Mainchín Seoighe in his comprehensive history of the Co Limerick town refers to Mocheallog Mac Uibhleain as a possible source for that town, but leans more towards Cillianus (the Latin form of the name) Mac Tulodhrain whose feast day was March 26th. This man was also associated with Lismore, Co Waterford. Perhaps someone from Wexford might have something to say about their Mocheallog? The remains of an early Christian church is to be seen on Kilmallock Hill just outside the Limerick town but alas, there is no memory of a pattern day. – Yours, etc,
NOEL Ó COILEAIN,
Cois Cille,
Kilmallock, Co Limerick.
Sir, – In my letter of July 20th, I refer to the birthplace of St Kilian of Würzburg as Rathmullen, Co Cavan. This should have read Mullagh, Co Cavan. – Yours, etc,
GERARD J LYNE,
Whitehall Road West,
Perrystown, Dublin 12.