The Irish Builder

Labbamolaga - Church Ruins

The ruins of this 9th/10th century oratory are in the townland of Labbamolaga, approximately five miles north-west of Mitchelstown. The placename 'Labbamolaga' comes from the Irish 'Leaba Molaga' which means the bed or grave of Saint Molaga (died approx. 655). The rectangular stone altar inside the lower illustration is traditionally regarded as the site of the saint's bed. According to the Archaeological Inventory of County Cork  (2000, vol. 4, part2), the ruin is 6.33 metres east-west, 4.45 metres north-south, with four corner antae, each protruding 0.7 metres; the walls are c. 0.755 metres thick with a 0.65 metres wide west doorway.

In the folklore of the area sleeping on or beneath the saint's bed was said to be a cure for rheumatism. Labba Molaga is also featured in the Grove White Notes.

Corresponding article from the Irish Builder