Kiltane

Kiltane (Irish: Cill tSéadhna) is a parish in Erris, North County Mayo, Ireland.

Origins

Kiltane derives its name from Cill tSéadhna, or Seadhna's church, which was in the townland of Kiltane by the banks of the Owenmore river. The name 'Seadhna' was well known in the Early Christian Period. There is mention of a bishop and priest of that name in an old tract but no detail as to where they worked. The name was common in the family from which Darbiled (Dervilla) and Fighernan came, both of whom preached in Erris. A huge part of this parish is blanket bog which was acquired by Bord na Mona. From it they transported milled peat to the now defunct, peat-fuelled power station at Bellacorick, now the site of a large wind farm.

History

For administrative purposes as well as limiting the number of Catholic clergy during the Penal times (17th century), Erris was divided into two parishes, namely, Kilcommon and Kilmore. (This territorial arrangement is still adhered to for civil and statutory purposes). Only one priest was permitted to serve each parish. In 1704, Fr. Michael Monnely, serving Kilcommon, lived at Cloontikilla. In 1731, there were two priests, no Mass house, many wandering friars and hedge schools abounded.