THE RESULTS of a conservation survey on the medieval Raymochy Abbey at Manorcunningham have been presented to the Raymochy Historical Society by archaeologist Kate Robb of John Cronin & Associates.
This report, commissioned by the local historical society, was funded by the Heritage Council under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2021.
The report gives a detailed appraisal of the condition of the graveyard, the old church ruins, and its boundary walls, and identifies works that will be required to maintain and preserve its structures into the future.
Concerns identified were the collapse of a section of the east boundary wall adjacent to the road, the general loss of pointing mortar and capping stones both to the boundary wall and the old church ruins, and the heavy overgrowth of ivy and trees that create a destabilising effect on the built structures.
These are elements that need to be dealt with in order to mitigate and reduce the damage to the surviving historic fabric. The presence of Japanese knotweed in a corner was also of concern.
The report outlines a series of works required to preserve the site including the urgent repair of the collapsed boundary wall that will need archaeologist supervision and an experienced stone masonry contractor, the trimming back of vegetation to boundary walls and church ruins, the eradication of the Japanese Knotweed, the levelling of the ground surface within the church interior, the consolidation of masonry around cut stone elements of the east window and doorway, and a tree management plan involving the pruning back and potential removal of some trees.
All such works would require permission from the National Monuments service as the site is a registered national monument.

Funding agencies

Chairperson Virginia Mc Loone pointed out that according to the recommendations noted in the report there was much work to be done in maintaining and preserving this historical site.
It would take a concerted effort from the many stakeholders, including Donegal County Council, National Monuments Services, funding agencies, and the local Raymochy Historical Society to achieve its aims, she said.