• 28 June 2016

Ancient Seagoe Bell a powerful reminder of enduring Christian witness

Seagoe Parish has celebrated the 200th anniversary of the consecration of the current parish church with special services of thanksgiving and the welcoming home of an important local artefact, the ancient Seagoe Bell.

The bell, which dates from approximately 900 AD, was on loan from the National Museum of Ireland and on view in the church on Sunday 26 June

Other items from the parish archives, which date from the 1600s, were on display in the Parish Centre from Wednesday 22 until Tuesday 28 June (the actual anniversary).

Seagoe’s rector, Canon Terence Cadden said: “Many people from across the community took this unique opportunity to view the bell. Its presence in the church powerfully reminded us of the enduring Christian witness and worship on this site – one of the most ancient in Ireland.”

“In the evening Bishop Harold preached at an informal service in St. Patrick’s Killicomaine, and encouraged us not only to look back with thanksgiving for the past, but also to look forward and work towards exciting possibilities for Church planting and growth throughout the Parish.

“All in all, it was a great day of challenge and thanksgiving focused on the good news of the Gospel.”

Pictured above with the Seagoe Bell, Ruth Cadden. 

Seagoe Bell
Seagoe Bell
The Bell

The Seagoe Bell is a hand bell possibly made for Cumascach, who was known to have dwelt in Armagh and died in AD 904.

It is believed to have been taken from the Parish of Seagoe in 1602 and found its way to the Castle of Dromore. In 1641 it was re–gained by the Irish and nothing more was heard of it until it was unearthed at the opening of a grave in Ballinbeck in 1725.

It fell into the hands of the Hennon family who live in Aghacommon and was carried and rung in funeral processions. Archdeacon Saurin (former Rector of Seagoe) acquired it and at his death left it to Dean Dawson on St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin. When he died it was purchased by the Royal Irish Academy.

The bell measures 12.5 inches high at the handle and is 9” broad. It is oblong in form with the corners rounded off. The body of the bell is of light coloured bronze while the clapper and handle are of iron.