Cooley

At Cooley, near Moville, interesting remains can be visited consisting of the ruins of an ancient church. In the graveyard of this church is a stone-roofed tomb, and a cross stands near the entrance gate hereafter referred to. There are also several monumental stones of a late date.

The district here is sometimes called locally "Bunnafoible," translated by some as "The foot of the Foyle," but more authoritatively as "The end of water dock." The correct and wider known name of the town and parish is "Moville," which means "Plain of the Ancient Tree," it being customary in early Christian Ireland to found churches on sites already dedicated to pagan worship. The site of this church was undoubtedly some sanctuary of trees. It is supposed to have been founded by St. Patrick, but very little of the ancient building remains. Nearby was the ancient monastery of Maghbhile, a great seat of learning in the sixth century. Its history has been often confounded with that of Movilla Abbey in County Down.

In the graveyard is a small rectangular building, 8½ feet long and 6½ feet wide, which is covered with an angular stone roof. It is now known as "The Skull House," and is a form of tomb which tradition identifies with the graves of saints, but was possibly an oratory. Right: An old photograph of the Skull House at Cooley (taken from 'Twixt Foyle & Swilly by H. Percival Swan. Click on the image to zoom in.

The patron saint of Moville is stated by some to have been Saint Finian, first abbot and bishop, and he is reputed to have been buried in this graveyard. Others allege that in this regard Moville parish is being confused with Movilla Abbey, County Down.

Outside the gate is a fine example of an ancient monolithic cross. The cross is 10 feet in height, and is without carving, but has a pierced ring and a hole, four inches in diameter, through the top. This hole is a curious feature. Dr. R.A.S. MacAlister thinks it may have contained a peg serving as a gnomon of a rudimentary sundial, the vertical shadow indicating the hour of noon. There is a cross with a similar hole in the graveyard at Mainistir Chiarain on the greater Aran Island where the vertical shadow line is mark. The base of Cooley cross is also peculiar. It is a large flat stone containing a rude representation of a human foot, traditionally ascribed to St. Patrick, and a perforation about four inches in diameter near one end, It may possibly have stood as a hole-stone itself before being used as a support for the cross.

Hole-stones dating back to pagan times are well known in different parts of Ireland, According to Bishop Montgomery, it is probable they were used for the making of vows. For example, couples about to marry joined hands through the hole; so any two persons would solemnly clinch an important bargain.

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