Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Finglas has a long history that needs to be told and displayed for all to see. At the heart of Finglas village are the ruins of the old St. Canice's church, with its ancient graveyard beside Barrack Lane. Despite being at the heart of a busy modern suburban town, framed by housing estates and a dual carriageway leading to the M50, the old church and its grounds and graveyards are full of trees, greenery and birdsong and a haven for wild animals. The old church offers visitors a surprisingly quiet and tranquil place of repose.

Entering the grounds of the old church is like stepping back in time. Around and within the ruins of the church are various types of ancient burial places, including a burial vault and table and box tombs. The old graves are marked by a variety of grave markers, including headstones, iron crosses and obelisks, many of which are too weathered to be read.

The old church was, according to tradition, built on the site of St. Canice's monastery, which itself was built in the 10th and 11th centuries. Records show that the church was used in 1657 but it is clear from other records that it was established much earlier than this. There is ample evidence of a Viking site having been established nearby. In fact, the remains of an adult Viking female were discovered in 2004, along with Viking artefacts that are now on display in the National Museum of Ireland. Located just outside the walls of the graveyard are a number of ancient wells that were buried during the construction of apartments nearby.

Some noted celebrities are buried in the graveyard of the church, including Eliza Wollstonecraft whose niece, Mary Shelley, wrote Frankensteinas well as the graves of bishops and archbishops. A grave of particular interest inside the church mentions Captain Edward Spencer, whose family is buried there and who was related to the Spencers of Althorp through his second wife and thus, is related to Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales.

In addition, the grounds of the church contain the Nethercross from where the barony in which Finglas parish is located gets its name. According to legend, this cross was buried by the parishioners as Cromwellian forces approached the village. The cross remained buried until it was rediscovered by the Reverend Robert Walsh in the early 19th century. It is believed to be approximately 1,000 years old and is the only high cross in Dublin. Unfortunately, the Nethercross is now quite weathered, which makes it difficult to see the intricate carvings that once adorned it. The people of Finglas want the cross preserved and protected in its present location in the graveyard.

A major study of the old church and its grounds was carried out by 7L Architects on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Dublin City Council, DCC. A comprehensive report was issued last April which outlined a conservation management plan for the church and grounds. To conserve these magnificent ruins properly, the church needs to be roofed and have its walls completed and the church needs to be returned to public. A museum to house the history of Finglas and its environs would be a fitting way to preserve our local and national history for future generations.

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