Annagelliffe Graveyard - A Cavan Tidy Towns Project

29/05/2026

In the Irish language, "reilig" translates to a graveyard or God's acre, a place where the past and present merge in quiet reflection and reverence. These sacred grounds serve not only as final resting places but also as keepers of history, folklore, and the deep-rooted spiritual heritage of Ireland.

22/05/2026

Please take a look at and share our story maps project of our journey at Annagelliff graveyard and chapel. We'll continue to add to our story maps as we progress with any future plans 😀

Tidy Towns Cavan Cavan Heritage The Heritage Council

Our History Our Heritage Our County

22/05/2026

We were in Baileborough today and decided to check out Killann old church and graveyard.

We looked it up briefly. The church was built in about 1450.

The grounds are scattered with Ancient burials, more recent burials, the old church and forget me nots, steeped in history and beautiful biodiversity, all wonderfully maintained. Bailieborough Heritage Society Cavan Heritage The Heritage Council Cavan County Council Tidy Towns Cavan

22/05/2026

14/05/2026

Today we welcome the team that will put together our conservation management plan for the graveyard. Fintan was very enthusiastic and informative and we look forward to his teams input and valuable guidance going forward. Some snaps from today

The team we're working with are

Fintan Duffy - He is the lead consultant and is preparing the over all plan.

Ciara Mcmanus - registered archaeologist, historical and archaeological research

Billy flynn - Ecologist, Biodiversity/environmental assessment

Tidy Towns Cavan Cavan Heritage Cavan County Council The Heritage Council

18/04/2026

We are still in our 1926 census bubble! just a little update, we had a look, In the 1926 census there are 27 people living in Annagelliffe itself. Bradys of course, Conatys, Burns, Mulvany, Breslin, manahan, Connollys, Galligans and Mastersons.

we looked up some of the later burials in Annagelliffe Graveyard and found some of this history of those buried there.

1) Mary brady who passed in 1927, just one year after the census, living in Connolly street with her husband Bernard who was a Pork butcher and her young daughter Ellen.

2) Henry Humphreys who lost his wife just three years previous, in 1926 is living with two servants in pullamore working his own farm.

3) Bernard and Bridget Whelan (Nee McCabe) who are both buried with family in Annagelliffe, in the 1926 census are merchants from pearse street, they are in this census with three of their shop assistants. Bridget is noted as their employer.

and

4) Patrick Donohoe, who was the last burial in Annagelliffe in 1973, In this census with his Father Patrick who is also buried in Annagelliffe. They were another farming family, along with Patrick Jrs two other brothers in 1926.

how is your research going?

14/04/2026

Only 4 days to go! Who will you be looking for??

04/04/2026

It'll be interesting to see another snippet into the lives of those who lived in and around Annagelliff in 1926, just 2 weeks to go until the 1926 census release!

1926 Census Release

As we approach the release of the 1926 Census, many new chapters of Ireland’s social history are about to be rediscovered. These records will open a remarkable window into the families, homes and everyday lives of people across the country a century ago.

At this time of year, one earlier census moment that resonates deeply in the 1911 Census return is that of Seán Mac Diarmada, one of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation.

In 1911, Mac Diarmada completed the entire census form in Irish.
Beside the line for marital status, he wrote “Aonarach” (Single) and added the hopeful note:
“Aonarach ach ní fada.”
“Single — but not for long.”

Mac Diarmada was executed by firing squad at Kilmainham Gaol on 12 May 1916.

As we look toward the release of the 1926 Census, entries like his remind us that census records are far more than administrative documents. They capture humour, hope, resilience and the everyday humanity of people whose lives shaped the nation.

1901 & 1911 Census can be found at www.nationalarchives.ie
The 1926 Census will be released on April 18th

30/11/2025

04/11/2025

This year Cavan Tidy Towns has put so much work into protecting and preserving Annagelliffe Graveyard.

Come join us for an evening with Father Liam Kelly. The lecture will dive deep into the history of Annagilliffe Graveyard and indeed compliments the fantastic work done by Cavan Tidy Towns this year.