Kilmaine, Co. Mayo
Test photo only
Test photo only
By Evelyn Keane
The parish consists of Kilmaine, Ballycushion and Gortjordan. It is a rural farming area with a population of 1,800 people and comprises of 4,067 hectares with over 650 houses.
Schools
There are three primary schools in the parish, at Kilmaine, Gortjordan and Ballycushion providing for the education needs of the children at primary level.
St. Patrick
Kilmaine has been mentioned in history books as far back as the time of St. Patrick’s arrival in Ireland. It is claimed that Kilmaine was his second stop in Co. Mayo. The townland was then known as Cillmheán Beag Abhainn, now known as Kill. St. Patrick established three churches in the parish, at Kill, Kilmaine and Kilquire.
Church
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church was built around 1849. The church has been extended since then and was reconstructed in 1956 and 1957. Over the altar is a large stained glass window designed by the famous Harry Clarke (1889-1932). It depicts the Nativity Scene. St. Patrick’s church was known as the middle church