DYSARTGALLEN

DYSARTGALLEN, a parish, in the barony of CULLINAGH, QUEEN'S county, and province of LEINSTER, on the road from Durrow to Abbeyleix; containing, with the post-town of Ballinakill (which is described under its own head), 4018 inhabitants. This parish comprises 10,557 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act; the soil is generally good, and the land in a profitable state of cultivation; there is a small quantity of bog, and grit-stone is quarried for building. The only seat of importance is Monaclare, the residence of S. M. Stubber, Esq. Fairs are held monthly at Ballinakill. The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Leighlin, and in the patronage of Earl Stanhope: the tithes amount to £406. 3. 1. The glebe-house was built by a gift of £100, and a loan pf £550 from the late Board of First Fruits, in 1810; the glebe comprises 30 acres. The church, towards the repair of which the Ecclesiastical Commissioners have recently granted £292, is a handsome building with a spire, situated in Ballinakill; it has a window of stained glass, and was erected in 1821, by a loan of £1100. The R. C. parish is co-extensive with that of the Established Church; there is a chapel at Ballinakill, and another at Knockardgurt. About 680 children are taught in two public schools, of which the parochial school is supported by the rector, who also built the school-house; and there are also five private schools, in which are about 160 children. Mr. Dillon bequeathed £500 to the R. C. poor of the parish. There are some remains of the castles of Moate and Ballinakill; and at Heywood is a chalybeate spring.