St Laserian's Cathedral, Old Leighlin

St Laserian's Cathedral, Old Leighlin, previously the cathedral of the Diocese of Leighlin, is now one of the six cathedral churches in the Diocese of Cashel and Ossory of the Church of Ireland. It is situated on the site of a mediaeval monastery in the village of Old Leighlin, County Carlow, Ireland, some 12 km south of Carlow town in the ecclesiastical province of Dublin.

The Cathedral Church of St Laserian is one of Ireland’s smallest cathedrals. Originally built in the 12th century, it has been heavily modified since then by the addition of a central tower in the late 15th century, a chapel north of the chancel and the partial rebuilding of the chancel walls. It consists of a simple nave, 25 metres in length, the massive 18 metres tall central tower with an intricately ribbed vault and an 18 metres long choir rebuilt in the mid-16th century. The only window in the nave is above the western door. A four-bay sedilia (stone seat) with trefoiled heads, dating from the late 13th century, is probably unique in Ireland. The 11th century font, one of two in the cathedral, is probably the oldest item in the church.

History

A monastery was founded at Old Leighlin by St. Gobban early in the seventh century. The original monastic buildings were probably made of wood and were destroyed by fire circa 1060.

The present building was begun by Donat O'Kelly or Donatus, Bishop of Leighlin from c.1152 to 1181 and was completed by the end of the 13th Century. Major improvements were carried out since, especially in the time of Matthew Sanders, Bishop of Leighlin from 1529 to 1549, involving the addition of the tower and a chapel, latterly used as the chapter room. A wind organ was installed under the tower in 1800 and later moved to an alcove. A fine timber ceiling in the Chancel was installed in 1890.

Burials

• St Laserian (died 639), medieval abbot of Old Leighlin monastery and first Bishop of Leighlin. Grave unknown.
• Thomas O'Fihelly (died 1567), Bishop of Leighlin (under the choir)
• Matthew Sanders (died 1549), Bishop of Leighlin (under the choir)

See also

• Dean of Leighlin

References

• Diocese of Cashel and Ossory
• St Laserian's Cathedral, Old Leighlin