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The Meaning of our Crest

 

"St. Brigids Cross" – Cloonbonniffe church was built in the 1870s and was dedicated to St. Brigid. These crosses are associated with St. Brigid of Kildare, one of the patron saints of Ireland.

“Bell Tower” – This specially built bell tower to the side of Cloonbonniffe church is dedicated to the memory of Captain John Vaughan who died during the war of independence and civil war.

“O’Conor Don Clan” – the church and school sites were originally donated by the O’Conor Don clan. This symbol shows Clonalis House – the ancestral home of the O’Conor Don, who is a direct descendant of the last High King of Ireland, Ruaidri Ua Conchobair.

“The River Suck” – A tributary of the Shannon, it meanders its way through Cloonbonniffe. The fields bordering the Suck are called black parks i.e. “Ban Dubh”

“Cluain” – means the meadowland or pastureland and is the first element in the name of many surrounding townlands in the area i.e. Cloonsuck, Cloonelt, Cloonfower.

“Turf Stacks” – Local farmers depended on turf for cooking and heating their homes. Cloonbonniffe bog to the north of the church and school is still a haven of activity come summer time.

“Sheep” – Sheep together with cattle can be seen grazing in the black parks bordering the river suck. They also symbolise the county nickname “sheep stealers” and im sure there were a few stolen down the years.