Dangandargan

Dangandargan is located three miles southwest of the town of Cashel and is in the parish of Cashel and Rosegreen, Co. Tipperary. The name designates both a civil parish and a townland. Dangandargan derives its name from the Irish “Daingion” meaning “Fort” and Dargan is called after a clan of Dargan’s that lived around this area. The “Liber Regalis Visitationis” mentions the church and graveyard as belonging to Athassel Abbey in Golden, Tipperary.

The site is situated in a rural area approximately 500 yards off the Golden Road (2 ½ miles from Golden) from New Inn, and is approached by way of a field, lying 50m to the North, by way of a cut stone “two legged” stile with a coffin rest in the centre.

Description of the Boundary Wall: The boundary wall, rectangular in shape, is made of limestone capped by concrete on its upper course, and is in good appearance, including dressed stone fabric, and of sound condition (unlike its state of dilapidation mentioned in the O.S survey of 1840). This is because part of the church fabric, according to local sources, was used later to repair it. The wall measures approximately 57m  (East wall) x 48m (North wall). It contains the same type of entrance in its South wall, as the field entrance, and a “leg-over” entrance in its East wall. The latter, according to local opinion was once its main entrance and leads to a cutting through the enclosure back to the graveyard.

Description of Enclosure: There is a level area (varying form 1-2 M’s) within the church wall boundary before the ground rises to a bank and interior basined depression in which the graveyard and church sits. The bank raises to approximately 2 ½ M high externally and 1 ½ M internally, and the interior depression measures approximately 19M East to West, and 29M North to South. A possible entrance lies in its North-West corner. The site was very overgrown with long grass, nettles, brambles and various shrubs until the initiative in 1992 to restore the graveyard took place. In 2014 the boundary wall was in some disrepair and work was completed to rebuild part of this boundary wall.

Description of the Church and Graveyard: There are approximately 63 gravestones, including table-tomb, some modern Celtic cross headstones and also some 3 foot/famine stones. One of the earliest graves is dated to 1776. A few horizontal and one vertical gravestone have collapsed. A barren area lies North of the church, measuring approximately 12 x 24 M.

Description of Church: The church, standing North-West of Centre in the enclosure is in ruins. Approximate measurements are 4M X 15M. The East and West walls stands approximately 2 ½ M high. A number of gravestones lie within the ruins and just at the front of the church.

Acknowledgments & Thanks

To all those who have contributed to the restoration and ongoing maintenance of Dangan graveyard throughout the years, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. In 1992, the first FAS scheme was led by Liam O'Brien (Dundrum) and his team, in collaboration with the 'Dangan Graveyard Restoration' committee, which was formed by Tommy and Mary Prendergast, the Prendergast family, and several relatives and neighbours whose loved ones are laid to rest in Dangan graveyard. This initiative, along with the continuous upkeep of the graveyard, would not have been possible without the generous grant provided by Tipperary County Council each year, as well as the kind donations received from relatives and friends of those buried there. The costs of maintaining the graveyard exceeded the council's grant, making these donations invaluable. We express our sincere appreciation to each and every person who contributes year after year. Your kindness is always appreciated. An annual mass and rosary have been held in the graveyard to honour all those interred there and to pray for everyone who has supported the graveyard in any way. Thanks to the Prendergast family,  their working colleagues and friends who prepare the graveyard for the mass each year. For the early years there are no records available for the caretaking of the graveyard. To anyone who has helped down through the years for which we have no record a very sincere thanks.

There are several individuals who deserve special mention for their vital efforts in maintaining the graveyard to the highest standards over the years. In particular Nicholas Gleeson (Shanballaduff, Cashel), Benjamin(Sonny) Dudley,(Killeenasteena, Cashel), Mary and Tommy Prendergast, William Prendergast(Snr)(Dangan) who used the scythe with great skill to cut down and mow the grass in the graveyard for many years. Liam O’Brien(Dundrum) and his team(first FAS scheme), Jack Leamy(Golden) and his team (FAS scheme). Mary and Darren Byrnes (Golden), Johnny Luby (Golden), and Denis McCarthy (Golden) who have provided invaluable assistance throughout the years and the current scheme is led by Joe O’Shea and his team. During the restoration, it was decided to create an index of the graveyard, which was partially completed in 1992 by the Prendergast family, friends and neighbours. Tommy and Mary Prendergast had a strong desire to see this project of recording the headstones fully accomplished. Therefore, in 2014, the project was revived and continued by Tommy, Mary and William Prendergast(Jnr),along with Ken Hayes. Finally, in 2024, the project was successfully completed. Following its restoration, the graveyard received a number of awards in the 'Tidy Burial Grounds' competitions organized by the Tipperary S.R County Council during the 1990s. Since then, the graveyard has been meticulously maintained to uphold these high standards.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to John & Jacinta, and the entire team at Eachtra Archaeological Projects for graciously permitting our community to contribute this invaluable information to their website.

The recording of the cemetery, which is now available for viewing on the 'HistoricalGraveyards' website, is a tribute to the late Thomas ‘Tommy’ Prendergast (Dangan) who passed New Years Eve 2023. Tommy's dedication and efforts in restoring and safeguarding the graveyard and its historical significance are honoured in this recording.

Anyone who may have additional information about Dangan Graveyard please contact Ken (0868567394)