Re: Re: Brother Michael Augustine O’Riordan

The Church of St. Colman, Ballintotas, near Midleton, Co. Cork

There is little doubt that this little country church has to be reckoned as part of Br. O’Riordan’s oeuvre.

Basically, a classical structure with gothic pointed windows. The porch, which is modern, conceals a very un-gothic door lintal.

The overall structure is similar to Inchigeela. The plaster ceiling reminds one of the Ursuline Convent in Blackrock and of Doneraile.

While the serilana survives, its pictures are gone as are all of its altars. A tabernacle was inserted in the back wall probably in the 1970/1980s coupled with a rather injudicious use of connemara marble. The altar rails are gone.

The church has an exquisite organ.

That such a little gem should be found here may not be unconnected with Bishop William Coppinger of Cloyne and Ross who had strong family connections with Midelton. It is known that Br. O’Riordan built schools for Bishop Coppinger in Cobh.