Notes in the Baptismal Register 1846-1855.
These Notes were made by Fr.Holland, the Catholic parish priest in Inchigeela, in 1855. They describe the constant struggle to keep his flock together in the face of famine. Many were tempted to convert in exchange for food.
1846 one convert. No perverts
1847 five families became Apostates (abandoned their faith) in number thirteen
1848 a family returned to the fold. Individuals three
1849 four families continued Apostate
1850 four continued in their error
1851 four, the same families remained, except the mothers of the same families
1852 three families returned and did public penance
1853 two families persevered obstinate and one returned
1854 one labourer of the Minister is going to Church, with three children, his wife going to Mass, not to Sacraments
1855 one parent is sending three of her children to the Protestant School, one of whom is taken into the Minister's house as servant. The mother of three illegitimate children nominally a Catholic is sending the three to the Protestant School, one of whom is a Catholic, the two more belong to Protestant fathers. The mother of these three children together with the parents of the other families were publicly denounced from the Altar by the PP all in vain.
Inchigeelagh
Jeremiah Holland. PP.
30th.July 1855