The mosaics at the Church of the Ascension, Timoleague in Kilgariffe Union of Parishes were awarded the National Heritage Award for County Cork in 2021.

Built in 1811, the church building is of local and national importance. Minister Heather Humphreys TD has recently visited the building to see the mosaics which date back to 1894. The church is currently undergoing a five-phase conservation plan to prevent the mosaics from getting spoiled by water entering the building.

The Rev. Kingsley Sutton, Rector of Kilgariffe Union, said:

I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the hard-working team that is safeguarding the heritage of The Church of the Ascension, at Timoleague. Our sincere thanks to Finola Finley who was the guest lecturer for our national heritage day in August. She shone a spotlight on the history of the many stained glass windows, which are another outstanding feature of this unique church building. Phase two of our conservation plan is soon to be completed, helping to protect the amazing mosaics of this hidden gem in West Cork. We are very grateful for all the financial help and support we’ve been getting, but we still need to raise at least another €250k to complete the project. Please consider helping, by donating at timoleaguemosaics.ie. We look forward to being part of National Heritage week again next year.