Soraca Jonin facts for kids

Soraca Jonin was an Irish woman who lived in the 1600s. She was known for supporting religious buildings and activities, which is what a "religious patron" does. We know she was active around the year 1678.

Her Family Background

Soraca Jonin came from the Mac Jonin family, also known as Jennings. They lived in a place called Ironpool, near Kilconly and Tuam in Ireland. Her family was connected to the powerful Burke family, a very old and important family from the Connacht region of Ireland.

Soraca was also related to a famous military leader named General Charles Edward Jennings de Kilmaine. Her husband, Thomas Kievach Jonin, was actually the uncle of this General Kilmaine. This shows that Soraca's family had connections to important people in both local areas and wider society.

Building a Chapel

One of Soraca Jonin's most important actions was building a small church, called a chapel, for her family. She built this chapel in 1678 at a place called Ross Errilly Friary, which is near Headford. A friary is a type of monastery where religious people called friars live and pray.

Inside the chapel, there is a special message carved into the stone. It says:

Pray for Soraca Jonin who built this chappell for herselfe, her husband Tho. Kievach Jonin and her sonn, David, the year 1678

This message tells us that Soraca built the chapel not just for herself, but also for her husband, Thomas Kievach Jonin, and their son, David. It also clearly states the year it was built: 1678. This chapel stands as a lasting reminder of Soraca Jonin's support for her family and her faith.