Knockanaffrin Ridge View from the Mass Rock north across Coolishal Wood to Slievenamon The Mass Rock The name Knockanaffrin means the hill of the mass – “Cnoc an Aifrinn”, reminding us today of penal times when Catholics were persecuted for practising their religion. The name can be seen on documents relating to the Cromwellian Settlement of 1654, a full 50 years before the systematic introduction of the various penal laws. There is what is believed to be an authentic mass rock near Carrigsheegowna on the ridge`s north-eastern slopes. On high ground near the crest of the ridge, the mass rock`s location would have afforded good views towards both Nire and Suir Valleys, thus giving worshippers time to disperse before the arrival of the “red coats” from Clonmel. The Seven Sisters Knockanaffrin is also known today as the “Seven Sisters”, a reference perhaps to the rocky prominences which jut up from the ridgeline. Shauneenbréaga, Carrigsheegowna, Knocksheegowna (with its Trig Pill