The original church of Fanlobbus (or Fanlobish) was just over two miles to the east of the town of Dunmanway where the ruins of an old church can still be seen beside the famine burial ground. It is not known when the first church was built on that site, but a manuscript dated 1591 in the archives of Trinity College, Dublin, refers to a clergyman rejoicing in the name of Dermicius Danielis who was Vicar of Fanlobbus. Records from 1615 report, "the church and chancel in good repair, with books". Through most of the 17th century Fanlobbus, Kinneigh and Ballymoney (parishes to the east) shared the same rector.

On the day before Christmas Eve in 1695, John Patrickson was instituted. By now most parishioners lived in the growing town of Dunmanway and soon the new rector had plans for a church in the town itself. He took services in a house in Dunmanway on three Sundays in the month as well as being responsible for Kinneigh and Drimoleague.

In 1699 Dive Downs was consecrated as the new bishop of Cork and Ross. A man of great energy, he quickly visited the parishes of his diocese - an arduous task in those days of slow travel over rough terrain. By now Fanlobish church was in a dilapidated state. In his diary for 10th August, 1699, Bishop Downs wrote, "the church is covered, but many slates are off; no pulpit nor seats; about half the church is ruinous"! He also noted that Sir Richard Cox and John Patrickson had each put up £100 towards the cost of building a new church in Dunmanway. The bishop seemed sympathetic towards the plans for the new church which was speedily built on the site of the present church. Tradition has it that the new building was dedicated to Saint Mary, in honour of Mary, Lady Cox.

From 1718 -1818 the parish was linked with Drinagh. Gradually the church became too small for its growing congregation which was described as "a well-looking, industrious, thriving people". Then, under the incumbency Edward Saint Lawrence, the old church was demolished and in the cleared ground a new, enlarged church, capable of holding 450 people, was started in 1821 and consecrated in 1822 It needed a loan of £1,384. 12s. 3d., half of which was paid off by 1832 and the remainder by annual instalments of 44. 6s. 2d. Before long the north transept was added and then, during the busy incumbency of George Deacon (1872-1900), the chancel was built on to the east end, the ceiling was replaced with the present pitch-pine roof, and the present pulpit of Caen stone and marble was installed.

The parish still retains its ancient title Fanlobbus, although it is more commonly known as Saint Mary's, Dunmanway. Together with the parish of Coolkelure, Drimoleague and Drinagh it a member of the Fanlobbus Union of Parishes. Our Sunday congregation is normally between ninety and one hundred.

Services are held weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays at 11.00 a.m., and on festivals by notice - usually in the evening.
On the first three Sundays of the month the service is Morning Prayer, and on the fourth Sunday it is Holy Communion.
On the second and fourth Sundays of the month a Sunday School. The children begin the service in church with their families, and then after the scripture readings, they go out for their own Ministry of the Word. They explore the Sunday readings through a mixture of play, craft, drama and discussion. They return to be with their families for the end of the service.
When there is a fifth Sunday in a month the churches of the Union take it in turn to host a United Service.

The Baptism of Tara - Jan. 07