As is the case with many parishes and townlands, we find the name of Tomhaggard, as it is known to day, rendered in several forms in ancient charters and deeds. The earliest name of the place was probably "Fion-magh", which name is mentioned in one or two old documents.

The parish, however, derives its present title from Saint Mosacer, who succeeded St. Abban as Abbot of Camross and who, incidentally, was also patron of Saggart in Co. Dublin. Tomhaggard stems from the old spelling of 'Tomhager' which, in its uncorrupted form, meant "Tomb of St. Mosacer". There is no extant tradition relating to the exact position of the burial-place of this saint in Tomhaggard. St. Mosacer died in 650 and the local patron day was on March 3rd.

The church of St Anne and St James is in the centre of the small village of Tomhaggard. It is surrounded by many historical sites - the remains of the old monastery of Norman times, the penal Mass house, and the various Blessed Wells.

Inside this small church one is struck by its simplicity. The colour of the walls and ceiling with the diffuse light coming through its windows creates a very warm and reflective atmosphere. From all parts of the church the altar area is the dominant focus point. This is lit by a window with a picture of the Sacred Heart.

Like the other windows in the church, the figures in the old windows formed the centre portion of new windows, each surrounded by lightly coloured glass rectangles. The side windows are shown below. On the left side of the altar is a statue of St Anne and on the right is one of St James, the patrons of the church.

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