The first church to be built in what was once known as Upper Laragh was in the townland of Cormeen. It was built in 1796 when Rev. Edward McCormack was parish priest. This church lasted less than a generation, however in the Jubilee Year 2000 a new shrine was erected on the site where the church once stood. The date stone of this church was incorporated into the present church at Clifferna. It is to be found near the side door of St. Michael’s church. It reads “Built by the Rev. Edward McCormack AD 1796”.

The present church dedicated to St. Michael was built in 1821 when Peter Lamb was the parish priest. It has served the people of Clifferna area for 180 years. In 1973 renovations were carried out when Noel McIntyre was curate there, including a redesigned sanctuary by the liturgical artist Ray Carroll. One priest is buried in the grounds of St. Michael’s; his name was Thomas O’Keefe who was curate from July 1918 until he died there on 16th July 1925.