Cross

Erected in the nave of Killaloe cathedral (CL045-033002-). This high cross (H 4.2m; Wth across arms just over 1m) was, according to Swinfen (1992, 43), originally located in the same field as the West cross (CL016-015005-) at Kilfenora (see CL016-015014-) and was moved to Killaloe in 1821 by Dr. Mant, Bishop of Killaloe. The bottom of the tapering shaft is 0.46m wide and 0.14m deep. It has an imperforate head and lacks any mouldings at the corners. According to Harbison (1992, 120) the head of the E face ‘is dominated by the figure of the crucified Christ with outstretched arms, clad in a long and slightly splaying robe to above the ankles. Above and below Christ’s right arm there is a knot of pointed single-strand interlace. The interlace above his left arm is similar, but double-stranded. Under his left arm, four animal-heads emerge from a whirl. Above Christ’s head there is a simple, single-strand interlace.’ At the top of the shaft, which is otherwise undecorated, is a square panel of fretwork. Halfway up the shaft a tablet has been inserted and bears the following inscription: QVAM.SPECTAS.CRVCEM/IN.AGRO.FENABORENSI.VETVSTATE,COLLAPSAM/NE.PENITVS.INCVRIA.SITV.QVE.ABOLESCERET/HIC./APVUD SEDEM LAONENSEM/ERIGI.CVRAVIT/ANTIQVITATIS.ECCLESIASTICAE.STVDIOSUS/R.M.S.T.P./VTRIVSQUE.DIOECESEOS.EPISCOPUS/A.D. MDCCC.XXI The other face has interlace starting near the top of the shaft and covering the arms and top of the cross, but the segments of the ring seem to be undecorated. Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 24 September 2018

The high cross in Shantraud was likely erected in the 9th or 10th century by a monastic community associated with Killaloe, and is stylistically similar to other crosses from the midlands of Ireland. It is significant as an example of early Christian stone sculpture and may have had a liturgical or commemorative function.