Cross in Aghnacross

Described by Comerford as 'The ruins of the former parochial church (LA030-011001-) of Dysart Gallen still remains. The old ecclesiastical building here has been divided into, nave and choir…The choir is utterly ruinous, as indeed it is described to have been so far back as 1615, as we find from the Liber Regalis Visitationis of that date. The foundations show it to have been about 20 feet in length by 14 in width. The nave walls are in much better preservation. These measure 40 feet in length by 20 in breadth. The walls are over three feet in thickness. A great part of the side walls are removed, but in two of them doorways may yet be traced. Two windows are also visible. The western gable is still very perfect, but it is terminated by a tottering belfry. A large window likewise topped it. A gable wall surmounted the beautifully pointed arch near the choir. The base of an old cross is to be seen built into a wall in the adjacent roadside. This has been probably removed from its former place in connection with the church' (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 105). Sandstone cross base (LA030-047002-) with rectangular socket (dims. 0.20 x 0.25 x 0.12m) with chamfered surround, situated beside public road in upland area at the base of a holy bush (LA030-047001-) covered in rags which have been tied to the branches of the bush. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007