Cross in Athenry

This fragment of the shaft of a memorial cross is now stored in the NE corner of the sacristy of the Dominican church (GA084-001014-). The piece (H 0.54m; Wth 0.25m; T 0.18m) is rectangular in shape and tapers slightly towards the base. A shallow socket (L 0.07m; Wth 0.01m; D 0.09) visible on its head indicates that another piece was attached. All four corners are rounded and each side has a raised panel, three are plain and one is inscribed with the IHS monogram and the following inscription in relief: IHS M |THIS | CROSS |WAS M | ADE BY | JAMES | BACC | AGH | COIL - the top line is incomplete due to damage. The word baccagh means lame and Crawford (1920, 66-7) suggested that it was included in the name as a mark of identity. A fragment of a wall plaque (GA084-001081-) is lying in front of it. (Bradley and Dunne 1992, 41) The following images have been uploaded: GA084-001067-_01.jpg GA084-001067-_02.jpg Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 12 November 2018

The Cross in Athenry is a fragment of a medieval memorial cross, likely built in the 13th or 14th century, associated with the Dominican church; its style reflects the Romanesque tradition and it is significant as a rare surviving example of early Christian monumental sculpture in the region.