Cross-inscribed stone in Annagh (trughanacmy By., Kiltallagh Ed)

Church and graveyard survey commissioned by Kerry Co. Co. which was carried out in 2008 recorded the following details; 'On the exterior southern elevation, to the west of the entrance doorway is an early medieval cross inscribed stone or slab. The sub-circular slab measures 0.3m maximum width which tapers to 0.19m at its western end, and 0.35m in length. The cross slab, which is damaged at the bottom left, comprises an unequal armed cross enclosed within the remains of a circle. It has bifucated terminals to both side arms. The upper longer arm has a T bar terminal. The bottom of the cross terminates with an attractive outwardly disposed scroll or pelta motif. This type of bottom pelta or scroll is typically found at several locations on the western end of the Dingle Peninsula including Kilshannig, Currauly, Kilmalkedar, Reask etc (Cuppage 1986). The stone was possibly modified before insertion into its current position. The modification impacted on its outer enclosing circle that still survives in part but was retained in principle by its shape. The early medieval carving is undertaken on a much weathered local red sandstone and may date as early as the sixth century AD (ibid, 311). The cross slab is the earliest recorded artefact at the site and may reflect an early ecclesiastic foundation there' (Buckley and Dunne 2008, 10). See attached photograph provided courtesy of Eachtra Archaeology. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided in Eachtra Archaeological Report Date of upload: 28 January 2022

An early medieval cross-inscribed stone, likely dating to between the 7th and 11th centuries, may have had a liturgical or commemorative function, possibly associated with Christian worship or a local saint. Such stones often carried symbolic or spiritual significance and could be linked to early monastic activity in the region.