What is recorded here

Kilmanaghan preserves an Early Christian cross-inscribed slab beside church ruins on high ground, linking the place to Saint Manchán of Lemanaghan. The stone measures 0.5m by 0.26m, bears a cross of arcs within a double-line circle, and was built into the south wall after emerging during a 1971 graveyard clean-up. Ivy clings to its edges while the oval graveyard stretches beneath open sky, suggesting that prayer, memory and monastic life still shape the land.

Located on high ground with extensive views of undulating countryside. Well preserved church ruins (OF002-030001-) standing in centre of an oval-shaped graveyard (OF002-030002-) which may follow the line of an Early Christian enclosure (OF002-030----). The townland and parish name of Kilmanaghan [Cill Mhancháin] meaning church of Manchán, may be a reference to a possible monastic foundation at this location which is associated with Saint Manchán of Lemanaghan (OF015-004003-). Ivy-covered Early Christian cross-inscribed slab (dims. 0.5m x 0.26m) consisting of an incised cross of arcs enclosed by an incised double line circle found during a clean up of the graveyard in 1971 and subsequently built into external face of S wall of church ruins (Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980, 13). This carved slab is located 0.75m W of window located at E end of S wall of church. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. See attached line drawing of cross-inscribed slab taken from Fanning and Ó hÉailidhe 1980. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revision: 30 September 2014

Probably dates to the Early Christian period, associated with the church and graveyard. The cross inscription suggests a Christian ritual or commemorative function, possibly marking a sacred site or burial ground.

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