Cross-inscribed stone in Kilmanaghan

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.