What is recorded here

On a narrow island in County Kerry, a broken trapezoidal slab stands inside the church, its polished upper surface catching light that once fell across open water. The defaced Latin cross and angular frame still hold the name Anmain, while the missing words retreat into shadow. Perhaps a sailor carved the prayer in a storm-broken hour, then carried the heavy stone ashore before the tide took it. The island keeps what the sea refused to swallow.

This broken trapezoidal slab is now in the church (KE098-039001-). Its upper surface is polished and the slab measures .34m in maximum width, tapering to .29m at its foot; it is 1.58m long and averages .05m thick. The shaft of an outline Latin cross, set within an angular two-line frame, carries a partially defaced inscription. Macalister (1949, 98) read this as: BENNACHT F(or) ANMAIN GILLE IN CHOMDED I BUICINE ADBUR RI CIARRAIDI The inscription is preceded by a minute initial cross disposed within an incised lozenge. The above description is derived from O'Sullivan, A. and Sheehan, J. (compilers) 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University press. (1996), no. 974. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 18 June 2013

This cross-slab likely dates to the Early Christian period (5th–11th century) and may have served as a memorial or ecclesiastical marker. Its polished surface and cross design suggest a Christian liturgical or funerary function.

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