What is recorded here

Thirteen early Christian cross-slabs emerged in 1988 when a pathway was cut through the Clonenagh graveyard, revealing faithful marks buried beneath centuries of soil. Three display false relief while the others bear simple incised crosses, yet grass and debris now smother their bases despite their upright position beside the gateway. The stones wait patiently for cleanup, preserving their quiet shape while the graveyard tends its own green claims.

In an elevated area. In 1988 thirteen early Christian cross-slabs, rectangular in shape were uncovered during the digging of a pathway through the graveyard (LA017-003007-) at Clonenagh. Three are in false relief, the remainder are simple incised crosses. These cross-slabs have been attached to the inner E face of the graveyard wall in the W quadrant of the graveyard. The slabs have been numbered one to thirteen by Manning in his article entitled 'Cross-Slabs from Clonenagh, Co. Laois' (1998, 185-192). The slabs are upright just inside the gateway to the graveyard. This area has been used as a dumping place for cut grass and other debris that has resulted in the base of the slabs being covered in soil and vegetation. Slab 11 consists of a 'roughly rectangular fragment with remains of a single incised line close to each long side, which may be part of the stem of an outline cross as on no. 6. Much of the surface has flaked away' (Manning 1998, 189). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Dated to the early Christian period (6th–10th centuries AD), the cross-slab in Clonenagh likely served a funerary or commemorative function, reflecting the spread of Christianity in Ireland. The carved crosses may symbolize Christian faith and are associated with early monastic or ecclesiastical sites in the region.

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