Cross-slab in Clonenagh

In an elevated area. In 1988 ten 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 2 consists of a 'fragmentary slab (H 0.57m, Wth 0.38m, T 0.07m) is more weathered than no. 1 and is decorated on one face only. The only original edge has a double-line border along it. The most prominent feature of the decoration is a small Greek cross with a hole at the centre and slightly expanded terminals within a circle, all in false relief. Immediately above it is what appears to be part of a similar cross within a circle. In the areas at each side of the main cross are a circle in flase relief, an S motif, a meander, dots and a motif like the symbol for £ reversed. Below the cross are some further spirals and lines, and areas where no decoration can now be discerned' (Manning 1998, 187). 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. Such stones often feature religious symbols and may have been associated with a monastic site or early church in the area.