What is recorded here

Thirteen early Christian cross-slabs emerged from the Clonenagh graveyard soil in 1988 when workers cut a pathway through ancient earth. They now stand upright beside the gateway, their carved marks half buried under dropped grass and forgotten time. The stones do not complain about the neglect; they simply wait for hands proud enough to wipe the dirt from their crosses and remember the people who shaped them.

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 10 consists of a 'portion of a slab (H 0.42m; Wth 0.27m; T 0.06m) with what appears to be the lower part of an outline Latin cross open at the base. Part of the arm can be seen on the left side.' (Manning 1998, 189). To the N of this slab there is a sandstone pillar decorated with a double chevron running along the edge of the pillar (LA017-003006-). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Dated to the early Christian period (7th–10th century AD), the cross-slab in Clonenagh likely served a funerary or commemorative function, reflecting the spread of Christianity in Ireland. Such stones often featured religious symbols and were associated with monastic sites or cemeteries.

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