Cross-slab in Killegar

Against the S wall of the chancel (WI003-028003-) are several cross-slabs; (WI003-028005-) a slab (H 1.14m) decorated with cup and ring marks and other ornamentation; (WI003-028006-) a slab (H 0.95m) with a Latin cross in shallow relief, circles at the top and arm ends, and semicircular curves in the space below the arms; (WI003-028007-) a small slab (H 0.49m) with a simple incised Latin cross. Also at this location is the head of a small Tau cross (WI003-028008-) (H 0.24m; T 0.15m; Wth across arms 0.49m) with a central boss on both faces (Harbison 1992, 128) and parts of the upper stones of two rotary querns. There is a granite cross-base (WI003-028001-) outside the S wall of the chancel (0.27m x 0.17m) but the head of another stone cross (WI003-028009-) formerly to the SW of the church (Ó Ríordáin 1947, 84) was removed to the National Museum of Ireland (Healy 2009, 97 (No.44)). Healy (2009, 84 (No. 21)) supplies a 1992 photograph of an erect slab with a central circular depression, girdled by a raised band with an apparently equal-armed cross above (WI003-028010-). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of revision: 25 January 2013 Revised by: Claire Breen

Likely dating to the Early Christian period (5th–9th century AD), the cross-slab reflects a transition from prehistoric to Christian symbolism, possibly marking a burial or sacred site. Cup and ring marks on associated stones suggest earlier ritual or territorial significance, while the Latin cross indicates later Christian use or adaptation.