Cross-slab in Mountirvine

In Knockmore graveyard (SL044-003003-). One of four cross-slabs found here in the late 1970s and early 1980s. A subrectangular sandstone slab (H 0.78m; Wth 0.3-0.33m; T 0.035-0.09m), with curving sides, inscised with a single Greek cross (H 0.205m; Wth 0.165m) with expanded terminals (M. A. Timoney 1997, 3-4, fig. 1). This cross-slab, which had been missing since 1984, was found in 2004 and is now in private possession (see SL039-162----). M.A. Timoney, 'A rediscovered slab from Knockmore, Co. Sligo'. The Corran Herald 37(2004-5), 41-2. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Revised: Paul Walsh Date of revision: 24 June 2009

Date likely to the early medieval period (7th–10th centuries AD), based on the cross-slab style and context within a graveyard. These slabs often marked high-status Christian burials and may have had both commemorative and symbolic religious significance.