Cross-slab in Rosenallis

Cross-slab found at St. Mary's Church, Rosenallis in October of 1991 during clean up scheme in graveyard (LA003-016009-), which has since been removed and is now housed in the National Museum of Ireland. The small sandstone slab is roughly cross-shaped with a pointed head and short arms protruding from the slab to form a crude cross-form. Both sides of the slab are decorated. On one side of the slab there is a double-line incised circle within which there is a cross-of-arcs forming a marigold pattern or a six-pointed star. On the other side of the slab there is a crude cross with T-shaped terminals carved in false relief. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Dated to the early Christian period, likely 8th to 10th century AD, the cross-slab reflects the spread of Christianity in Ireland and may have served as a memorial or liturgical monument. Its Christian iconography suggests a connection to early monastic activity in the area.