Cross-slab (present location) in Bellmount OR Lisderg

Early Christian monastery known as Teach Sáráin [Tisaran/House of Saran] founded by Sárán, son of Brógán of the Dál gCais of Thomond in the seventh century (Ó Riain 2011, 547-8; ITA Survey 1942). Early Christian cross-slab (OF022-004003-) originally located inside Tisaran graveyard (OF022-004001-) that has been removed and is now kept inside High St. R.C. church near Belmont village. The cross-slab was first drawn by Margaret Stokes based on a rubbing of the slab taken by Rev. James Graves in 1873 (Petrie 1878, 50). Described in 1913 as, 'A small slab incised with a double-line ringed cross. Immediately below the shaft is a small circle. The inscription 'or [oroit] do bran' [Pray for Bran] runs across the top and down the sinister side' (Crawford 1913, 265). Cross-slab recorded in 1949 as following; 'Slab, 2 feet 4 inches x 1 foot 1 inch x 0' 7", bearing a wheel-cross with a circle added to the lower terminal. Inscription on top and sinister side 'or do bran'. In the oval sinkings in the contours of the cross there appears to have been originally extremely fine patterns of interlacement, in minuteness recalling manuscript work. They are, however, too much weathered to be restored with any approach to certainty. The stone, which was lying in the old cemetery in this parish, has now been transferred safely to the modern church' (Macalister 1949, vol. 2, 78). Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of revised upload: 01 March 2019

Probably dating to the 7th to 9th century, the cross-slab is associated with the Early Christian monastery of Teach Sáráin and likely served a liturgical or commemorative function. Its carved cross may reflect the spread of Christianity in the region and the influence of monastic art.