Cross-slab (present location) in Inishmurray

Removed to the Schoolhouse/OPW conservation store from Teach Molaise (SL001-001005-) in 1989; but Wakeman (1893, 151) originally recorded this on the main altar/leacht (SL001-004002-) at Relickoran. Worn slab (H: 0.45 m, W: 0.315 m, Th: 0.05 m) whose surface is filled with a shafted false relief cross (0.41 m by 0.255 m). The shaft rises from a horizontal rectangular base to a slightly expanded crossing decorated with a circular pit. Each of the horizontal arms is formed from twin false relief strands which diverge slightly before coalescing with the surface of the slab. From this point their outer incised delimiting lines diverge to form exaggerated, mirrored spirals. The upper arm also comprised twin false strands which evolved into a Stafford knot terminal. The above description is derived from the results of a programme of survey and excavation undertaken in 1997-2000 on Inishmurray and published in: Jerry O’Sullivan and Tomás Ó Carragáin 2008 Inishmurrary. Monks and pilgrims in an Atlantic landscape. Volume 1: Archaeological Survey and Excavations 1997-2000. Cork. The Collins Press. Date of upload: 19 February 2018

Likely dating to the early Christian period, the cross-slab may have originally served as an altar or memorial stone associated with a local monastic or ecclesiastical site. Its relocation and preservation reflect its historical and possibly liturgical significance in the area.