Cross-slab (present location) in Moneymore

In the porch of St. Peter's church is a cross-slab originally from Marlay graveyard (see LH018-041001- for original location record). The slab is roughly circular (max. L 0.82m; max. Wth 0.82m) with very irregular edges. It bears two crudely incised Latin crosses placed side by side. One is a linear cross with slightly curving bifid terminals. The other is a more elaborate version, with a linear circle joining the shaft and arms and a single incised line partly outlining the cross. The outer line is slightly convex rather than forked at three of the terminals and is missing above the upper terminal. An Irish inscription above and below the crosses reads 'Tnudach Cocmanf'. The crosses and inscription are enclosed by a roughly circular linear frame which is now partly defaced (Lionard 1961, 102, fig. l: 10; Macalister 1949, 31). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Survey of County Louth' (entry 958) (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1991). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 21 June 2013

Dateable to the early medieval period, likely between the 8th and 11th centuries, the cross-slab may have served a Christian funerary or commemorative function, reflecting the spread of Christianity in the region. Its original placement in a graveyard and later relocation to a church suggest continuity of sacred use of the site.