What is recorded here

One broken cross-slab from Taghshinny graveyard lies in rubble near the north wall, its sandstone edge wearing out the name Aelm aire. The surviving letters and key-patterned terminal suggest a familiar Christian marker, yet the loss of more than half the stone refuses to give up the whole story.

Cross-slab from Taghshinny graveyard (LF023-097002-), in rubble close to the N wall. One of two cross-slabs (LF023-97003-). Portion of cross-inscribed grave slab of sandstone (?) In two pieces, representing less than half the original stone. Originally inscribed with a double outlined Latin cross with a circular expansion at the centre and semicircular terminals. The surviving terminal is decorated with a simple key pattern as is the central device. The surviving inscription is incomplete occurring on the sinister side of cross originally to be read vertically. The remaining letters are clearly cut and read: AELM / A / RE. The original inscription may be reconstructed as: [or do m]aelma[i]re. Found loose in rubble in northern edge of churchyard 1999. In 1999 the cross-slab was removed from Taghshinny graveyard by the National Museum of Ireland for safe keeping in Kildare Street (NMI Reg. No. 1999:59). Cross-reference with LF023-097004- Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 22 May 2023

Cross-slabs of this type are typically associated with the early medieval period in Ireland, likely 8th to 11th centuries AD, and were used as grave markers in Christian cemeteries. The cross may have had both religious significance and a symbolic function in denoting a Christian burial.

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