Cross

This wayside cross was originally located within the townland of Crossanstown and was moved to its current location where there are a group of 3 wayside crosses (WM020-135/001/002-) in Rathwire Lower some time prior to 1976. The original location of this cross from the townland of Crossanstown (WM027-073) where it was located beside the old Dublin Athlone mail road. The cross was moved from this townland to its current location prior to 1976. Described in 1976 as 'Plunkett 1531. The shaft is set in a large socketed circular stone (millstone?). Found at Crossanstown.' (ASI Survey files 1976). A second report from 1998 described this cross as 'A cross shaft (H 1.38m; Wth 0.28m; T 0.23m) with chamfered angles; set in an oval arrangement of stones, which I doubt represents a broken millstone. The top of the shaft steps inwards. On the WSW (broad) face is an inscription in false relief which is lichen covered and difficult to make out without a rubbing.' (ASI Survey file 1998). This cross commemorates Tiriogh McKenny and his wife Alison Plunkett who died in a coaching accident in 1531.