What is recorded here

Two plain granite crosses stand in the western quadrant of the graveyard, one reaching nearly three metres with subtle cusps along its arms. They guard the west gable of the church, silent and unmarked, yet their height and solidity suggest they were meant to be seen from a distance. Perhaps travellers once read them as a promise of witness, or locals placed them beside burials to mark courage rather than identity. Either way, they remain stark companions at the edge of the sacred ground, unchanged by time or forgetting.

National Monument No. 116. A plain granite cross, (H. c. 1.45m, W. of arms c. 0.73m, W. of shaft 0.36m, T. c. 0.26m). A plain granite cross with cusps (H. c. 2.8m, W. of arms c. 0.7m, W of shaft c. 0.35m, T. c. 0.25m) located in W quadrant of graveyard (LA032-018002-) immediately W of W gable of church (LA032-018001-). Described by Comerford as 'in the churchyard, nearly, opposite the N.W. corner of the W gable, stands a granite cross about 7 feet 10 inches [2.38m] high. It was never inscribed' (Comerford 1886,vol. 3, 249). Described by Harbison as the North Cross which is 'a tall ringless cross, 2.75m high, without any decoration' (Harbison 1992, vol. 1, 168). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Updated by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 19 March 2015

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