Graveslab in Ballymacwilliam

Large graveslab of 16th or 17th century date which was first described by Rev. Comerford in 1883 as 'At the south-east end there is a Gothic door-way, on the turn of the arch of which, on the inside, the date, A.D. 1460, is as clearly cut as if engraved but recently. Within the walls, at the east end, there is a head-stone having upon it elaborate armorial bearings, but no discoverable inscription.' (Comerford 1883, 324). This slab was recorded by O. Davies in 1943 as 'Within the walls, at the east end a headstone lies on the ground with elaborate armorial bearings in relief on one end. There is no discoverable inscription.' (ITA Survey 1943). This armorial slab was mistakenly recorded as being located at the east end of the church (OF011-005001-) when it is actiually located at the west end of the church lying flat on the surface of the ground. This recumbent limestone slab is located at the centre of the base of the west wall of the church interior. There is an armorial shield carved in relief at the top of the slab and the rest of the slab is uninscribed. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

A 16th- to 17th-century Christian graveslab, possibly associated with a medieval ecclesiastical site; its carved date of 1460 suggests a connection to earlier monastic traditions in the region.