Graveslab in Fethard

In the graveyard (TS070-040044-) of the Augustinian abbey (TS070-040004-), under an arch in the E wall of the N transept. This slab, lying on its side facing W, is one of three graveslabs (uppermost TS070-040058-; facing E TS070-040057-) which have been positioned to take the form of a chest tomb. This slab (L 2.15m; Wth 0.52m) is decorated with a three-armed cross, in relief, with trefoil terminals. There is a lozenge in the centre of the cross bearing an I.H.S. inscription with a floral motif above and a heart below. Under the cross-head there is a three-barred knop. The cross-shaft rises from a curving calvary mount with a skull and cross-bones. The marginal inscription, in latin, in Gothic script is difficult to decipher but the letters OMAS O across the top suggest that it is the slab transcribed by Knowles (1903, 115-16) as: Here lie Thomas O'Meagher and his wife, Eliza Carran, on whose souls, O Lord, have mercy. This monument was erected by their son....1642. According to Knowles (ibid., 116) the son's name was almost totally obliterated. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 16 January 2012

Medieval Christian graveslab, 13th–15th century; significant as part of the burial context within an Augustinian abbey graveyard, reflecting monastic funerary practices.