Graveslab in Killora

This is one of five 16th/17th century recumbent graveslabs that lie within the church (GA104-151001-). This slab (L 2.18m by 0.70m) bears the following inscription at the W end: PRAY FOR THE / SOVLE OF / M. HILLANE. It is described by Chapple (1995, 18-19, no. 17) as bearing on the E portion ‘an inverted, incised, ringed, cross calvary. The panels formed by the intersection of the arms and the ring are incised, giving the impression of a false relief decoration. The stone bears a border of two parallel, incised lines. The words of the inscription are spaced by false relief lozenge shapes. The first and second lines of the text are separated by a narrow horizontal panel from which the first line of text springs, and is slightly encroached upon by the height of the 'O' in the word 'OF' in the second line. The second and third lines of text have no such dividing panel, and thus some of the letters touch each other, most notably the letters 'M' and 'H' in the third line abutting the letters above them. Some of the letters of the text are ligatured, namely: in the first line of the text the letters 'HE'; in the third line of the text the letters 'NE'.’ The carving on this slab is comparable in style to those beside it to the S (GA104-151005-; GA104-151006-) and, although undated, is of a type that is found in 16th/17th century burial contexts. Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 10 January 2014 The attached image is uploaded courtesy of Robert M. Chapple.

16th/17th century Christian recumbent graveslab; associated with early modern funerary practices in Ireland. The inscription indicates personal and religious significance, reflecting the period's emphasis on memorialization and intercessory prayer.