Graveslab in Knockainy West

Seventeenth century graveslab set into the floor of the chancel at the E end of St. John's Church. The Urban Survey of Limerick (Bradley et. al. 1989, 183) recorded the following about a 17th century graveslab in Knockainy graveyard (LI032-141005-); 'Grave-slab. 1622 This is said to be in the church just outside the communion rails. It is inscribed in relief: A.F.I.B/ F.F.I.L./ 1622/ NOBILITAS VIRTU PIETAS HEU MAGNA MEORUM HOC PARVO PATRUM NUNC JACET IN TUMULO ELOQUIUM FORTUNA TUI CLARISSIMA GOULDSWORTH FORMA SOLI PROBITAS GLORIA SOLA JACET CUR PLORAS PROLES FAELIX CUM TE TUA TERRIS ALMA DABAM GENITRIX ET TUA FACTA POLO. A church, a window and a dog chasing a stag were said to be carved on the stone. Not seen'. This graveslab was described in 1942 as following; 'Set into floor, near communion table in Protestant Church (LI032-141004-) is a huge stone slab, with Latin inscription raised letters, bearing date 1622. There are also rude carvings of birds and animals' (ITA Survey 09/11/1942). Described by Rev. Seymour as following; 'In the floor just outside the communion rails in the modern church is a stone bearing the following inscription in raised Letters': A F I B- NOBILITAS VIRTUS PIETAS HEU MAGNA MEORUM F F I L- HOC PARVO PATRUM NUNC JACET IN TUMULO 1622 ELOQUIUM FQRTUNA TUI CLARISSIMA GOULDSWORTH FORMA SOLI PROBITAS GLORIA SOLA JACET CUR PLORAS PROLES FAELIX CUM TE TUA TERRIS ALMA DABAM GENITRIX ET TUA FACTA POLO Between the fourth and fifth lines are cut some conventional figures, amongst which may be recognized a representation of a church window, and a dog chasing a stag. The meaning of the eight letters in the top left-hand corner is not clear' (Seymour 1907-9, 398). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 26 April 2019

Seventeenth-century Christian graveslab; reflects early modern funerary practices in Ireland. Its placement in the chancel suggests the burial of a person of some local importance or status.