Graveslab in New Ross

From O’Mahony, A. (1987, 9, g) Attached to the N wall of the Chancel is a coffin-shaped slab (Wth of base 0.4m; H 1.98m; T 0.16m), the upper half of which is broken. It is otherwise well preserved. It shows a central cross with fleur-de-lis ends. The stem of the cross extends the length of the stone. Above the head of the cross is carved the head and neck of a woman. The features are quite distinct. She wears a pill-box head-dress with a pleated surround and a band beneath the chin. Her hair is dressed in a boss. On her neck is a circular brooch. On the left side of the stone, parallel with the stem of the cross, is a Norman-French inscription in Lombardic lettering. It reads: +ICI GIT: ALIS. LA:KERDIF: (Here lies Alis Kerdiff). Perhaps this Alis may be associated with Robert de Kerdiff, who was elected provost of New Ross at Easter in 1285. This stone may then be dated to the late 13th century. It was originally located on the site of the Franciscan Monastery in Priory Lane (WX029-013009-) (Orpen (1904-06; Hunt 1974, vol. 1, P 239, No. 268)

Early Christian gravestone, 7th–9th century AD; significant for its Christian iconography, including a cross, indicating the presence of an early monastic or ecclesiastical site in the New Ross area.