Graveslab in Rathfran

Located within a church (MA015-031005-), mounted on E gable, on the S side of the window embrasure. A trapezoidal-shaped slab, almost the entire surface of which is filled with finely executed, elaborate decoration in four panels, enclosed by an incised groove frame. Three panels are of dense, intricate foliage, and a fourth contains six animals, which appear to represent lions passant, arranged in three opposing pairs. A narrow plain band surrounds the decorated area, separating it from the finely moulded edges of the slab. There is no dedicatory inscription or date, but the style of carving suggests a 15th- or early 16th- century date. Blotches of lichen partly obscure the carving. Attached images: MA015-031006-_01.JPG -Graveslab MA015-031006-_02.JPG -detail of carved animal MA015-031006-_03.JPG -detail of carved foliage Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 13 December 2018

Christian high cross slab; 9th–10th century. The slab represents early medieval Christian art in Ireland, illustrating the fusion of Insular and continental artistic traditions.