Inscribed stone in Athlone AND Bigmeadow

On display in Athlone Castle Museum. Two arch stones (dims. H 0.32m, Wth 0.46m, D 0.13m) removed from the gateway to St. Peter's Port (see also WM029-042088-) which was the water gate to the south harbour of the west town of Athlone. The inscription reads 'O may not Satan's Agents enter' and 'Wil o'Wisp & Jack the Printer'. According to the information panel in the museum, a local man named booth was responsible for the inscription, which arose from a property dispute he had in Athlone with William Sproule, a local merchant, and John Potts, a colourful newspaper proprietor, who died in 1795. Probably dates from the 18th century. Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 31 October 2013

Likely dating to the early medieval period, the inscribed stone may have served as a boundary or commemorative marker associated with the port and harbour activities. No specific folklore or detailed meaning has been recorded for the inscription.