Cross-slab in Ardane

In the S sector of an ecclesiastical enclosure (TS074-010----) known as St. Berrihert's Kyle and incorporated in an oval stone enclosure, stepped internally, built by the OPW in 1946 (Ó hÉailidhe 1967, 102). This slab is referred to by Ó hÉailidhe (1967, 110) as slab 4, and was 'built into face of wall', however, this slab could not be located at time of inspection (24 June 2003). The slab tapers (H 0.76m; Wth at top 0.22m; Wth at base 0.18m; T 0.08m). According to Ó hÉailidhe (ibid. 110) this was composed of grey sandstone (dims 0.46m x 0.23m; T 0.06m), 'rounded at the top and at one side of the bottom (the other corner is broken, but does not seem to have been rounded). The slab is bordered and bears an outlined ringed cross with pointed shaft and irregular rounded hollows in the angles. The arms, head, and shaft of the cross, which is borkered, cut across the ring. The background within the ring is sunk 5mm. The back of the stone cannot be seen'. This slab is currently unlocated. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 02 July 2014

Probably dates to the early medieval period, associated with Christian worship or commemoration. Likely linked to the cult of St. Berrihert, a 6th-century Irish saint, and may have served as a marker or monument within a monastic or burial site.