Tomb

Fixed to the internal S wall of the choir. In 2022 the tomb suffered damage, the body of the tomb, from below the head broke cleanly and in one piece from the tomb. This effigy is described by Hunt (1974, 219) as 'a nobleman, clad in a long loose gown falling in many folds to the feet. The figure has a girdle with a long pendant. The mantle falling from the shoulders is caught up in the left hand. The right hand lies across the breast, apparently holding gloves. The head, which is broken off, has been re-set at an incorrect angle. The hair falls in curls below the ears'. The effigy may be of Walter de Burgo who died in Galway in 1271 and was brought to Athassel for burial (ibid.). This would be consistent with Hunt's dating of the effigy to the late 13th/early 14th century (ibid.). Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of revised upload: 27 July 2022

Medieval effigial tomb; 14th to 16th century. The tomb is significant as an example of ecclesiastical funerary art and indicates the presence of a wealthy or noble individual buried within the choir of a religious building.