Cross-slab in Clonenagh

In an elevated area. In 1988 ten early Christian cross-slabs, rectangular in shape were uncovered during the digging of a pathway through the graveyard (LA017-003007-) at Clonenagh. Three are in false relief, the remainder are simple incised crosses. These cross-slabs have been attached to the inner E face of the graveyard wall in the W quadrant of the graveyard. The slabs have been numbered one to thirteen by Manning in his article entitled 'Cross-Slabs from Clonenagh, Co. Laois' (1998, 185-192). The slabs are upright just inside the gateway to the graveyard. This area has been used as a dumping place for cut grass and other debris that has resulted in the base of the slabs being covered in soil and vegetation. Slab 8 consists of a 'small slab (H 0.31m; Wth 0.30m; T 0.05m) with an incised encircled cross, which has the upper and lower members protruding beyond the circle. The arms of the cross stop at the circle, which is 0.12m, in diameter.' (Manning 1998, 188). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Dateable to the early Christian period (7th–9th centuries AD), the cross-slab likely served a funerary or commemorative function, reflecting the spread of Christianity in the region. Its carved design may incorporate both Christian and pre-Christian symbolic motifs, as was common in early Irish art.