Cross-slab in Church Island (iveragh By., Loughcurrane Ed)

This small upright slab is located at the head of KE098-039020-, at the S end of the row of recumbent slabs. Standing .37m high, it measures .25m in maximum width and averages .05m thick. On its smoothly dressed E face is an outline Latin cross, the upper portion of which is framed by a single groove. At the junction of the arms and shaft is a small, encircled, equal-armed cross. Below the cross, on its dexter side, is a simple equal-armed cross. In the corresponding position on its sinister side is a T-shaped cross, surmounting a triangular base. These two features have been interpreted by Crawford as representing the crosses of the thieves (1926, 45-6). The above description is derived from O'Sullivan, A. and Sheehan, J. (compilers) 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University press. (1996), no. 974. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 18 June 2013

This cross-slab likely dates to the early Christian period in Ireland, associated with monastic or ecclesiastical activity. Such stones often served as markers, memorials, or religious symbols, and may be linked to local Christian traditions or saints.