What is recorded here

Graveslab in Templemartin (gowran By., Clara Ed) is a 16th-century graveslab in the chancel of St. Martin's medieval church, bearing a Latin plea for mercy on Patrick Shortall, his wife Helen Den, and everyone else buried beneath that stone. It is not a display object or a forgotten fragment; it is the surviving table of an altar tomb, made for worship, mourning and remembrance in the same breath. The chamber still holds its shape, its markings and its purpose, waiting for people to notice what it has always been.

In the chancel of St. Martin's medieval church (KK020-009001-). One of two 16th-century graveslabs (see also KK020-009003-) within the chancel. Described by Carrigan (1905, vol. 3, 363) as the table of an altar tomb, similar to KK020-009003- which was decorated with a raised eight-pointed cross. The latin inscription in 'Old English' [Black Letter] is transcribed by Carrigan (ibid.) as: Hic jacent Patricius Shortall [fil]ius et heres Rici Shortall, nuper de Rathartmore, generosi, qui obit xxiv die mensis Maii anno Di Mccccc lxxv quor aiab ppiciet de Amen. Jesu fili dei miserere aiab quor corpora in hac tumba sut sepulta. Translation - Here lie Patrick Shortall, son and heir of Richard Shortall, late of Rathardmore, gentleman, who died May 24th 1592 and Helen Den, his wife, who died March 12th 1575. On whose souls God have mercy. Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on the souls of those whose bodies are interred in this tomb'. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 9 November 2020

16th-century Christian graveslab; associated with a medieval church and reflecting post-Reformation funerary practices in Ireland. Its significance lies in its historical and architectural context within the chancel of St. Martin's church.

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