Graveslab in Holycross

One of three graveslabs (TN047-030015-017) located behind the altar of the chancel of the Cistercian abbey (TN047-030001) at Holycross. Number 9 in D. Maher's catalogue of Medieval Grave Slabs of County Tipperary 1200 - 1600 A.D. for Holycross Abbey. Slightly tapered slab ( L 2.17m; Top Wth 0.73m ; Base Wth 0.67m) with chamfered edge along the dexter and sinister sides set into a tomb niche in the N wall of the chancel. Built into the front of the niche is an end-slab of a tomb chest which is carved in flase relief and features The Crucifixion under an Ogee headed niche. Our Lady occupies the dexter side, also under an ogge headed niche. This inserted end slab has been dated to the mid-sixteenth century (Hunt 1974, cat. 240). Th tomb-lid is chipped and worn and bears a seven-armed segmental cross, with fleur-de-lis terminals to each arm. Three cross-bands occur at the base of the cross-head surmounting the cross-shaft and three similar cross-bands occur at the base of the shaft surmounting a pillar-base form. An inscription in Black Letter occurs on the dexter and sinister sides of the slab. This inscription reads HIC IACENT DISCRETI HOMES S. DONATUS O'FOGARTA ET ELINA PORSELL UXOR EIUS QU OBYT. A. DO./MCCCCC. Translated as (Here lie the worthy persons, Donagh O'Fogarty an Helen Pursell, his wife. He died in the year 15..) On the opposite side : SALUTA ME DE MARIE P…. DE DONAT ET E'. QUORUM AIA (Fitzgerald, W. 1901, 103; Hunt, J. 1974, cat. 240; Hayes, w. J. 1970, 17-8). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

Medieval Christian graveslab, 13th–14th century. Part of a small group associated with a Cistercian monastic site, reflecting the religious and funerary practices of the period in Ireland.