Inauguration stone (present location) in Cadamstown

Now situated in the village of Cadamstown, this stone is known locally as the 'Ballykelly Stone' and is locally believed to be the inauguration stone of the O'Flanagans (Feehan 1979, 143). Site consists of a large irregular and well weathered limestone boulder. Moved from its original location in the townland of Coolcreen to its present location in 1978. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Likely dating to the early medieval period, the stone was probably used for the inauguration of local chieftains of the O'Flanagan clan, a practice common among Gaelic Irish lineages. Such stones often carried symbolic or ritual significance, reinforcing the legitimacy of leadership through tradition and landscape.