Cross-slab in Inishmurray

This cross-slab was recorded by Wakeman (1893, 99, fig. 47) in the Men’s Cemetery (SL001-001029-) within the ecclesiastical enclosure/cashel (SL001-001001-), but its whereabouts are now unknown. Cross slab fragment (0.45 m by 0.45 m). Wakeman’s drawing (fig. 47) depicts a cross with a short, simple shaft, but arms and head with expanded terminals from which diverging spirals are developed. All members carry a simple two-strand interlace pattern, with triquetera-like terminations and a simple knot at the intersection. Two much smaller, plain crosses are incised to the right of the principal cross (Wakeman suggests that there were two others in a symmetrical or opposed position left of the main cross on a missing fragment of the stone). The design closely resembles that of a cross-slab (SL001-001077-) – now in the Schoolhouse/OPW conservation store – and it is possible that these are one and the same slab. The above description is derived from the results of a survey of the archaeological monuments on Inishmurray undertaken in 1997-1999 and published in: Jerry O’Sullivan and Tomás Ó Carragáin 2008 Inishmurrary. Monks and pilgrims in an Atlantic landscape. Volume 1: Archaeological Survey and Excavations 1997-2000. Cork. The Collins Press. Date of upload: 20 February 2018

This cross-slab is likely from the early medieval period, associated with Christian monastic activity on Inishmurray. It may have served a liturgical or commemorative function within the ecclesiastical site.