Cross-slab (present location) in Inishmurray

Removed to Schoolhouse/OPW conservation store in 1989 from the larger (SL001-004002-) of the two leachta at Relickoran, where it was first recorded by Wakeman (1886, 324). On the upper third of this long tapering slab (H: 1.04 m, W: 0.232>0.108 m, Th: 0.08 m) is a badly worn shafted cross (0.35 m by 0.185 m). It seems to have been formed largely of interlacing false relief strands, but the details of the design are unclear. Rising from a broad sub-triangular base, the shaft features a similarly shaped expansion at its midpoint. From this expansion develops a sub-rectangular incised frame that surrounds the upper part of the design. At the crossing is a circular expansion containing a pitted boss. The arms expand from the crossing to abut the frame. The upper quadrants appear to be decorated with incised motifs. The above description is derived from the results of a programme of survey and excavation undertaken in 1997-2000 on Inishmurray 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: 19 February 2018

Dateable to the early Christian period, this cross-slab likely served a liturgical or commemorative function, possibly associated with a monastic or ecclesiastical site. Its relocation from a cairn suggests a connection to local Christianization or later folk traditions venerating early saints.