Stone head in Lorrha

One of three stone carvings (TN004-010022-/031-) that have been incorporated into the E gable of Lorrha Roman Catholic church located 12m to the N of the 13th century Dominican friary (TN004-010001-). This stone head is carved in relief and is located N of the porch entrance in the E gable of the R.C. church. This carved head appears to be that of a male with tightly cropped hair and exposed forehead with oval-shaped eyes, a triangular shaped nose, slit mouth and ears which are visible beneath the hairline. This carved head originally acted as a corbel and was located at the base of the springing for a rib vaulted arch or vaulted roof, two ribs of which can be seen rising from the back of this carved head. This carving along with two others (TN004-010022-/031-) probably came from the adjoining Dominican friary. The R.C. church is built on the footprint of the W range of the Dominican friary and may incorporate other medieval carved fragments in the fabric of the upstanding church which may be hidden by the external render of the R.C. building. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload/revision: 02 March 2012

Likely dating to the early medieval period, the stone head may have originally been part of a high cross or ecclesiastical sculpture, later repurposed in the church gable. Its inclusion suggests a continuity of sacred or symbolic use, though specific folklore or detailed meaning is not recorded.