Cross-slab in Inishcaltra OR Holy Island

Not listed in the SMR (1992) or the 1996 RMP. This record is for the original location of a recumbent cross-slab in the Saint’s Graveyard (CL029-009030-) on Inis Cealtra (Holy Island), Co. Clare. It is visible still in situ in a photograph from de Paor’s excavation report (1997) and was indicated as such on his plan (SMR file). It was exhibited in Mountshannon in August 1982 and was then placed for safe keeping in the OPW depot in Athenry, Co. Galway where it has SMR number (GA084-151007-). The slab (H 1.6m; Wth 0.59m; T 0.06m) has a ringed Latin cross in false relief. All four terminals have semicircular expansions, that of the shaft dividing into two petals. There is four-pointed recess at the centre of the cross. There are the outlines of two shod feet on the right hand side, the right foot above the arm of the cross and the left foot below it, both pointing to the top. Macalister suggests that this may indicate that the person commemorated was a pilgrim. The inscription which is incised in two lines above the head of the cross and inverted reads ‘COSCRACH LAIGNECH’ (Coscrach the Leinsterman). The form of this cross is unique at Inis Cealtra and is dated by Macalister to the 10th century. (Macalister 1916-17, 153, no. 31, and plate XX; Okasha and Forsyth 2001, 58-61) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 22 July 2015