Cross in Ballynoe (kinnatalloon By.)

A fragment of the head of a small stone cross was found within the chancel of Ballynoe church (CO046-033002-) during the course of an archaeological excavation in 1995 (Cotter 1996, 6). The excavation was part of a programme of phased conservation work undertaken by Cork County Council (see Cotter 1997, 10; 2000a, 21; 2002c, 105-34). The following description is based on Cronin (2002, 124-6). The cross fragment (H 0.22m; Wth 0.165m; T 0.11m) is of green sandstone and is unringed with rounded angles. One face, which has a plain flat moulding (Wth 0.02m), bears a human figure, presumably a representation of Christ. Though much weathered, part of the head, an outstretched arm and part of the torso are discernible. The end of what appears to be a sleeve is visible on the arm suggesting that the figure is robed. The reverse face of the fragment is undecorated apart from a simple chamfer on its outer edge. On stylistic grounds, the cross fragment is dated no later than the mid-12th century (Cotter 2002c, 121). The fragment is currently in the NMI (pers. comm. Eamon Cotter). The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009