St Gobnets Stone — Killeen (muskerry West By., Ballvourney Par.)

In pasture, on SW-facing slope, c. 18m S of the site of a holy well (CO058-013001-). The cross-slab originally stood c. 60m to WSW (CO058-013003-); according to Kelly (1897, 104), Windele noted on its removal 'many bones' under the mound where it stood. Now set in concrete and protected by circular stone wall. Thin slab (H 1.04m; 0.36m x 0.08m) with both N and S faces are decorated with a Greek cross of arcs, enclosed by two incised concentric rings. Treble cross, decorating top arm of crosson S face is thought by Henry (1952, 41) to be 'a fairly recent addition'. Above circle on N face walks an incised figure in side profile. Figure is simply depicted, with facial features, wearing a bell-shaped garment and carrying a crozier. Henry (ibid.) dates stone to second half of 7th century. Hurley and O'Flaherty (1981, 57-8) noted similarities between St Gobnait's Stone and stone from Bawnatemple (CO071-108005-) c. 19km to E. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of revision: 14 December 2009 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 29/1976). Images provided by and copyright of Amanda Clarke 28 Nov 2016 https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/