Cross-slab in Church Island (iveragh By., Loughcurrane Ed)

This slab was probably erected in its present location, at the SW corner of leacht (KE098-039011-), during the OPW work at the site in 1883 as it does not appear in this position in the Dunraven photographs (1875). Of purplish sandstone, it stands 1.61m high, and measures .6m in maximum width and averages .08m thick. It tapers slightly in width towards its base. The inscribed face is finely dressed and bears a ringed outline cross with a tapering shaft. On the upper shaft is a small, equal-armed cross with expanded terminals, beneath which is a debased alpha. A debased omega occurs beneath the transom. On the left arm of the cross IHS is inscribed, while XPS occurs in the corresponding position on the right. Both of these feature a horizontal stroke above, and may be identified as contractions of the Greek words lesos and Christos respectively. A vertically disposed inscription commences on the shaft of the cross and continues on its dexter side. Macalister (1949, 98) read it as: BENNACHT F(or) ANMAIN ANMCHADA Sheehan has suggested that this slab commemorates Anmchad Ua Dúnchada, described as 'anchorite of God' in the Annals of Inisfallen, who was buried on 'Inis Ausail' in 1058 (1990c, 173). See attached photograph courtesy of Amanda Clarke The above description is derived from O'Sullivan, A. and Sheehan, J. (compilers) 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University press. (1996), no. 974. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 18 June 2013