Wall monument in Graiguenamanagh

Inserted in the external face of the side chapel of the S transept of the restored Cistercian abbey church (KK029-018001-). A limestone wall monument with an inscription in Latin which commemorates Edmund Butler, the first viscount of Galmoy who died in 1653 (Farrelly et al. 1993, 155). According to Wilson (1863, 384-5), the wall monument was found, ‘amongst the rubbish’ when the Cistercian abbey was being restored in 1813 and it was then built into the external wall of the vestry. It is described as being, ‘surmounted with three shileds of arms, which are in the main the same as those of the Ormonde family. The falcon crest, the chief indented, the lion sable, the three cups and the saltier, are common to both’ and the latin inscription is transcribed as follows: Non fortior quam justus. D. O. M. Edwardus Butler Eques auratus Illmus ac Nobmus primus vice Comes de Galmoye. Dominus de Low Grange, Barrowmont, Balliogan, &c. Vir generis splendore, integritate vitae, morum suavitate, prudentia, liberalitate, hospitalitate, verae fidei zelo, aliisq. viri vere nobilis ornamentis conspicuous, reip, in qua publica recte sepe adminstrauit munera, amans et utilis copiosiae prolis optimus parens, sibi uxori suae nobma, matronae Annae Butler liberis ac posteris unde bene et splendide viverent providit, ubi cum illo defuncti in Domino quiescerunt sepulchurum hoc posuit. Bene illis precare viator et te mortalem ac moriturum cogita. Wilson translated the inscription as, ‘Not more brave than just. To God most excellent, most mighty. Edward Butler, Baronet. The most illustrious and most noble, first Viscount of Galmoye, Lord of Low Grange, Barrowmount, Balliogan, &c. A man, by the splendour of his race, the integrity of his life, the suavity of his manners; by his prudence, liberality, hospitality, zeal for the true faith, and other accomplishments of a truly noble man, conspicuous in the state in which he well and frequently filled public offices; the loving, useful, and most excellent parent of a numerous offspring, for himself, for his wife, the most noble matron, Anne Butler; for his children and posterity, whence they might well and splendidly live, he has provided; when with him having died in the Lord, that they might rest, he this sepulchre made. Traveller, for them duly pray, and reflect that thou art subject to death, and soon to die’. Another transcription and translation of the inscription, with slight variations from Wilson's, is provided by Healy (1893, 206-7). Revised by: Jean Farrelly Date of revision: 16 March 2022