Cross-slab (present location) in Clonaslee

Two rectangular-shaped sandstone slabs both with incised simple crosses set against N wall of Clonaslee Catholic churchyard. A third much smaller slab is illustrated by Leask as Carrigeen no. 1 (JKAS 1937, 108) but could not be found. The remaining two cross-slabs (Carrigeen no. 2 and no. 3) are illustrated as being completely intact but both now have at least 1/3 of the W upper portions missing. Originally these cross-slabs (LA002-013003/006-) came from Carrigeen graveyard (LA002:013001-) Ballynahown. (JRSAI 1916, 166; JKAS 1939, 187). Depicted as Carrigeen no. 1 by Leask in 1939 and described as a 'pillar slab, 5 ft. 4 ins. Long by 1 ft. 4 ins. Wide at broadest part; some parts spalled off. An incised Greek cross in a circle occupies central position. The upper arm of cross is two lined and starts from a curved double pot-hook line - roughly concentric with central circle and hooked at extremities and finish in a half round expansion. The lower member shaft is of two lines and finishes in the same way but diverges near the circle into two short curves concentric with it' (Leask 1939, 187). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007