Cross-slab in Clonenagh

In an elevated area. In 1988 ten early Christian cross-slabs, rectangular in shape were uncovered during the digging of a pathway through the graveyard (LA017-003007-) at Clonenagh. Three are in false relief, the remainder are simple incised crosses. These cross-slabs have been attached to the inner E face of the graveyard wall in the W quadrant of the graveyard. The slabs have been numbered one to thirteen by Manning in his article entitled 'Cross-Slabs from Clonenagh, Co. Laois' (1998, 185-192). The slabs are upright just inside the gateway to the graveyard. This area has been used as a dumping place for cut grass and other debris that has resulted in the base of the slabs being covered in soil and vegetation. Slab 1 consists of a 'fragmentary slab (H 0.69m, Wth 0.18m, T 0.08m) with overall decoration on both faces. It has only one original edge and this has a double-line border along it on each face. The decoration consists of crosses within circles, small spirals, lines and other motifs. On face 'a' (now S face) there are two crosses within circles and part of a third. They are simple, unevenly executed, slightly expanded Greek crosses formed by dressing back around them the remainer of the circles, which are 105-110mm in diameter. There is a tiny hole at the centre of each cross. The remainder of the surface is covered with individual spirals, a pelta, some lines and a motif, left in relief, which looks like shears. Face 'b' (now N face) has one rather uneven Greek cross, with a small hole at the centre and with the surrounding oval (105mm wide by 125mm high) dressed back. At the top is part of what may be another cross within a double frame, an oval surrounded by a quadrangle. Below the complete cross is a group of three spirals, with further separate spirals beneath' (Manning 1998, 186-7). 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