Stone Cross — Ballagharahin

National Monument No. 113. On roadside in undulating countryside, 100m SW of Errill church (LA027-024---) and graveyard (LA027-024001-). Only the lower half of a cross shaft (H c. 0.85m, Wth c. 0.38m, T c. 0.21m) survives rising out of a cut-stone chamfered base which stands on a stepped stone pedestal consisting of four steps. In 1860 the cross and pedestal (H 2.45m) was repaired by the first Lord Castletown, these repairs consisting of the insertion of a pair of iron clamps resulted in the destruction of the inscription and the coat of arms contained on the cross (Carrigan 1924, 147). The cross was described by Carrigan(1924,147) as following; 'On the upper part of front, or the eastern face, of the shaft there is a shield sculptured in relief with the arms of the Lords of Upper Ossory. There is a raised letter inscription on the lower part of the front, and another on the back stretching from the top to the bottom' (ibid., 147). The coat of arms consisted of the following; 'Sable, a saltire argent; on a chief azure, three fleur-de-lis or. Supporters, two lions sable, armed and langued gules. As there was no room for the supporters at the sides, the sculptor has placed them on the shield. The crest - a dragon vert, surmounted by a lion passant sable-was no doubt carved above the shield but that portion of the stone is now missing. On the lower part are inscriptions, dated 1613 and 1622, to the Baron of Upper Ossory, his wife Kathrin More and their son and daughter-in-law' (ibid., 147-51). The inscription reads as follows (ibid., 150): Florence ye Bar- on of Upp. Ossary died Fy ye 3rd 1613 & Kathrin Mo- re his wyfe Iuly ye 23rd AoDi 1613. The inscription on the western face reads: This Crosse was built in remember- ance of ye Right Honorable Baron of Upper Ossry & Kathrine his wife by there son Ieffry FitzPatrick of Ballagherahin Esquyre & Ladye Mary Ryley his wyfe former Feral Desiring God to be mercy- fal to there soul- es SoDo & Sal vatoris 1622. LA027-025----_05.jpg rubbing of cross showing coat of arms and inscription taken from Carrigan 1924, 148. LA027-025----_06.jpg rubbing of cross showing inscription taken from Carrigan 1924, 149. 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. Updated by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 25 March 2015