Ogham stone in Corrower

In a pasture field adjacent to a farmyard, located on a low rise in an undulating landscape of low rounded hills and ridges. Views to E−SE are defined by the N−S spine of the Ox Mountains. Nephin Mountain rises prominently on the far horizon to SW. Ground rises gently for c. 65m to S to an elevation topped by a cairn (MA040-105----). A rath (MA040-046----) is visible on a low hill c. 380m to NNE. Massive upright slab (H 3m; Wth 1.05m N−S; T c. 0.3m E−W), with long axis aligned N−S, roughly rectangular in shape but tapering gently at the base, and tapering also in thickness to relatively narrow edges (T c. 0.1m) at the N and S ends, both of which bear ogham inscription. The top surface of the stone is stepped with the higher, flat-topped peak at the N end. The stone leans gently to E. Ogham inscription was previously recorded on both the N and S ends of the stone (SMR file, NMI Topographical Files 1938). The N end tapers to a relatively narrow edge (T 0.1m). The upper half is thickly obscured by lichen, and the ogham inscription cannot be seen. The lower half is relatively clear of lichen, and the edge is smooth and polished in parts, most likely as a result of farm stock using the stone as a scratching post. At a height of 0.8-1m above the base, a number of slight indentations or possible notches can be seen, which may be part of the ogham inscription. On the S end of the stone, the ogham inscription, weathered but clearly visible, extends from the top of the stone to a point c. 1.3m above ground, coinciding with the narrowest edge (T 0.5-0.1m) of this end of the stone. Below this point, the stone presents a somewhat broader, flatter face (T 0.2m), with a rough surface, on which ogham scores cannot be distinguished. A dense growth of lichen covers the upper third of the stone, with more moderate surface mottling elsewhere. Several rounded stones and small boulders protrude from the sod at the base of the stone, and a slight hollow encircles the base, eroded by farm stock. (Jane O’Shaughnessy, NMS field report) The exceptional size of the stone suggested to Macalister (1945, 9-10, no. 7) that it was originally a prehistoric standing stone, adapted by a later ogham carver for an inscription. Macalister (ibid) noted that the scores are rather broad and shallow, pocked and rubbed smooth, up on both edges and reading: --]MAQ CERAN[I] AVI ATHECETAIMIN. Compiled by: Nora White Date of upload: 2 May 2017