Cross in Friarsground

In a small side room/porch in Ballyhaunis friary church (MA093-063002-). Limestone cross bearing a relief carving of the crucified Christ, which fills almost the full width and length of the cross. Cross (H 0.89m; Wth across arms 0.65m); arms of cross (H 12cm); shaft (Wth 13cm; D 5-6cm) Christ is depicted in death; eyes closed, mouth drooping and head slumped on his right shoulder. His beard and hair are delineated by a series of fine linear grooves; both are long, the hair draping over his shoulders. A twisted crown of thorns rests on his head. His body is quite finely moulded in high relief (rising 3-4cm above the surface of the cross), with a hint of the curves of elbow and knee joints. The outstretched arms dip slightly under the weight of the body. Both hands are in the ‘blessing’ position, with the index and second fingers pointing and the other two fingers folded inwards. A nail pierces each hand. The loin cloth has three gentle horizontal folds and one longer fold falling to the right side. The feet overlap, right over left, and are pierced by a single square-topped nail. INR is carved in false relief above Christ’s head at the top of the cross. This cross most likely dates to the Penal Era, late 16th to 18th century. Attached images: MA093-063006-_01.JPG Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 7 December 2022