Graveslab in Cluain An Ghaill

The graveslab of James Trynch, dated 1631(Du Noyer 1897), is a rectangular sandstone slab (dims 2.12m x 0.95m; T 0.12m) outside the site of the parish church to the E in the graveyard (ME017-018001-). The inscription in relief in Roman letters is around the edge and in two panels in the centre between crests. There is a skull and cross-bones in a panel at the base. From: Du Noyer's notes 1897: In the month of August, 1865, I lighted on this quaint and interesting tomb-slab, and on announcing the discovery to the Rev. Dr. Brady, he kindly informed me that it was commemorative of the death of the ancestor of the Clancarty family. The shield bears in chief, a lion passant, and the sun in splendour over it. The lower portion of the shield is parted per pale, the dexter side being seiné with Tudor roses, and the sinister filled with the emblem s of St. Joseph’s trade – the saw, the chisel, the hammer, bit and brace, and square. The legend is as follows: HIC IACET IOCOBUS ** TRY / NCHE CLERICUS RECTOR QU / ONDAM HVIVS ECCLESIAE DE CLON / GELL EX ILLVSTRI ET INVICITO SCOTINO GENTE NATVS CVM SEX LIBERIS QVI HANC / VITAM PEREGIT DECIMO TERTIO DIE MENSIS MARTII ANNO DOMINI 1631. Under the shield is written: MARGRETA MONTGOMRI / VXOR DEFVNCTI ET MA / TER PREDICTORIUM SEX / LIBERORVM HOC FECIT / **** CONDERE Below this again is a shield without arms, and next it a death’s head and crossed bones. The above Thomas Trynch (Du Noyer says), was the ancestor of the Clancarty family. Translation: Here lies James Trynch, clerk, Rector some time of this church of Clongill, born of an illustrious and unconquered Scottish family, with six children, who finished this life on the 13 day of March 1631. Margaret Montgomery, wife of the deceased and mother of the above named six children caused *** to erect this. This tomb, long grass-grown and neglected, has recently been restored by Mr. J. Cooke Trench of Millicent, County Kildare. See the attached image. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 21 August, 2014