Graveslab in Killeen

This is a large slab (dims 2.02m x 1.04m; H 6cm) that has two lines of gothic inscription on two sides. It is the Plunkett – Forster slab and is against the centre of the N wall of the chancel. It has the symbols of the passion at the W end and a crest at the foot (E), and is dated 1584. The crest is Plunkett impaling Forster, whose device is a chevron pointing up with three arrows pointing down, two above the chevron. (FitzGerald 1911, 410-11; No. VIII; Moore 1970, 26-7, No. 6) It is described by FitzGerald as: This tomb commemorates and Edward Plunkett, of Balrath, County Meath, who, according to Archdall (vol. VI, p 196), was a great-grandson of Edward Plunkett, of Balrath, sixth son of Sir Christopher, first Lord of Killeen. The first-named Edward married, firstly, Margaret Plunkett, daughter of Christopher, Lord Dunsany: and secondly, Ellen, daughter of Richard Forster, of Santry, County Dublin. The inscription is short, and, running round the edge, only occupies the upper end and one side of the slab. It is cut in incised black letter. It reads: HIC IACET EDWARDUS PLUNKET, / NUPER DE BALRATHE, QUI OBIIT OCTAVO DIE OCTOBRIS AO DNI 1584. In the upper half of the slab are the instruments of our Lord’s Passion and Crucifixion cut in relief. In the middle of them is a T-shaped cross with Our Lord standing by the side of it, encircling it with His arm. Over the cross, on a straight band, are the letters INRI. On the left-hand side of the cross appear the flogging-post, with ropes attached, a pincers holding a nail, a spear, a hammer, a ladder, a three-thonged scourge, the thirty pieces of silver, a cock standing on a barred oblong-shaped object, and a [?] lantern. On the right-hand side of the cross appear a scimitar, a reed, a closed hand, the sponge on a pole, the hyssop on a pole, a birch-rod, a ewer and basin, two dice, and a peculiar device resembling foliage. In the lower half of the slab, under the initials E.P. and E. F., is a shield impaling the Plunkett and Forster coats-of-arms. Date of upload: 18 March, 2015