Cross-slab in Gallen

Situated on a slight rise with river to the E. The ecclesiastical remains consist of an a medieval church (OF014-029008-), possible abbey church (OF014-029001-), graveyard (OF014-029002-), early Christian cross-slabs (OF014-029003-) and a bullaun stone (OF014-029005-). The Abbey which was built near the site of an Early Christian monastery founded by St. Canoc in 492. Most of the cross-slabs which date from the 8th/11th-centuries (Harbison 1972, 206) came from this excavated area. 200 decorated slabs were discovered during this excavation and are described by Kendrick (1939 Vol. 69, 1-20). Recent graveyard clean up scheme in the graveyard (OF014-029002-) uncovered several Early Christian cross-slabs that have been incorporated into the fabric of the graveyard wall. Sandstone cross-slab that was discovered following excavations of Gallen priory in 1935 and described by Kendrick as a cross-slab (dims. 1.07m x 0.61m x 0.14m) with an `incised cross with expanding ends containing fret-pattern; in the centre a roundel of interlace' (Kendrick 1939, 9). This slab bears an inscription which reads O~R~DO || BRALIN which can be expanded to read as OROIT DO BRALIN (Kendrick 1939, 9-10). In 1949 this same slab was described by Macalister as `A cross with a circular expansion and looped semicircular terminal expansions: a simple interlacement in the central, key-pattern in the terminals' (Macalister 1949, 73). At this time the cross-slab was located in an out-house near the gate lodge. Macalister recorded this inscription as reading O~R~DO || BRAUN which can be expanded to read OROIT DO BRAUN (Macalister 1949, 73). East Wall, West Facing, Centre. Diagram Number 17 Inventory of Carved Stone ID 000017 Dimensions: Height 1.13m Width .64m Cross slab. Irregular outline. The dexter side is loner and more regular being straight up to the level of the lateral arm from which is curves up and outwards to an irregular corner. The upper edge is rough and uneven, slanding down across from dexter to sinister . The lower edge rises from dexter to sinister and the sinister edge is somewhat irregular. It bears expansional cross with a central circle containing interlace pattern. The terminals are expanded and D-shaped with loops at each corner and containing fretwork. The inscription 'OR DO BRACUIN' runs vertically down the stone crossing the sinster arms of the cross. Description from Inventory of Carved Stone, National Monuments Service Archive. Armstrong, JRSAI 38 (1908) pp 63-66, fig. 3. Kendrick, JRSAI 69 (1939) p.9 (T8) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 17 August 2012