Graveslab in Clonony More

Situated inside the bawn of Clonony Castle (OF022-008001-) there is a graveslab which is known locally as the monument of 'Queen Elizabeths cousins'. The inscription was cut at the lower end of the stone, in incised Roman capitals, that reads 'HERE UNDER LEYS ELIZABETH AND MARY BULLYN DAUGHTERS OF THOMAS BULLYN SON OF GEORGE BULLYN THE SON OF GEORGE BULLYN VISCOUNT ROCHFORD SON OF SR THOMAS BULLYN EARL OF ORMONDE AND WILSHIRE' (Anon 1868-9, 85). Described in the 19th century as a 'slab, which measured seven feet by four feet ten inches, and was sixteen inches thick. It now lay close to the castle, having been removed from the quarry, about two hundred yards distant, by the last resident in the castle 'Counsellor' Molony, about the first quarter of the present century.' (Anon 1868-9, 86). According to the Irish Penny Journal the slab was found in 1803 when labourers engaged in raising stone in a quarry adjoining Clonony Castle had discovered a natural cave in the limestone rock, and in 'this cave at a depth of about twelve feet under the surface, was found beneath a heap of stones (apparently placed there for the purpose of concealement), a large limestone flag' (Anon 1868-9, 86). Another local tradition is that the Bullyn sisters were buried in the cemetery of Gallen Priory and that it was the intention to have erected the tombstone over the grave but for some reason it was never brought from the quarry where the stone-cutters had been at work on it (Anon 1868-9, 86-7). 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. Date of upload: 23 May 2011