Cross — High cross in Knockbarron

The circular shaped base (Wth 0.9m; H 0.5m) of the high cross which may have been an earlier millstone and is located in the W quadrant of the graveyard (OF036-028002-) a few metres to W of the W gable of Drumcullen church (OF036-028001-). The shaft of the limestone cross is now missing and the head of the ringed cross is decorated with the crucifixion on one face and with a triskele design with interlace on the opposite face. The cross-head has been recently removed from the graveyard (OF036-028002-) by Offaly County Council for safety concerns and is now on public display inside Rath R. C. Church (OF031-072----). The cross was described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 75) as following: 'A cross-head with one arm still remaining lies close to an old church (OF036-028001-). Close by is what would appear to be an ancient mill-stone, which may have served as a base for the cross at some time. The cross-head is 96 cm high, and only 40cm broad now, but originally it would have measured about 60cm across the arms. It is 18cm thick. The directions (east/west) given below are notional. East Face: In the centre there is a circular raised moulding enclosing spiral decoration emanating from a central circle. There is interlace decoration in the limbs of the cross. The ring, with roll moulding at the edges, has interlace decoration. South Face: The underside of the ring has a vertical roll moulding in the centre, while the end of the arm has a panel of interlace. West Face: Centre; The Crucifixion - Christ is shown with outstretched arms, and wearing a rope-like garment. Stephaton is probably on the left and Longinus on the right. There is a hemispherical boss (Sol, the sun, or a worn human head?) at the end of Christ's arm. The other arm has been broken away. Above Christ's head there would seem to be a spiral motif. The surviving arc of the ring is similar to that on the east face, though the mouldings are higher.' Cross-referenced with OF031-072----. To see a 3D model of this high-cross, visit; https://skfb.ly/oxSDO 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. Updated by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 4 January 2016