Cross — High cross in Lismoney

Poorly preserved 9th-century cross with a ringed head the ring of which is now destroyed. This sandstone cross contains biblical scenes on both its faces with the sides decorated with geometric patterns (Harbison 1970, 201). The cross stands in a truncated pyramidal base with bands of interlace decoration. Not marked on the first two editions of the OS 6-inch maps and may have been removed from original location and probably erected at present location in the 19th-century. To see a 3D model of this monument visit: https://skfb.ly/oxNNF Kinnitty High Cross described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 35-6) as follows: 'The fragmentary cross now erected on the edge of a valley in the grounds of Castle Bernard is said to have come from Kinnitty graveyard, and is therefore often referred to as the Kinnitty Cross. It stands on a base measuring 1.05m by 0.80cm at ground level, and is 84cm high. The base is decorated on all four sides with two horizontal bands of single-strand interlace framed above and below by a raised rib. The cross, which now lacks its arms and ring, stands to a height of 2.10m. The shaft is 45cm wide, and its thickness varies from 13cm to 19cm. There are roll mouldings at the edge, and the panels on the faces and sides are seperated by the mouldings surrounding them, which turn back on themselves without meeting at the centre. East Side: E 1 : A small panel of interlace. E 2 : Much abraded spiral forms, possibly ending in animal heads. E 3 : Two animals with back part of their bodies interlacing in the centre of the panel. The head of the lower animal points diagonally downwards, and its front legs seem to project at right angles. The head of the upper animal has been replaced by cement. E 4 : Animals emerge above and below from a central spiral boss, The front legs of both animals project forwards beside their heads. SOUTH FACE Plinth : To the naked eye, the incription on the plinth seems to be very incomplete. ….Liam de Paor has kindly provided me with a reading, based on rubbings taken in 1983 by Domhnall O Murchada. It is as follows : OR DO RIG MAELSECHNAILL M MAELRUANAID OROIT AR RIG HERENN A prayer for King Maelsechnaill son of Maelruanaid. A prayer for the king of Ireland. S 1 : A panel with two strands of interlace pointed at the corners. S 2 : (?) THE SUMMONING OF DAVID - David sits on the left playing his lyre which rests on his knee. He is approached by a figure on the right which holds a crook in its left hand and what is more likely to be a bell rather than a bucket in its raised right hand. A bird with backward-looking head is seen above David's head. The most probable interpretation of the scene is David being summoned by a messenger, who has the attributes of a shepherd. S 3 : A panel of interlace forming four circular devices. Head : THE CRUCIFIXION Christ stands with legs bound and arms falling at a slight angle. On the left, Stephaton with flexed legs holds the vinegar-bearing vessel to below Christ's chin. The lance piercing Christ's left arm-pit is held by Longinus, whose head and arm alone are visible. It is not clear what there ws above Christ's head, as much of this area has been replaced by modern cement. WEST SIDE W 1 : An angular S-shaped spiral. W 2 : Knots of linked interlacing. W 3 : Four spirals, from which animal forms emerge. W 4 : Damaged knots of interlace. NORTH FACE Plint : Inscription As with the inscription on the plinth of the south face, Liam de Paor has kindly supplied me with Domhnall O Murchadha's reading of the poorly-preserved inscription. It is as follows: OR DO COLMAN DORRO..IN CROSSA AR RIG HERENN OR DO RIG HERENN A prayer for Colman who made the cross for the king of Ireland. A prayer for the king of Ireland. N 1 : An interlace of two parallel strands. N 2 : Interlinked horizontal and vertical pelta-shaped spirals with bossed terminals. N 3 : Irregular animal interlace, with heads emerging at the corners. N 4 : EVE GIVES THE APPLE TO ADAM. - Adam on the left receives the apple from Eve on the right. The apple is shown in front of the stem of the tree, the bifurcating and apple-laden branches of which fall down behind the backs of two figures. Head At the centre of the head there is a square panel with roll moulding around the edges. Standing out from its surface is a circle with a raised and decorated boss at the centre, which is linked to three of the six bosses which form a circle around it. The corners of the panel bear interlace. Beneath the square panel are two birds with interlaced necks, and there is further interlace on either side of and above the central square panel'.