Sheela-na-gig in Thurles Townparks

Situated on the back wall of Lyon's Tyre and Batteries Centre opposite the GAA museum on the Slievenamon road in Thurles town. According to the OS Letters the W gate of the town was known locally as 'geata na Gcoileach' or the gate of the old woman with a carving of an old woman chiselled on a stone in one of its sides (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 3, 7-8). It is likely that this reference is to the sheela-na-gig which was inserted in its present location after the demolition of the W gate. The figure consists of a woman carved in relief with a pear-shaped head, almond-shaped recessed eyes, small nose and horizontal mouth on a square body with sagging breasts, splayed legs and arms pulling vulva apart. It has pronounced jug-shaped ears and the lower leg on the dexter side is missing while that on the sinister side terminates in a foot positioned side-ways with pronounced heel and foot. The figure is carved on a limestone block (H 0.49m x Wth 0.47m) in relief. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008