Cross — Ballynilard

In grassland atop low rise of ground with good views in all directions. Church (TS066-068001-) 20m to N and holy well (TS066-065----) 257m to NW. An imperforate-ringed red-sandstone conlgomerate cross (H c. 1.65; T 0.26m) orienated E-W with arms protruding 15cm beyond the ring (diam. 0.4m) of the cross. The terminal of the N arm (H 0.35m) of the cross is decorated with celtic interlace while the N side and E face of the shaft (Wth 0.55m) also appear to have been decorated but have been eroded over the centuries and only the slightest suggestion of decoration survives. No visible decoration on S side of shaft or S terminal of arm of cross. The E face of the cross has five bosses carved in relief, one in the centre and one at each junction of the arms of the cross and ring, while the W face of the cross has a celtic cross carved in relief. At the base of the cross to the S there is a sandstone rectangular base ( dims. 0.45m x 0.80m) with socket (dism. 0.25m x 0.15m) in centre of base for shaft of cross. Evidence of roll moulding running along edge of shaft of cross and incised double line ringed cross on E face of cross. The E face of the cross has oval shaped depression between the arms of the cross while on the W face the depressions are like a thistle cross. According to the OS letters this cross was lying flat on the ground in the early 1800s and was erected a few years before 1840 when the local people erected it into its present position (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 3, 36). Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 August 2011