Armorial plaque in Fethard

Centrally placed on the front façade of the 17th-century almshouse (TS070-040003-). An achievement of arms, carved in limestone in false relief within a plain square frame (H 0.73m; Wth 0.68m) (Crotty 2012, 18). The square shield, curving gently to a point, is of four quarters (ibid.). The first and fourth are the arms of Butler of Dunboyne, a chief indented charged with three escallop shells, the second quarter shows the three covered cups of the Butlers and the third quarter shows a fess or broad horizontal band for le Petit of Meath (ibid., 18-19). The defaced helmet supports the crest wreath and crest, a demi-falcon with winds displayed, issuant from a plume of ostrich feathers (ibid., 19). The mantling takes the form of two sweeping, curved shapes at either side, each composed of several lobes (ibid.). The dexter supporter is a lion gardant, with a horse on the sinister (ibid.). The motto, on a straight scroll with curved ends, reads: TIMOR DOMINI FONS VITAE, which translates as the fear of the Lord is the fountain of life (ibid.). The inscription, ‘James Donboyne’ in capitals on the lower portion of the frame appears to be a later addition (ibid., 20). Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 11 March 2015