Memorial stone in Fethard

Roughly mid-way along the N parapet of Madam’s Bridge (TS070-040018-), at the western entrance into Fethard. A limestone plaque, with partially broken stone surround (max. H 0.35m; max. Wth 0.79m) inserted into the inner face of the northern parapet of the bridge, towards the base of the parapet. The plaque is over the central arch of the bridge, though it is slightly E of the apex. This plaque with moulded edge (H 0.31m; Wth 0.72m), consists of three surviving rows of text (row H 0.05m), with plain horizontal bands (H 0.02m) above and below each row of text. The lower part of the plaque is not visible above the concrete footpath, though it is likely that much of the lower part is missing. The inscription is very faded and could not be deciphered. The moulded surround and the presentation of text within horizontal banding suggest a mid-late 17th century for this plaque. This plaque appears to be the same as that referred to by Long (1892-4, 208). He mentions that there was a plaque on the gate at Madam’s Bridge, facing the bridge, which was moved c. 1880 when the gate was demolished and inserted into the ‘left’ wall of the bridge (ibid.). The plaque bore an inscription, ‘informing the passer-by that the bridge was built by one John Delahunty (I think) some 150 years ago. On the same tablet, and above the inscription to which I referred, another one, no doubt, much more ancient, has unfortunately been erased with a chisel’ (ibid.). See attached: TS070-040104----_01 Photograph courtesy of Dave Pollock, 18 May 2015 Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 6 May 2015