Cross-slab in Aghowle Lower (shillelagh By.)

Twenty cross slabs (WI042-019006-/033-) can be seen scattered about Aghowle graveyard (WI042-019003-), all of which have been reused as upright burial markers, which largely explains the main distribution of the cross slabs in the southern part of the graveyard, coinciding with the main area of 18th and 19th century headstones. It is clear that the majority of the cross slabs were originally intended as recumbent slabs, however, their current use as upright headstones means that most of the slabs are partially concealed, thereby limiting the visible features. The majority are schist slabs, except for Cross slabs 2, 11, 15 and 16 which are of granite (Corlett 2019). Described by Corlett (2019) as following; 'Cross slab 17 is located just 1.4m south of cross slab 7 (WI042-019019-), in the south-eastern quadrant of Aghowle graveyard (WI042-019003-). The slab measures 70cm high, 52cm wide and 10cm thick. It has been reused as a headstone, and portion of the stone is still embedded in the ground. On the east face is a weathered outline cross (35cm across). The upper transom, cross arms and the shaft are 6cm wide, defined by a lightly incised line, and the intersections are slightly cusped'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Chris Corlett Date of upload: 12 March 2020