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 20 is 6.5m east of the southeast angle of Aghowle Church (WI042-019001-) and 2.3m south of Cross base A (WI042-019011-). It appears to be marking the northern edge of a grave plot, so that the cross is facing south. The stone measures 34.5 wide 52 long and 7cm thick. The outline cross is cusped as the intersection. The end of one arm is damaged, but it is clear from the opposite one that they stopped short of the edge of the stone. The shaft appears to be broken at the base, so the slab must originally have been longer'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Chris Corlett Date of upload: 12 March 2020