Graveslab in Portloman

In 1912 it was recorded that this graveslab was excavated out of the mound or possible bowl-barrow (WM011-144----) located in the field beside Portloman Church (WM011-145----) and graveyard (WM011-145001-) (Tuite 1912, 69). The slab 'was found in the centre of the earthwork, on a level with the surrounding land, but there is no tradition that any human remains were underneath. Almost ever since this beautiful old stone has served the ignoble purpose of an improvised footway across the boundary-ditch which separates the farm on which it was found from the adjoining graveyard of Portloman' (Tuite 1912, 69). This mound was described by Tuite (1912, 69) as following; 'The greater part of the mound still exists, and from examination it would appear that the work of excavation was carefully carried out. At present it stands about 18 feet (5.5m) in height; originally it was probably not more than 22 feet (6.7m). It is of the usual type we see scattered over the country, and in which Westmeath is particularly rich, especially this west shore of Lough Owel'. The graveslab was described a measuring 'about 6 feet (1.8m) long, 2 feet (0.6m) wide at the top, 18 inches (0.45m) at the bottom, and 5 inches (0.12m) thick. It is in a remarkably good state of preservation, due of course to the fact that it was for such a long period protected by the clay of the mound (ibid.). The graveslab was described as a 'tapering coffin-shape, but the ornamental carving is unusual. The ordinary floreated cross is absent, and in its place there is an axial line dividing the decorated surface longitudinally into two halves. Each of these halves is ornamented with a series of devices, similar but not sym¬metrically disposed. At the head of each side is a cross pattée with interlacing lines, below which is a sexfoil in a circle. Beneath this again is another cross pattée, differing from the first in having the limbs voided. The rest of the decoration consists of Greek fret, returned on the dexter side, and a continuous pattern, partly floral, partly geometrical, of fairly common type, which on the sinister side runs up to touch the upper cross' (ibid.) In 1980 the graveslab was described in 'a tapering limestone flag (Top Wth 0.67m; base Wth 0.3m; L 0.67m) approx. 0.17m thick now set on a modern concrete base inside the graveyard (WM011-145004-) gate. The slab is divided by a double line down the centre and decorated with a fret and marigold. Another fret and a double line of a key pattern and a chain of recessed S-shaped loops' (SMR file). See attached drawing of graveslab taken from JRSAI 1912. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 30 August 2017