Cross — Rathwire Lower

One of three wayside crosses (WM020-135001/002-) of which only this one is in its original location. The location of this cross is marked on the first and current editions of the OS 6-inch map. Described in 1976 as 'Hughes 1601. This cross is in situ. The shaft is set on a large crude base with slab for 'coffin laying' in front and another plain coffin slab to right.' (ASI Survey files 1976). A second report from 1998 described this cross as 'A shaft (H 1.43m; Wth 0.26m ; T 0.23m) with moulded angles. There is an inscription in false relief, read vertically on each of the E & W faces i.e. the broad faces. The top of the shaft is broken, truncating the inscription On top is a broken down sub-rectangular mortise (dims. 0.19m by 0.1m; D 0.06m). The lettering of the inscription is well preserved & quite easy to read. The inscription is read from bottom to top.The shaft is inserted in a modern rubble stone base. Inscription on E face (all Capitals) reads 'GOOD CHRISTIAN PRAY FOR T SOULE OF JOHN O MLAGHLIN WH DECEASED THE 14 DAY OF AUGUST 16' Inscription on W face reads 'AND FOR JOVAN HUGHES HIS WIFE DEPARTED THE 13 OF SEPTEMBE' (ASI Survey file 1998). his cross was erected to the memory of John McLoghlin and his wife Jovan Hughes who were killed by a runaway horse in 1601. In the past funerals passing halted here and placed the coffin on the flat stone beside the crosses. The people knelt and prayed for the souls of those commemorated.