Stone head in Ballyboy (ballyboy By.)

Located on the S facing wall of a water mill outside Ballyboy village. This stone head appears to be of medieval date and may come from the nearby castle (OF031-015001-) the site of which is located across the road, or ti may have come from the medieval church in Ballyboy. The head has sunken eyes with a flat nose and what appears to be his tongue protruding from his mouth. His cheeks are grooved which may indicate a beard or facial hair. The head has two ears incised into the stone. The grooving found on the heads cheeks is similar to other medieval heads found in Ireland. The top of the head is flat which may suggest it was used as a corbel. (Weir 1980, 63) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011