Tomb

In a small side room/porch in Ballyhaunis friary church (MA093-063002-). This tomb or altar dated 1739 was commissioned by Archbishop Bernard O’Gara, of Tuam, grandson of Fergal, the patron of the Four Masters, as a memorial for his father and his family. The limestone tomb (overall H 1.46m) consists a horizontal table or upper element (L 1.38m; Wth 0.87m; H 0.31m), which oversails a square block (L 0.96m; Wth 0.63m; H 0.56m), with a dedication inscribed on one face, which in turn rests on a moulded pedestal (H 0.31m), The finely carved six line inscription reads: Pray for Y souls of Charlis O Gara and Fa mily for whom this Tomb was made by his Son Ber. Ar. Of Tuam AN. DM. 1739 Centrally positioned above the inscription are the letters I H S. A simple cross rises from the centre of the letter H, and is flanked by the letters INRI. These are incorporated into a decorative band (Wth 0.1-0.12m) of simple scroll motif which surrounds the dedication. The tomb was used as an altar in a thatched Penal chapel that Archbishop O’Gara established in the friary church, concealed behind the tall roofless gable of the ruined church (MacLeod 1947, 132). Attached images: MA093-063005-_01.JPG Tomb/altar MA093-063005-_02.JPG Detail of inscription Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 7 December 2022

A 18th-century tomb or altar commissioned by Archbishop Bernard O’Gara in 1739, located within Ballyhaunis friary church. It is historically significant due to its connection with the O’Gara family, notable in Irish ecclesiastical and historical circles, particularly through Fergal O’Gara, patron of the Four Masters.