What is recorded here

Smashed fragments of a Sheela-na-gig once mocked Ballynamona Castle before a jealous mason broke her into loss. Byrne found the gatepost empty in 1902, then hunted the wreckage far enough away to wonder whether the figure had fled or been cast out. The castle still stands, but the vulgar mother has vanished into North Cork soil, leaving behind a hole shaped like disdain.

Byrne (1902, 87) recorded sheela na gig, removed from wall of Ballynamona Castle (14339) and placed in nearby gatepost, 'somewhat injured by mason who did not admire the taste of the sculptor'. He later failed to locate it on the gatepost and found it some distance away 'so smashed up that it was beyond repair' (ibid.). Location of fragments not known. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

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