Sheela-na-gig in Killinaboy

It is built into the outer face of the S wall of the medieval church (CL017-002001-) above the doorway. The image is described by Freitag (2004, 135) as a figure consisting of a ‘round head with a very grim mouth, an emaciated neck, no breasts and clearly marked ribs. The arms are in front of body with the hands around the genitals. Something seems to pour out of the pudenda. It is in a standing position with the legs apart and slightly bent at knees, feet turned outwards’. (Guest 1936, 115, No. 32; Andersen 1977, 149, No. 85) Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien/Michael Moore Date of upload: 6 June, 2012

A Sheela-na-gig carving, likely originating from the 10th to 12th century, often associated with themes of fertility, childbirth, or supernatural protection; such figures are commonly found in medieval Christian contexts, though their precise meaning remains debated.