What is recorded here

A sheela-na-gig was found in 1989 during an SES graveyard clean up scheme in the E end of the graveyard (TS046-048004-) at Clonoulty Churchquarter where a medieval church (TS046-048001-) was located on the 1st (1840) ed. OS 6-inch map. It is described by Freitag (2004, 130) as a figure 'Carved on irregular slab [H 0.71m; Wth 0.35m]; head so damaged that no facial features survive; traces of a necklace at base of neck; ribs clearly indicated. Left arm behind left leg with fingers appearing from under thigh; right arm reaching down to vulva in front of body with hands gripping large slit-vulva. Squatting pose, legs widely splayed and bent at knees, feet turned outwards'. The back and sides (T 0.24m) of the carved stone are very crudely dressed. It is currently located in the Bolton Library in Cashel. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 25 July 2012

A Sheela-na-gig is typically associated with medieval Christian contexts in Ireland, often linked to ecclesiastical sites and possibly representing a female figure with exaggerated fertility symbols; its specific meaning remains debated, with suggestions ranging from a symbol of fertility or mirth to a representation of the Devil or a mason's mark.

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