What is recorded here

Kilcumber bridge dropped a limestone quoin into the Figile River, hiding a grotesque female who pulled her own flesh apart until people fished her from the water. She may have watched a lost church doorway, marking birth, death or the shame that must be faced before entry. Edenderry now keeps her in its public library, still angled as if waiting to be set back into a wall that no longer exists.

The original location of this sheela-na-gig is unknown. The sheela-na-gig was discovered underneath Kilcumber bridge in the Figile River about 20 years ago (King 1993, 13; Freitag 2004, 129). The spandrel of a twin light ogee headed window was also found in the river. The sheela-na-gig is carved in relief on a limestone quoin (dims. 0.28m x 0.44m x 0.19m) at an angle so as to fit the stone. The figure was that of a grotesque female with grooved face, large head and hands pulling her vulva apart. It is possible that this figure along with the window came from a destroyed church the rubble of which was thrown into the river. A possible site for this church comes from the folklore of the area which identifies the field on the left hand side of the road as you come from Clonbullogue village, as the 'Church field'. The locals also remember a cross inscribed stone which is now destroyed which used to be located in this field. Now housed in the Public Library in Edenderry (on loan from National Museum of Ireland). Cross referenced with OF020-006----. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 19 January 2015

This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed. The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.