Stone head in Termon (upper Loughtee By.)

Davies (1948, 98) recorded that this medieval stone head together with a number of medieval architectural fragments had been built into the sacristy wall of the 19th-century Catholic church at Clanaphilip (CV033-049001-). This church was removed in the 1980s and its site is today partly occupied by a modern grotto in honour of Our Lady into which a stone head has been incorporated. Traditionally the head is believed to represent the Cailleach Geargain destroyed by St Patrick in the vicinity of the old church at Moybolgue (CV034-046----). It has bulging eyes and a prominent nose and hair represented by a profusion of deep grooves covering the top of the head and cheeks. The lips are shaped, suggestive of the Cailleach blowing her breath. It can no longer be found. (Barron 1941) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cavan' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1995). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 December 2008