Stone sculpture in Townplots

In Kinsale; C of I parish church of St. Multose (CO112-034005-), 'one of the few medieval parish churches in Ireland still in use' (Leask 1966, vol. 2, 149-50). Church much altered 1730 and again 1759-60, but major renovations, including replacing N nave and chancel arcade and complete re-roofing, took place 1835-7; 'sweeping alterations' again made 1856-8 (Darling ibid, 16-9). Chancel given new ceiling in 1951 (Garner 1980, 11). Existence of sheela-na-gig inside St. Multose church is recorded as being located ‘on a stone in St. Multose church’(http://jillschubert.com/ireland.htm accessed 22 May 2012). This figure is not a sheela-na-gig, but is a carving of the ‘outline of a child with paddle hands. The folklore is that the fishwives would rub this stone for good luck while their men were at sea. The other side of the stone has been used as an 18th century gravestone’(http://www.irelands-sheelanagigs.org/archive/index-42071.php.html accessed 22 May 2012). This stone is currently located inside St. Multose Church. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 22 May 2012

Probably medieval in origin, given its association with the long-used parish church of St. Multose. The sculpture may have had a liturgical or commemorative function, though specific iconographic meaning or folklore linked to the stone is not recorded.