What is recorded here

Half a metre of oak lies flat in an Offaly field, its northern edge and west side still bearing the shallow bites of a metal blade. Machinery has torn the top and southern end, erasing whatever shape the carpenter finished. Stones scatter two metres east, perhaps companions or perhaps only river drift, while another wooden fragment waits four metres west. The plank may have belonged to a bridge, a trough or a forgotten door, but the soil has taken the answer.

An oak plank (L 0.49m; Wth 0.17m; D 0.05m) on the field surface. Metal-cut toolmarks are apparent on the N end and W side but the upper surface and S end have been damaged by machinery. A number of stones are also recorded approximately 2m E of the site on the field surface but their relationship, if any, to the plank is indeterminable. The piece may be related to a number of other isolated pieces of worked wood in this area, including SMR OF007-201---- which lies 4m to the W. Recorded by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin) in 1993. The evidence is not sufficient to warrant its acceptance as the remains of an archaeological monument. The original survey description was compiled by the Irish Archaeological Wetland Unit (University College, Dublin). Assessed and revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 23 May 2011

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.