What is recorded here

An early 17th-century chest tomb holds Father Stephen Daly, the first Capuchin sent from Belgium to Ireland in 1615. A floriated cross rises through the centre of its damaged tablet, framed by Gothic lettering that still carries the date 1619. The tomb stands beside the old monastery of Teach Sáráin, where a seventh-century foundation and later Catholic missions share one low ridge near the River Brosna.

Early Christian monastery known as Teach Sáráin [Tisaran/House of Saran] founded by Sárán, son of Brógán of the Dál gCais of Thomond in the seventh century (Ó Riain 2011, 547-8; ITA Survey 1942). Situated on a natural rise on low-lying land with N bank of River Brosna 350m to SSE. Graveyard (OF022-004001-) contains 18th/19th-century headstones and is enclosed by a post 1700 stone wall. Early 17th-century chest-tomb (OF022-004002-) belonging to Father Stephen Daly located immediately W of the church (OF022-004----). The surface of the badly damaged tablet covering the chest tomb is decorated with a floriated cross rising from a foliated base containing an encircled cross. The English inscription in Gothic script also known as Blackletter or Old English is carved in false relief and runs around the edge of the tablet framing the floriated cross. The date 1619 is clearly visible at the base of the floriated cross. The initials M D have been carved into the S face of the side panel of the chest tomb. Midway along the incised shaft of the floriated cross there is a broad knop represented by three deep grooves. This cross probably represents the Pastoral Staff of the Capuchin monk who is buried beneath this tomb. According to a modern commemorative limestone plaque that has been inserted into the wall above the chest tomb the tomb marked the grave of Father Stephen Daly who was born in Tisaran in 1575 and was the first Capuchin sent to Ireland from Belgium in 1615. He became the first Superior of the Capuchin Mission in Ireland. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 28 February 2019

Chest tomb, likely early medieval in date. Associated with an Early Christian monastery, indicating its possible ecclesiastical or commemorative significance in a monastic settlement context.

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