What is recorded here

Richard Fitzgerald of Lackagh died in 1575 and his wife Margareta commissioned a limestone slab showing him in Italianate armour. Walter Brennan carved the man and five coats of arms, while a broken sword and partial name preserve the limits of what survival can hold. Richard became stone, Margareta became the force behind making him visible, and the chamber holds both acts without needing to explain them.

A large collection of cross slabs, grave slabs, decorated stones and three effigies (See KD022-029023- and KD022-029027- to KD022-029057-), dating from the 10th to the 17th centuries have been placed in St. Brigid’s Cathedral (KD022-029005-). KD022-029035-: In the S transept. According to Bradley et al. (1986 vol. 3, 230-31 Fig. 105), a rectangular limestone slab (L 2.46m; Wth 1.16m; T 0.28m) carries the effigy of Richard Fitzgerald of Lackagh (d. 1575) carved in high relief, wearing Italianate armour and bearing a long sword, the lower portion of which is missing. There are five heater-shaped shields with coats of arms on the dexter side and an incised marginal inscription reads: ‘DOMINA MARGARETA B…../ MONVMENTVM FIERI FECIT OB ME …. AVV RICH FITZGERALDE/ DE LACKAGHE MILITIS QVONDAM/ SVI MARITI QVI OBIIT XX [di]E DECEMBRIS ANNO DOMINI 1575/ WALTERVS/ BRENNAGH ME FECIT’ (Fitzgerald 1895-7a; Fitzgerald 1895-7b, 254-6; NLI Ms. 772, 4, 2-3; Price 1942, 11-12) Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 31-01-2012

Medieval effigial tomb; 10th to 17th century. Significance lies in its collection of decorated stones and effigies, reflecting Christian funerary practices and artistic traditions in Ireland.

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