Ritual site - holy/saint's stone

The National Monuments Service's description

Within an early medieval church (CO010-003004-), midway along the S wall. This sandstone slab (1.22m E-W; 0.54m N-S; T 0.15m) is propped up on small stones (H c. 0.15m) at the W end, and level with the gravel floor at the E end. The top of the slab, at the W end, is inscribed with a spiral (diam. 12cm) with two parallel lines (L 0.34m) extending E from the spiral down the length of the slab, narrowing slightly and possibly joined at the end. Described by Windele (Grove White 1905-25, vol. 1, 17) as 'a kind of 'kist' consisting of a large flagstone resting on low side stones, and leaving an open space beneath...wide enough to permit a person to stretch on the ground in immediate contact with the flag stone above...Pilgrims affected with rheumatism and other complaints creep in under this stone and derive wonderful benefit from the act'. It is known as 'St Molaga's Bed', the covering stone of the Saint's Tomb. Windele (ibid.) also recorded a stone cross (CO010-003006-) resting on this slab.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

This is a National Monument in State Ownership (no. 18)

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Reference:

1. Grove White J. 1905-25 Historical and Topographical Notes, Etc., on Buttevant, Castletownroche, Doneraile, Mallow, and Places in Their Vicinity. Collected by Colonel J.G. White. [With Illustrations.]. 4 volumes. Cork. Guy&Co.

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