Graveslab

The National Monuments Service's description

This graveslab is in the chancel of the Dominican church (GA084-001014-) and is 0.83m to the S of the N wall and 0.87m N of Lady Matilda de Bermingham’s tomb. It has been moved since recorded by Macalister (1913, Pl. I). The rectangular slab (L 1.82m; Wth across the top 0.87m; Wth across base 0.8m; T 0.21m), with a small shouldered projection (Wth 0.48m; H 0.15m) at the top, tapers gently towards its base. The sides are bevelled. The surface is elaborately decorated and Macalister (ibid., 210, II, Pl. IX, No. 12) described it as ‘a floriated cross-head, with a plain stem, ending below in a handsome interlacing pattern.’ The cross is flanked with the initials IHS and a lozenge-shaped ornament on the dexter side and by three animals and a peculiar ornament of curves enclosing the figure eight on the sinister side. The projection bears an inscription that reads: ‘ION BVRKE 1627’ and round the margin is the legend: ‘THIS IS THE TOMB OF ION BVRKE AND OF HIS ANCESTORS AND KATHREN BVRKE HIS WIFE OF 12 OF 10BER 1627’ (ibid.). (Bradley and Dunne 1992, 35)

The following images have been uploaded:
GA084-001046-_01.jpg
GA084-001046-_02.jpg

Compiled by: Olive Alcock

Date of upload: 12 November 2018

References

Bradley, J. and Dunne, N. 1992b Urban archaeological survey - county Galway. Unpublished report commissioned by the Office of Public Works, Dublin.

Macalister, R.A.S. 1913 The Dominican church at Athenry. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 3, 197-222.