Cross - High cross

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture. The Martyrology of Donegal refers, 'Bairfionn, son of Aedh, of Achadh-Cailltean in the Uí Drona, west of the Berbha, in Uí Reithe, to the south of Leithglinn' (Grattan Bellew 1961, 67). This is an early medieval monastic foundation. According to Grattan Bellew (ibid.) the, 'base of the granite church [this should read cross] can be seen behind the eastern gable which is all that now remains of the ancient church. The upper portion of the cross was removed to Graiguenamanagh [see KK029-018002-] by Father Broughal in 1820 and was erected in the churchyard'. The cross is described by Killanin and Duignan (1967, 302) as, 'from the early monastic site, Aghailten (Achadh Chailltin; associated with St Báirrfhionn mac Aodha) near Ullard. It has a rude Crucifixion and panels of interlacings. The interlace panels are described and illustrated by Crawford (1980, 14, plates xvii and xviii no. 13).

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 1 March 2022

References

Grattan Bellew 1961 Powerstown Church. Old Kilkenny Review 13, 65-7.

Killanin, M.M. and Duignan, M.V. 1967 (2nd ed.) The Shell guide to Ireland. London. The Ebury Press.

Crawford, H.S. 1980 Irish Carved Ornament. Dublin. Mercier Press.