Cross - High cross (present location)

The National Monuments Service's description

Within the graveyard associated with Graiguenamanagh church, a restored Cistercian abbey church (KK029-018001-). The S cross is associated with the medieval church (KK025-035001-) in Aughkiletaun townland. According to Grattan Bellew (1961, 67), 'The base of the granite church [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 by Father Broughal in 1820 and was erected in the churchyard'.
The cross (H 1.68m; Wth 0.92m; shaft Wth 0.41m; T 0.17m) rests on a modern base (Harbison 1992, vol. 1, 97; vol. 2, figs. 315-6). It has an imperforate ringed head and roll-mouldings on the edges (ibid.). The N and S sides are undecorated (ibid.). The shaft on the E face has two panels of interlace and the head is decorated with a crucifixion. Harbison describes the scene as, 'Christ is dressed in a loin-cloth, and is to be understood as being nailed to the cross, which is indicated by raised mouldings at the end of the arms and above his head. The figures of Stephaton and Longinus (or possible Mary and John?) are faintly shown on either side of Christ. There is a knot of interlace above Christ's head, and above it there is a broken panel' (ibid.) .
The shaft and head on the W face are very worn, however, the head appears to be also decorated with a crucifixion scene. Described by Harbison, of the representation of Christ, there, 'would appear to be a boss on his abdomen. His being only robed to the knees we would seem to preclude an interpretation as The Risen Christ, and the figures standing by his side may be Stephaton and Longinus, though - as is also the case with the similar figures on the east face - it is possible that they could represent Mary and John, as no attributes are shown. There may be an angel on each side of his head. There is a knot of interlace on both arms and on top of the cross' (ibid.).

See attached photographs:
KK029-018002-_01 E face
KK029-018002-_02 W face with Ballyogan high cross (KK029-018012-) in the background

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 15 March 2022

References

Harbison, P. 1992 The high crosses of Ireland: an iconographical and photographic survey, 3 vols. Dublin. Royal Irish Academy. Bonn. Dr. Rudolf Habelt GMBH.

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