Burial

The National Monuments Service's description

The following details about the discovery of a burial were given by Cahill & Sikora (2011, 492-3); 'In August 1972 human remains were discovered behind a residence, Dalcassian House, King's Island townland, in Limerick City, when a large pit was dug to accommodate a mount for a telescope. The bone occurred in the centre of the base of the pit, at a depth of c. 0.85—1m below ground level, and consisted of the lower portion of a body. This discovery prompted the finders to explore further by digging deeper at the centre of the pit. The bones were removed to Mary Street Garda Station and were examined by a pathologist at Barringtons Hospital. The site was reported to the National Museum by Mr Pat Liddane, the landowner, and was investigated by Patrick Wallace. The area was excavated and revealed the upper portion of the body uncovered by Mr Liddane. The body lay fully extended, in a supine position, aligned west/east. The upper limbs appear to have been haphazardly placed towards one side of the body, while the level of the deposition declined very slightly from head and shoulders towards the pelvis and lower limbs. The body lay in thick daub, which was of damp texture. No grave-goods were found around the body, and there was no evidence of any grave or coffin structure. The rib, arm and cranial bones appear to have sustained burns on their left-hand side. According to the pathologist, the remains were those of a young adult female. A number of sherds of glazed and unglazed pottery, china and a piece of a glass bottle were found above the body and provided a terminus ante quem for the deposition date of the body. None of the pottery in the collection pre-dates the thirteenth century'.

Compiled by: Denis Power

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 31 July 2019

References

Cahill, M. and Sikora, M. (eds) (2011) Breaking ground, finding graves - reports on the excavations of burials by the National Museum of Ireland, 1927-2006. Two Volumes. Dublin, Wordwell Ltd. In association with the National Museum of Ireland.