Burial

The National Monuments Service's description

Burial discovery described by Cahill and Sikora (2011 vol. 2, 492) as following; 'Two separate discoveries of human remains appear to have been made at this site. The first was in July 1941, when substantial quantities of human remains were reportedly discovered. At this time two hones, one perforated (1941:727 and 1941:726 respectively), and a bone pin (1941:725) were found on site. Joseph Raftery visited the site, but the landowner refused permission for any excavation. In June 1955 the National Museum received a report that human remains had been discovered at a sandpit at Bohergar, near Caherconlish, Co. Limerick. 165 The remains were discovered immediately below the topsod, at a depth of c. 0.2m. The site was reported to the NMI by Mr Michael Dwyer, a local man who had previously excavated with Professor Seán P. Riordáin at Lough Gur. He sent a small quantity of human remains (1955:96), charcoal and iron slag to the NMI. In his letter he described and sketched two layers of bone revealed in section through the mound at levels between 0.23m and 0.61m deep. Unfortunately this site has not been investigated further, though the location, finds and associated sites suggest that it has its origins at least in the early medieval period, and may represent a settlement and associated burial site'.

Compiled by: Denis Power

Date of upload: 21 August 2012

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, 2 vols. Dublin. Wordwell Ltd. in association with the National Museum of Ireland.