Burial

The National Monuments Service's description

NMI Correspondence Files (1954) record the discovery of human bones during quarrying activities on the land of a Mr. James Lavelle in Ballinteane townland. The quarry was described as being 'at the back of the dwelling house of the owner of the land...and about 100 yards from it.' The bones were uncovered following the removal of clay from an area of bedrock, at a depth of c. 0.60m below the surface. The bones were severely damaged but upper and lower jaw bones, complete with teeth, confirmed that they were human. No evidence of a grave was noted. The site was inspected by the Gardai who sent a report to the National Museum. A few days later an object described as 'what appears to be the head of a stone axe' was found close to the site of the bones, and a small bell, possibly of brass, was also recovered. A feature which was described as a fire-place made of stone bricks was also found (Cahill and Sikora 2011, Vol. 2, 511-512). According to local information, the farm, which has since changed ownership, is location in the N of the Ballinteane townland, c. 500m W of the cross roads at Kilglass Parish church. The exact location of the quarry pit, however, is unknown.

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 24 June 2013

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.