Tomb - table tomb

The National Monuments Service's description

In the mortuary chapel at the SE end of the graveyard (WM029-042092-) of the Franciscan abbey (WM029-042001-). Large rectangular slab (dims. L 2.16m, Wth 0.77m, D 0.15m) from a table tomb with a vertebrate border of stems and fleur-de-lis in false relief. The centre of the slab has two oval medallions within a rectangular frame with a spray of foliage in the spandrels. Inscription in Roman capitals in the left medallion: HEERE LYETH THE BODYES/ OF BRIAN MAC GANLEY & BENMON HIS WIFE. The inscription in the right medallion was added later: PRAY FOR THE SOVL OF CHRIS GANLY DEESESD Ye/ 16 OF MARCH 1701 & ANN RYAN/ HIS WIFE. The left end of the slab was subsequently smoothed down and carries and incised inscription in Roman capitals: PRAY FOR Ye/ SOVL OF MA/ RK BEGG WHO/ DEPARTED Ys/ LIFE AVGVST/ Y 11 16.. AG/ ED 36 YEARS/ & MARGRETT/ MC DERMOTT/ HIS WIFE (Bradley et. al. 1985, 46-7; Bigger and Hughes 1898-1900, 493-4; Fitzgerald 1904-6, 160).

Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 30 October 2013

References

Bradley, J., Halpin, A., and King, H. 1985 Urban archaeological survey - county Westmeath. Unpublished report commissioned by the Office of Public Works, Dublin.

Bigger, F. J. and Hughes, H. 1898-1900 The Abbey graveyard, Athlone. Journal of the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead, Ireland 4, 493-4.

FitzGerald, Lord W. 1904-6 Athlone: the Abbey burial ground. Journal of the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead, Ireland 6, 160-62.