Friday 18th November 2024 at 8pm

Location: Sligo Educational Centre, ATU, Ballinode, F91 WFW9 

Little did they realize what an archaeological and heritage discovery they would make when, in August 2018, Edmond and Ross Brennan planned to clear some of their land at Kilross, Co. Sligo. A field close to the ruined home of the late James Patrick Kelly, a well-known “collector” needed clearing, one boulder in particular that protruded some metres distant from a road wall. On its being raised they quickly realised to their surprise that this boulder would not be disposed of indiscriminately on a field wall. Following an initial review by Joyce
Enright, consultant archaeologist, and Séamus McCormack, retired Principal of Ballintogher National School, it was inspected by Jane O’Shaughnessy, National Monuments Service archaeologist, who reported and uploaded the find on the Archaeological Survey of Ireland website, monument no. SL021-214. It was classified as a cross, “a medieval cross, of unusual and striking design” and “consists of a massive rectangular sandstone block”. The mystery begins when the design and characteristics of the monument are discussed. What was it? Was it a high-cross base? But in its size and shape it looks like no others. What type of cross was inscribed on one of its faces and what others like it can be seen in Ireland? Was there a crucifixion on the other face? There are what are described as stubby arms on the other two sides, like nothing seen before. Why? While some design features suggest foreign influences, some may originate in the vicinity of the eastern Mediterranean region. As a church site rarely spoken about how did this monument of “unusual and striking design” get there.

Lecturer

Pat O’Brien is a former chairperson of the Sligo Field Club and is an active committee member. He has published an array of articles in our Journal and in the Corran Herald.  He has also given numerous informative talks on local history in the Sligo Area.