South Cross, Kilfenora

Erected c. 2006 in the NW corner of the ‘sacristy’ situated N of the chancel in Kilfenora Cathedral (CL016-015002-) due to weathering. Listed in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996) as ‘Cross’. This is known as the ‘South cross’ which was found in 1954 in the ground S of the cathedral (de Paor 1955, 59). It was one of originally 6 limestone high crosses at Kilfenora, five of which are still there (see CL016-015005-, CL016-015006-, CL016-015007-, and CL016-015013-) and one of which was moved to Killaloe in 1821 (CL045-033009-). This cross is described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 115) as the fragmentary shaft of a cross (H 1.95m; shaft 0.72m x 0.18m at base (the shaft tapers towards the top)). The E face (now facing S) has a horizontal panel of Stafford knots, with a panel of closer-meshed interlace above it, at the present top of the shaft. The W face (now facing N) has part of a panel of interlace forming a circular device near the top. On each face the roll moulding at the edge curls into a spiral at the bottom. The sides are undecorated. This is a national monument in State care, no. 8.