Survey Data
Reg No
20903122
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical
Original Use
Monument
In Use As
Monument
Date
1835 - 1840
Coordinates
134540, 98528
Date Recorded
04/03/2008
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding carved limestone three-stage memorial, erected 1836, commemorating Father John Barry, and standing to south-east of church. Faces south-east. Square-plan steeped base supporting central square-plan monument. Lowest stage consists of square-profile plinth with carved vegetal decoration to faces, having moulded base and cornice, fronted by freestanding Ionic-style columns, these supporting moulded entablature and second square-profile plinth having engaged ionic-style columns to corners, with coat of arms, religious motifs and inscribed plaque to front face. Topmost stage comprises drum with corner pilasters topped by pinnacles, and having moulded cornice, surmounted by lantern detail with urn finial and having round-headed niche with figure sculture of Father Barry, niche having curtain-effect carving with roseate bosses and having central hand motif gripping curtain.
Appraisal
This eleborate memorial commemmorates the priest responsible for the construction of the associated church. The monument exhibits a wealth of carved details and decoration, including many classical devices. These all contribute to making this structure one of the most ornate of its kind in Ireland. The quality of the craftsmanship is of a very high order.