Survey Data
Reg No
41401013
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Cultural, Historical
Original Use
Monument
In Use As
Monument
Date
1903 - 1913
Coordinates
272236, 335915
Date Recorded
19/03/2012
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding rectangular-plan limestone monument to James Rice, erected c.1908. Romanesque aedicule with round-headed blind arches and foliated capitals on plinth and base to north and south sides, surmounted by high cross with interlace detailing. Carved with moulded spears, axes and harp to west corner of south elevation, Irish wolfhound to centre, and round tower, high cross and ruined church to east corner. Inscription in Gaelic script to blind arcade of south elevation dedicating monument to James Rice, with 'RICE' in high relief to plinth flanked by crests of four provinces. Inscribed dedication on blind arcade of north elevation in memory of members of Rice family. Sculptor's name inscribed on plinth of south elevation, 'O NEILL & Co. SCULPTORS / BELFAST'. Kerb with three posts having pointed caps and interlace detailing to east and west sides. Located to south side of Saint Patrick's Church, in graveyard.
Appraisal
This attractive monument is a fine example of a Celtic Revival funeral monument of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The spears, harp, wolfhound and representations of early Irish Christian architecture are common motifs of Celtic Revival movements, which drew on the traditions of Celtic literature and insular art. Here, they are combined in a unique expression of Irish heritage, in a monument dedicated to James Rice, a leader in the Irish Republican Movement 1865-7. The monument is prominently located in view of the only entrance to the churchyard, and is set close to the south elevation of Saint Patrick's church, the latter erected in 1827.