Ballagharahin

Wayside Cross

This 17th century wayside cross was erected in remembrance of Florence Fitzpatrick-Finghín Mac Giolla Padráig, 3rd Baron of Upper Ossory and his wife Catherine More. It was built by their son Geoffrey and his wife, Lady Mary Riley. Florence, a son of Barnaby Fitzpatrick the 1st Baron, inherited the title, when his elder brother Barnaby died, in 1581. There is a badly worn inscription on the east and west face of the shaft, according to the inscription, Florence and his wife, died in 1613. It is very difficult to read, you need perfect light at a certain angle. Some of the letters are also quite different to what we use today. I would recommend a visit in the spring or autumn when the the sun is low, you will be surprised how much the lettering stands out on the shaft of the cross.