The
Ogham or Standing Stone in Doonfeeney graveyard, dating from
the 5th century, is the second highest in Ireland. It is 22ft
high and 9ins thick. It is fixed to the ground and inclines
to the East.
In
the 6th or 7th century this stone was 'christianised' by carving
two crosses, one of which is a maltese cross, on the face
of the stone. This distinctive design is known locally as
the Doonfeeney Cross. At the foot of the cross, the wheel
and sun-burst symbolise the Resurrection. The ogham inscription
is now indecipherable. Ogham (called after Ogmios, the Celtic
God of writing) was the Irish alphabet used on monuments from
300A.D. to 700A.D.
Folklore
has it that this stone is on alignments with clefts in neighbouring
hills and solar positions.
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