ATHBOY OLD GRAVEYARD CO. MEATH

TABLETS AND HEADSTONES

Recorded by Dr Beryl F.E. Moore &Mr Ml. Kenny

1979

St. James’s Protestant church was built in 1770 and is cruciform in plan.  The high turreted Anglo-Norman military tower at the west end is now used as a belfry and contains two bells – a large one and a small one.  A Celtic stone head of a man with his mouth open apparently shouting is built into the North side of this tower about 15 ft above ground level.  There is a legend that as the devil was once an angel he can’t be entirely excluded from Christian places of worship or graveyards; but he is only allowed the North side, so men and boys were employed in olden days to go up into the tower and shout and make a lot of noise so as to drive him away.  Presumably the devil is thought of as not liking noise or perhaps he thinks a big army must be near and he decides to fly on and look for an easier holy place to land.  After a time this method of keeping the devil at bay was considered costly and stone celtic heads with open mouths were employed.  These heads are often found on our churches, military towers or old castles, so they must have been thought good at keeping away the evil eye.  Certainly few people bury their dead on the north sides of old graveyards.

There is another stone head on the outside of the east wall of the church above the east window, but it is of a different kind; it is a portrait head of whom I don’t know.

A document of around 1733 gives a very favourable description of Athboy church of Ireland church and its contents; then comes the paragraph ‘The churchyard is in beautiful order adorned with walks and evergreens, and planted with trees and enclosed with a good stone wall’.  Mr. Kenny and I didn’t find the churchyard in a good state.  Many headstones have fallen down and been left where they fell to become completely covered over by clay and grass.  Others were covered with ivy and were invisible.  Some which were seen and described by the Society for the preservation of the memorials of the dead were not found by us presumably because they are now covered by grass and not visible.  The Cusack-Lutwidge high altar tomb took well over an hour’s work with a slash-hook to uncover sufficiently to record.  The wall on the west side of the graveyard is half down already and the rest is  in a very precarious state; while the couple of graves with headstones built against this wall are in great danger and nothing seems to be done to save them.

Athboy’s original street led from the region occupied by the Fairgreen now, over the Yellow Ford (which gave its name to the town), through the churchyard, along Church Lane, across the present street and so out into the west country via Bunboggan Lane.

Tablets in the Protestant Church

1)  McVEAGH – On the East wall of the South transcept, a black and white marble mural tablet showing a female seated before a pedestal on which stands an urn from which hangs a scroll inscribed ‘NOT LOST BUT GONE BEFORE’.  Below this device is a coat of arms, ‘OR, A BEND SINISTER GULES’, then follows the inscription “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF MARGERY McVEAGH A MOST LOVING WIFE AND TENDER MOTHER WHOM DEATH HAS TORN FROM HER HUSBAND AND INFANT FAMILY, 2nd APRIL 1794 AGED 29 YEARS.  THE WIDOWED HUSBAND TRIES BUT TRIES IN VAIN, TO BEAR THE ANGUISH OF THE TRAGIC SCENE.  THE ASPIRING SOUL THE LONELY PRISON FLIES TO JOIN ITS CONSORT IN ETERNAL SKIES. ADIEU FOND PAIR, MAY CONSTANCY LIKE THINE, SUCH WORTH TO EMULATE, OUR SOULS INCLINE”.

2)  NOBLE – On west wall of south transcept, a black marble tablet with an open book, and on a scroll “ SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF THE REVd ROBERT NOBLE FOR 39 YEARS RECTOR AND VICAR OF THIS PARISH WHO WAS BORN 29TH AUGUST 1796 AND DIED 2ND OCTOBER 1870.  HIS LONG AND FAITHFUL LABOURS ENDED, HE NOW RESTS IN PEACE WAITING FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD.  THE PARISHONERS OF ATHBOY HAVE ERECTED THIS TABLET TO HIS MEMORY”.  C.W. Harrison at left and Dublin at right bottom. The lettering of this tablet has worn very badly.

3)  MARTLEY – On west wall of North transcept, a brass tablet with “TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF FRANCIS BLACKBURNE MARTLEY J.P. OF BALLYFALLON IN THIS PARISH WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON BOARD THE S.S. LUSITANIA ON 21st. AUGUST 1894 AGED 64 YEARS AND WAS INTERRED IN THE CATHEDRAL GROUNDS AT TRONDHJEM NORWAY”.  T.R. Scott & Co. Upr. Abbey St. Dublin.

4)  ATKINSON – This large black and white marble tablet is on the south wall of the main aisle.  There is a draped urn at the top, then the inscription, then the crest which is a right arm holding a spear, then a wreath and a shield with two 5-petalled roses and a crescent between them.  Underneath a lion and on a scroll the motto ‘PER ARDUA’.  At bottom Harrison Dublin.  The inscription is “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF HENRY ATKINSON ESQr. J.P. WHO FOR 23 YEARS WAS RESIDENT AGENT ON THE EARL OF DARNLEY’S PROPERTY IN THIS COUNTY.  HE WAS A KIND FRIEND, FAITHFUL AND CONSCIENTIOUS, BOTH TO LANDLORD AND TENANT, BORN AT CANGORT, KING’S COUNTY, JULY 19, 1808, DIED AT FRANKVILLE ATHBOY JANUARY 24. 1873.  THIS TABLET IS ERECTED BY TENANTS ON HIS LORDSHIP’S ESTATE, AS A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT AND ESTEEM”.   John 11.25.

5)  McVEAGH – On south wall of main aisle, mural tablet with “IN LOVING MEMORY OF FERDINAND McVEAGH OF DREWSTOWN.  DIED 8th DEC. 1888 AND OF HIS WIFE MARIA McVEAGH DIED 18TH FEBy  1890.  AND IN THE MORN, THOSE ANGEL FACES SMILE, WHICH I HAVE LOVED LONG SINCE, AND LOST A WHILE”.

6)  MARTLEY – At west end on floor close to the south wall is this large limestone slab.   “HERE LYETH THE BODY OF JOHN MARTLEY WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 9TH OF Xbr 1729 AGE 87.  LIKEWISE THE BODY OF MARGERY MARTLEY OTHERWISE CUSACK HIS WIFE WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE Ye 5TH OF JANry 1722 AGED 41.  LIKEWISE THE BODY OF ATHANASIUS CUSACK WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 5TH OF FEBry 1745.  AGED 65”.

 7)  POTTERTON – This tablet and the next two were brought from Kildalkey church when it was going to be demolished and erected here in the south wall at the west end of the church.  This tablet is of black and white marble. “IN LOVING MEMORY OF THOMAS ELLIOT POTTERTON RATHCORMICK KILDALKEY. DIED 11TH JANUARY 1929 AGED 73 YEARS.  ALSO HIS FIRST WIFE ELEANOR POTTERTON WHO FOR MANY YEARS WORSHIPPED IN THIS CHURCH AND WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MUSIC.  SHE DIED 21ST JULY 1919 AT THE AGE OF 60 YEARS.  THY WILL BE DONE”.

8)  WHYTE – Plain black and white tablet.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE REV. HENRY E. WHYTE M A AND Mrs WHYTE WHO FAITHFULLY SERVED THE PARISH OF KILDALKEY FOR 40 YEARS OCTOBER 1898 TO NOVEMBER 1938.  THEIR DAY IS PAST AND OVER, ALL THANKS O LORD TO THEE”.

9)  POTTERTON – Plain tablet.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF HUBERT WALDRON POTTERTON BALATALION KILDALKEY DIED 10th MARCH 1942 AGED 83 YEARS.  ALSO HIS BELOVED WIFE LENA POTTERTON DIED 20TH DECEMBER 1941 AGED 76 YEARS.  UNDERNEATH ARE THE EVERLASTING ARMS”.

10)  MACKEY – Small brass tablet on north wall of main aisle near west side door.   “THE CARPETING IN THIS CHURCH HAS BEEN PRESENTED BY MARGARET MACKEY IN LOVING MEMORY OF HER HUSBAND JAMS WHO DIED ON THE 17TH MAY 1962”.

11)  …. – There used to be a large stone flag forming part of the small broom-cupboard under the wooden staircase up to the gallery which had a few letters of an inscription on it.  The rest was under the west wall of the present church.  Many years ago I tried to read it but failed.  Now the flag seems to have disintegrated and it wasn’t possible to read anything on the broken bits.  I was told when I went to live in Athboy in 1924 that it was the only tablet belonging to the original church before a church of Ireland place of worship was built on the same site.

Outside north door

12)  A small plain stone about 7 ins square and about 10ft above the ground has the initials of the builder and the date when the Martin family built the church.  It is either J.R.M. or T.R.M. and 1770.

13)  BRUNTON – A large recumbent slab with a couple of lines of an inscription at the upper end to the left of the north door, but as it is constantly walked on it can’t be read now so I give Lord Walter Fitzgerald’s reading of the year 1907 when he visited this church and graveyard as secretary of the Society for the preservation of the memorials of the dead. “—E  LYETH  THE  B—  OF MISTRESS  DEBORAH BRUNTON WIFE OF Mr HENNERY BRUNTON WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 1… DAY OF JUNE ANNO DOMINI 1698”.

At the base of the tower on the south side

14)   Altar tomb of a nameless knight and his lady… This finely carved tomb was intended for the chancel of the previous church.  It apparently had no inscription but is thought to represent either a Cusack or a Cruise.  The date is thought to be most likely the end of the 15th century.  The tomb was very fractured and pieces of it were found in different places but were all put together most successfully.  Both have their feet on a dog-like animal.  The lady’s head-dress is peaked and divided like a bull’s hoof. Her hands are joined together as if in prayer. The knight grasps the hilt of his sword in his right hand and the scabbard in his left. He wears a conical helmet. In the couple of surviving small side panels we get St. Michael weighing the souls in his balance which he holds in his left hand while he holds a sword in his right hand.  In the other panel we get a representation of a crucifixion, an ecclesiastic with a cross-topped staff in his left hand and his right is in the blessing-giving posture; and on the other side is a smaller figure.

15)  About 12 years ago Mrs Bobbie Deane the Sextoness brought to my notice a broken piece of carved stone which she had found when cleaning the graveyard.  It seems to be the feet and part of the legs of perhaps a female figure.  Recently some one fixed it to the top of the Cusack-Cruise mensa upside down between the heads of the knight and his lady.

Headstones in east side of graveyard

Row 1

16)  CARBERRY – White marble ringed cross with IHS in its centre.  Within a curb.   “IN LOVING MEMORY OF HUGH CORMAC CARBERRY OF ATHBOY, DIED 26TH FEBRUARY 1927 AGED 71 YEARS AND HIS BELOVED WIFE JOSEPHINE HELEN CARBERRY DIED 20TH FEBRUARY 1935 AT HER RESIDENCE SURREY HOUSE, LEINSTER ROAD, DUBLIN AGED 69 YEARS.  AND THEIR BELOVED DAUGHTER GERTRUDE IRENE DIED 24TH MARCH 1896 AGED 6 YEARS.  ALSO ALFRED CORMAC DEARLY LOVED SON OF THE ABOVE DIED 23RD JULY 1945 AND INTERRED HERE”.  RIP at bottom.

17)  REILLY – Old stone with notched top, plant on each side and in centre within a full sunburst we get a cross IHS and heart with a plant growing out of it.  “ERECTd  BY THOs REILLY I N MEMORY OF HIS MOTHER ANN REILLY WHO (this word ‘who’ is carved in very small letters of a different type to the rest of the inscription) DIED 1812 AGd 62 Yrs”.  Then we get a scroll.  At bottom ‘O LORD HAVE MERCY ON HER SOUL AMEN’  Under a semicircle and ‘A D 1820’.

Row 2

18)  DEVINE – This inscription is on the bass of the headstone but we did not find the slab itself.  Curb around grave.  “TO MY OWN DEAR MOTHER.  MAY GOD REST HER SOUL.  Mrs THOMAS DEVINE DIED 30TH JAN. 1928”.

19)  O’MOLLOY – This old stone has a domed top with a full sunburst around a cross IHS and heart.  “ERECTED TO THE SACRED MEMORY OF Mrs O’MOLLOY WHO DEPd THIS LIFE MAY 23RD 1847 (We are not sure of the figure 7) AGED 34 YEARS”.  This stone is within the same curb as no.16.

20)  MOORE – This is a large stone with an elaborate floriated cross on top.  Inside a curb.  “ERECTED BY MARTIN MOORE IN MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED FATHER JOHN MOORE WHO DIED 15TH APRIL1870 AGED 89 YEARS.  MAY HE REST IN PEACE.  ALSO HIS MOTHER ELIZABETH DIED FEB. 1879. HIS BROTHER THOMAS DIED 26TH JULY 1902 AGED 65 YEARS.  HIS SONS THOMAS ALOYSIUS DIED 24TH JUNE 1890 AGED 13 YEARS AND JOHN DIED 24TH SEPEMBER 1909 AGED 40 YEARS.  AND HIS WIFE CATHERINE DIED 4TH JULY 1925 AGED 75 YEARS.  BRIDGET MOORE DIED OCT. 31. 1952.  ROGER MOORE DIED JAN. 16. 1952 INTERRED IN ALFRETON CEMETERY. CATHERINE MOORE DIED MAR. 23. 1961.  PETER MOORE DIED NOV. 19. 1952”.  D. Scally & Sons Glasnevin at bottom.

21)  NUGENT – Domed top with full sunburst around cross IHS and heart with plant growing out of it.  A winged cherub on each side.  17 on left side and 89 on right.  “THIS STONE WAS ERECTd  BY EDWARD NUGENT IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHr CHRISTr (F is used for S)  NUGENT & MOTHr MARY NUGENT ALIAS MOORE.  ALSO JOHN MOORE AND HIS SON PATRICK MOORE ALL OF ATHBOY”.  At bottom ‘MAY THEy REST IN PEACE’.  This headstone is within the same curb as No. 18 and 20.

22)  MOORE – Notched top with full sunburst around cross IHS and heart.  A circular ornament on each side.  “HERE LYETH Ye BODY OF ELINOR MOORE DECEASd JANUARY (A small ‘A’ placed above as if it had been forgotten) Ye 1st 1733 AGED 78 Yrs.  ALSO Ye BODY OF LAURENCe MOORE DECEAS’d (comma instead of E) FEBry Ye 10th 1762 AGED 80 Yrs.  ALSO THEIR SON JOHN MOORE BY WHOM THIS STONE WAS ERECtd.  HE DIED APRIL Ye 5TH 1763 AGED 37 Yrs”.

23)  BARRY – A tall stone with an ornamental cross on top which is now broken off but was found by us nearby covered by grass.  Trefoil ornamentation and lamb on a cross in a sunken oval.  “OF YOUR CHARITY PRAY FOR THE SOUL OF THOMAS BARRY DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 28TH DAY OF JULY IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1869 AGED 65 YEARS, ERECTED TO THIS MEMORY BY HIS WIDOW CATHERINE BARRY”.  Below Scally & Sons Glasnevin.

24)  – A very old headstone with all the inscription now worn off it.

25)  BROWN – A white marble stone on a base with cross at top and IHS in its centre.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF BRIDGET BROWN DIED 14TH DEC. 1960.  ALSO HIS DEAR MOTHER BRIDGET BROWN DIED JANUARY 1914”.  At bottom R I P.

Row 3

26)  ALEXANDER – Small peaked stone. “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF DAVID ALEXANDER RIC DIED SEPT. 12. 1888 AGED 39 YEARS.  ALSO OF ADELAIDE ALEXANDER DIED NOV. 4. 1887 AGED 5 YEARS AND 3 MONTHS.  ERECTED BY A SORROWING WIDOW AND MOTHER”.   At bottom Coates Dublin.

27)  BLAKE – Domed top.  “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF ROBERT BLAKE ELDEST SON OF EDWARD H. BLAKE ESQr DIED ON THE 26TH SEPTEMBER 1841 AGED 6 YEARS AND 3 MONTHS”.

Row 4

28)  SIMPSON – Peaked stone under trees.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY HUSBAND ROBERT SIMPSON WHO FELL ASLEEP 7TH AUG. 1899 AGED 70 YEARS.  AND THEIR SON WILLIAM 27TH MARCH 1887 AGED 23”.  At bottom ‘HE GIVETH HIS BELOVED SLEEP’. PS 127.2

29)  DONOVAN – Tall marble stone with a small cross on top. A crucifixion with St. John and the Blessed Virgin on either side.  INRI above our Lord’s head.  ‘FATHER UNTO THY HAND I COMMEND MY SPIRIT’ around the top of the crucifixion.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF PETER DONOVAN ATHBOY DIED 18TH MARCH 1898 AGED 72 YEARS.  ALSO HIS WIFE MARY DIED 6TH DEC. 1903 AGED 68 YEARS.  AND THEIR SONS PETER WILLIAM DIED 23RD 1885 AGED 22 YEARS.  ALSO JOHN DIED 23RD NOV. 1903 AGED 32 YEARS”.  At bottom R I P. ‘ERECTED BY THEIR SON MICHAEL’.  T.H. Dennany Glasnevin.

30)  HEAVY AND WALSH – This stone is exactly the same as No.27 but the cross on this stone at the top is missing.  This grave has a curb.  “ERECTED BY Mrs WALSH OF ATHBOY IN MEMORY OF HER BELOVED FATHER & MOTHER EDWARD & ELIZABETH HEAVY.  ALSO HER HUSBAND JAMES WALSH DIED 26TH DEC. 1904 AGED 75 YEARS.  ALSO HIS WIFE MARIA DIED 11TH MAY 1905 AGED 55 YEARS”. At bottom R I P.  T.H. Dennany Glasnevin.

31)  WALSH – A grey limestone solid cross with the virgin’s head in the centre.  This stone is within the same curb as No.28.   “IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAMES WALSH MULLAGHSTONES ATHBOY DIED 6TH MARCH 1958.  HIS WIFE BRIDGET DIED 1ST FEB. 1960.  THEIR SON ANDREW DIED 9TH JUNE 1967.  DAUGHTER ROSE DIED 12TH SEPT. 1970”. At bottom R I P. and Jim Rennicks Tel 23590.

32)  SURMAN – A very thin small stone. “IN LOVING MEMORY OF ELIZABETH SURMAN DIED 7TH MARCH 1929 AGED 47 YEARS”. At bottom R I P.

Row 5

33)  FITZGERALD – This stone is under a big tree. It is granite with an inset of marble. “IN MEMORY OF JOHN FITZGERALD DIED NOVr 17Th 1846 AGED 40.  ALSO HIS CHILDREN JOHN DIED DECr 25TH 1864 AGED 17.   ISABELLA E. DIED NOVr 7TH 1866 AGED 21.  MATTHEW DIED AT TORONTO JUNE 15TH 1868 AGED 32.  REV. V11.17.   JAMES DIED OCT. 5TH 1889 AGED 59.  MARY WIFE OF THE ABOVE JOHN DIED MARCH 10TH 1892 AGED 84.  WALTER DIED JULY 17TH. 1899 AGED 62.  WILLIAM DIED MAY 18TH 1918 AGED 86.  ISABELLA DIED 18TH MAY 1942 AGED 46 AND MARY WIFE OF ABOVE WALTER DIED 2ND FEBRUARY 1947 AGED 86”.

34)  McVEAGH – Tabletomb with 6 pedestal stones 4 of them being carved and 2 being brick blocks.  This slab is broken across the middle. “THIS STONE PROTECTS THE TOMB OF THE FAMILY OF McVEAGH”.  The McVeagh tablet is inside the church.

35)  BALDWIN – At the top of this grave is just the base of a headstone while the headstone itself lay nearby face up but covered by grass.  Fortunately we found it. There is a pediment at the top with 3 words ‘PEACEFUL LOVED MOURNED’.  Then below we get “DAVID BALDWIN DIED 30 MARCH 1864 AGED 61 YEARS.  ERECTED TO HIS MEMORY BY HIS WIDOW AND SONS”.

36)  WALSH – A tabletomb standing on 4 pedestal stones which seem to be broken bits of the old church window used as pedestals.  This slab is covered with lichen and is cracked across the middle.  “THIS STONE WAS PLAC’D (comma instead of E) BY FRANSs WALSH OF ATHBOY IN MEMORY OF HIS PARENTS THOs & ANNIE. THE FORMER DIED OCTOBER 1787 AGd 80 Yrs & THE LATTER MARCH 1817 AGED 74.  HERE ALSO REST THE BODY OF SAID FRANCIS WALSH WHO DIED ON THE 2nd OF FEBRUARY 1851 AGED 70 YEARS.  AND OF ANN WALSH ALIAS LITTLE HIS WIFE WHO DIED ON THE 7 JUNE 1846 AGED 67 YEARS”.

37  – Large thick rectangular recumbent slab with no visible inscription.

38)  TRAYNOR – A very small old rough stone with a domed top much sunk in the ground.  Half sunburst around cross IHS and heart.  2 flowers which seem to be a tulip and a rose are carved on each side of the Demi sunburst.  “THIS STONE WAS ERE—- BY JOHN TRAYNOR IN MEMORY OF HIS FIVE CHILDREN WHO DIED IN THEIR MINORITY.  ALSO HIS MOTHER ……….. THE REST IS UNDERGROUND. THE WORD CHILDREN IS SPELT CKILDREN.

39)  ATKINSON – This is a tall square headstone which had a 4- foot pinnacle on its top, which apparently fell off and we found it nearby under the grass.  A good high iron paling surrounds this grave.  “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF HENRY WRAY ATKINSON BORN AT CANCORT KING’S CO. JULY 19. 1807 DIED AT FRANKVILLE ATHBOY JANy 24.1873.  ‘THE MEMORY OF THE JUST IS BLESSED’ PROV. 10.7.   ‘EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH ON HIM HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE AND I WILL RAISE HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY’. JOHN 6.41”. THIS INSCRIPTION IS ON A MARBLE INSET.   ON RIGHT SIDE … “Wm B.S. ATKINSON DIED MARCH 20. 1872 AGED 21 YEARS.   THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN”.  I John 1.7.   ON LEFT SIDE … “Wm H. ATKINSON DIED MAY 1850 AGED 3 MONTHS AND HENRY ATKINSON DIED JUNE 1850 AGED 4 MONTHS.  SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME”.   At bottom Coates Dublin.

40)  CONNELL – A peaked stone with IHS in centre and  a rose on each side. “ERECTED BY PETER CONNELL IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER AND MOTHER. ALSO HIS SON PARTRICK CONNELL WHO DIED AGED 11YEARS.  ALSO HIS SON CHRISTOPHER CONNELL WHO DIED MARCH 27TH 1899 AGED 32 YEARS.  PATRICK CONNELL DIED FEBRUARY 3RD 1917 AGES 58”.  At bottom R I P and Gerrard Navan.

41)  BAXTER – This large headstone was completely covered with ivy.  It has a domed top with full sunburst around a cross IHS and heart.  A cherub and wings on each side but the righthand cherub’s head is missing though its large wings can still be seen.  “ERECTED BY JOHN P. BAXTER ESQr IN MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED FATHER PATRICK BAXTER WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE … 22ND JAN. 1829 AGED …. YEARS.  HIS BELOVED MOTHER JANE BAXTER WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 27TH JUNE 1847 AGED 75 YEARS AND ALSO HIS SON JOHN WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 15TH JULY 1813 AGED 2 YEARS”.   At bottom Resqiescant in Pace.

42)  SMITH – This headstone was completely covered in ivy. It is a marble cross with a very elaborate cross in its centre.  “MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON THE SOUL OF MARY JOSEPHINE THIRD DAUGHTER OF THOMAS SMITH DIED DECr 1885 AGED 6 YEARS.  ALSO HER BELOVED MOTHER ANNIE SMITH DIED MAY 25. 1888 AGED 39 YEARS.  ALSO THE ABOVE THOMAS SMITH DIED JULY 16TH 1889 AGED 59.  ALSO PATRICK C. SMITH DIED 7TH FEBRy 1907 AGED 28 YEARS”.  At bottom A.P Sharp Dublin.

43)  MAKEN – A very heavy stone under a large tree completely covered in ivy.  Full sunburst originally around a cross IHS and a heart with a plant in its centre but now the cross and I of IHS is missing.  Around top we get ‘GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO’.  There is an 8-petalled rose on each side with a large bunch of fern leaves.  “THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY MARY MAKEN OF ATHBOY IN MEMORY OF HER HUSBAND JAMES MAKEN DEPd FEBr 25TH 1835 AGED 56 YEARS”.  AT BOTTOM RESQUIESCANT IN PACE. There is a good leafy scroll down each side of the inscription.

Headstones on south side of the church

Row 6

44)  A broken upright headstone with only a few letters to be seen now.

45)  PIERS – We found this headstone lying down covered in moss ivy and grass.  It has a domed top with full sunburst around a cross IHS and cherub’s head and wings.  On each side of this sunburst is a cherub’s head and wings also.  Gloria etc around top and massive drapery surrounds 3 sides of the inscription.  “THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY THOMAS PIERS IN MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED PARENTS JOSEPH (F is used for S) & MARGARET PIERS.  THE FORMER DIED ON THE 13TH OF DECr, THE LATTER ON THE 27TH OF JUNE 1807.  BOTH IN THEIR 62ND YEAR OF THEIR AGE”.

46)  THORTON – At tabletomb with 4 carved pedestal stones.  “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF PATRICK THORNTON OF PORT LESTER WHO DIED AUGUST AUGUST 14. 1874 AGED 76 YEARS.  THIS STONE WAS ERECTED BY HIS SORROWING WIFE ELIZABETH OF THE CO. KENT ENGLAND AS A TOKEN OF HER AFFECTION.  ALSO THE ABOVE ELIZABETH DIED APRIL 14TH 1877 AGED 81 YEARS”.

Row 7

47)  MARTLEY – Tabletomb resting on 6 pedestal stones.  “HERE REST THE REMAINS OF A BELOVED FATHER & MOTHER JAMES FREDERICK MARTLEY LATE OF KELLS IN THIS COUNTY ESQr M D WHO DEPd THIS LIFE THE 15TH OF MAY IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1813 IN THE 55TH YEAR OF HIS AGE, AND HENRIETTA MARIA MARTLEY OTHERWISE HOPKINS HIS WIFE WHO FOLLOWED HIM THE 8TH OF APRIL IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1830 IN THE 70TH YEAR OF HER AGE “.

48)  MARTLEY – Tabletomb resting on 6 pedestal stones (but one is now missing). “UNDERNEATH ARE INTERRED THE REMAINS OF Mrs CLEMENA MARTLEY WIFE OF Mr JOHN MARTLEY OF ATHBOY WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 14TH DAY OF JANRY AGED 69 Yrs.  THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED AS A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF THE BEST OF PARENTS BY HER SORROWFUL CHILDREN.  HERE ALSO LIE THE REMAINS OF KATE ISABELLA MARTLEY WHO DIED ON THE 4TH DECr 1871 AGED 50 YEARS ELDEST DAUGHTER OF JOHN MARTLEY OF BALLYFALLON IN THIS PARISH & JANE MARTLEY OTHERWISE ROTHWELL HIS WIFE WHOSE REMAINS LIE INTERRED IN KIRK ON CHAN GRAVEYARD IN THE ISLE OF MAN”.

Row 8

49)  This stone has a notched top but no inscription above ground.

50)  PIGOTT – This headstone was completely covered in ivy. It has a pediment at the top with the Irish rope design around a circle of rays and an 8-petalled rose.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHARLES PIGOTT WHO DIED NOV. 27TH 1889 AGED 75 YEARS.  ALSO HIS WIFE MARGARET PIGOTT WHO DIED JANy 24TH 1895 AGED 63 YEARS.  ALSO THEIR SON WILLIAM PIGOTT WHO DIED Oct 31ST 1883 AGED 27 YEARS.  THEIR DAUGHTER ELIZABETH DIED 28TH JUNE 1905, MARY JANE SYNOTT DIED 21ST JUNE 1930”.  At bottom ‘PEACE PERFECT PEACE WITH LOVED ONES FAR AWAY: IN JESUS’ KEEPING WE ARE SAFE AND THEY’.

51)  SMITH – Rectangular stone with a grey marble cross and IHS in its centre.  “1848 ANNA SMITH 1913.  1840 THOMAS SMITH 1913.  1885 JULIA SMITH 1923.  1848 ANNA MURTAGH 1944.  REST IN PEACE”.

52)  SHERROCK – Small old peaked stone inside a stone curb.  “HERE LYETH THE ..DY OF BRIDGET SHERROCK ALIAS BARNEWAL (Only one L) WIFE TO HENERY (extra E) SHERROCK WHO DEPARTED Ye LIFE JUNE Ye 12 aged 77 & IN Ye YEAR OF OUR LORD 1738.  ANNE & MARY SHERROCK HER CHILDREN.  Ys ERECTED BY WALTER KEATING”.

Row 9

53)  O’REILLY – Domed stone with full sunburst but the emblems inside it are now nearly invisible.  They seem to have been a cross IHS and a heart with 2 barbs.  In the centre is a segment of a circle with ‘G- – D CHRISTIANS’.  A high frame surrounds the inscription.  The whole of this stone was covered in ivy.  “YOUR PRAYERS ARE EARNESTLY REQUESTED FOR Ye UNDERNAMED CHARLES O’REILLY OF MEADSTONE ESQr WHO DEPARTED Ye 12th NOVr 1767 AGED 45 Yrs AND 4 OF HIS CHILDREN RICHARD ESMAY FRANCES AND ELIZABETH.  THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED IN MEMORY OF YE AFORESAID CHARLES FOR HIM & HIS POSTERITY Ye 1ST OF JULY 1771 BY HIS SON RICHARD TYRELL O’REILLY ESQR”.    

54)  TYRRELL – Domed top with cross in the dome.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF RICHARD TYRRELL HIGGINSTOWN DIED 2ND MARCH 1917 AGED 81 Yrs.  MARY TYRRELL DIED 4TH NOV. 1931 AGED 88 Yrs”.  At bottom R I P and C. Bennett Navan.

55)  REILLY – This stone was covered in ivy.  Full sunburst around cross IHS and a flaming heart, with cherub and wings at each side.  Frame around the inscription.  “THIS MEMORIAL WAS ERECTED BY TERRENCE (2 R’S) REILLY FOR HIS FATHER OWEN REILLY WHO DEPAd THIS LIFE NOVEMBER 22. 1790 AGED 64 YEARS.  ALSO HIS MOTHER ANNE REILLY ALIAS COYLE WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE MAY THE 4. 1791 AGED 57”.

56)  McDERMOTT – Curb around this grave.  A tall cross with its hatlike top.  In the centre we get a heart with a crown of thorns around it and a small cross in its centre.  A rose at the end of the 3 limbs and trefoil; on the shaft ‘REST IN PEACE’; IHS and ‘THY WILL BE DONE’ at the top of the base.  “IN THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS PRAY FOR SOULS OF PATRICK McDERMOTT ATHBOY WHO DIED 21ST MARCH 1895 AGED 83.  AND OF THEIR DEARLY LOVED DAUGHTERS LIZZIE WHO DIED 28TH JANUARY 1873 AGED 4 ½ YEARS AND OF CATHERINE SISTER OF CHARITY ST. VINCENT DE PAUL WHO DIED AT SMYLLUM LANARK 8TH JULY 1890 AGED 28.  MARY McDERMOTT DIED 6TH MARCH 1929.  SISTER JOSEPH SISTER OF CHARITY DIED 7TH OCT. 1932.  ALSO MARGARET DIED 6TH AUG. 1942 AGED 87 YRS”.  At bottom R I P and ‘ERECTED BY THEIR SORROWING DAUGHTERS’ J. Wrafter Tullamore.  At back ‘MERCIFUL JESUS HAVE MERCY ON US’.

Row 10

57)  ALLEY – This is a simple cross on 3 steps inside an iron railing.  On 1st step … “ERECTED BY HIS WIDOW & CHILDREN IN LOVING MEMORY OF GEO. WILLIAM ALLEY DIED 6TH MAY 1912 AGED 77”.  On 2nd step … “AND TOTTENHAM ALLEY HIS FATHER DIED 2ND AUGt 1864 AGED 68.  ALSO REV. GEORGE ALLEY HIS GRANDFATHER DIED 6TH. NOV. 1842 AGED 72”.  On 3rd step … “AND ALSO RACHEL ALLEY HIS GRANDMOTHER DIED 16TH MARCH 1846 AGED 75.  O DEATH WHERE IS THY STING?  O GRAVE WHERE IS THY VICTORY?  THANKS BE TO GOD WHICH GIVETH US THE VICTORY THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST”. I Cor. XV 55 & 57.

58)  PILLSWORTH – This is a very thick recumbent slab which was nearly all covered in grass and clay.  In the journal of the memorials of the dead for the year 1907-9 we get the following entry… “COUNTY OF MEATH-ATHBOY CHURCHYARD.  ON A FLAT SLAB NEAR THE NAVE OF THE CHURCH WE GET THE FOLLOWING INSCRIPTION, THE LATTER PART OF WHICH IS ALL BUT ILLEGIBLE, WHILE OWING TO THE DECAYED STATE OF THE SLAB ALONG ITS LEFT SIDE IT HAS QUITE DISAPPEARED”.  Then follows a poor reading of the inscription which I will not give because there is a much better reading given in the very next volume of the memorials of the dead supplied by the Rev. William Ball-Wright which he says he made years before the stone became so badly worn.  REV. BALL-WRIGHT’S CORRECT READING…  “HERE LYETH INTERD THE BODY OF Mr JOHN PILLSWORTH WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 6 OF JUNE 1684 AGED 77 YEARS WHO WAS

GREAT GRANDSON TO BISHOP PILLSWORTH OF KILDARE ALSO HIS TWO SONS JOHN AND THOMAS AND OTHER SONS WHO DEPARTED THIS

LIFE IN THE YEAR 1715”.

Lord Walter Fitzgerald who was secretary and editor of the memorials of the dead society in years 1907-8 says that his reading of the 7th and 8th lines differs from Ball-Wright’s reading of the 7th and 8th lines.  Lord Walter says that the right side of the stone in his day was readable but not the left which was completely decayed by the grass growing over it for so many years.  So I have given Lord Walter’s reading of the 7th and 8th lines above.

The Right Rev. William Pillsworth was Bishop of Kildare from 1604 till the day of his death on the 9th. May 1635.  He was buried at Dunfierth in the County of Kildare.

59)  PLUNKETT – This is a heavy stone with a domed top, full sunburst surrounding a cross IHS and a heart with a plant growing out of it.  On each side we get an 8-petalled rose and a leafy design around the roses. The inscription has a frame around it.  “THIS STONE WAS ERECTED BY WILLIAM PLUNKETT IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER JOHN PLUNKETT WHO DEPd THIS LIFE DECr 29TH 1761 AGED 56 Yrs.  HERE LIETH THE BODY OF THE ERECTOR WHO DEPd THIS LIFE THE 6TH OF MAY 1802 AGED 60 YEARS”.

60)  McMAHON – An old stone notched at the top with a cherub and expanded wings and a dove with an olive branch in her mouth on each side.  In the centre a cross IHS and heart with plant.  18 on left and 18 on right.  Leafy scrolls. “ERECTd BY PATRk McMAHON IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER OWEN McMAHON WHO DEPd THIS LIFE OCTOr 15TH 1807 AGEd 62 Yrs.  ALSO HIS MOTHER HONORA McMAHON ALIAS FOURDEN DEPARTd THIS LIFE OCTr 22ND 1797”.  The rest is underground.

Row 11

 61)  LIPSCOM TINKLER – This is a recumbent slab cracked from side to side.  There is a semicircle at mid top with a dove under it.  Grass and ivy covered most of this stone.

Fortunately the memorials of the dead record this inscription in their 1907 journal as it is now almost unreadable…  “HERE RESTS THE BODY OF DORA LIPSCOM TINKLER WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE JUNE THE 25TH 1817 AGED 18 YEARS”.

62)  CUSACK-LUTWIDGE – High Altar Tomb… Lord Walter Fitsgerald records in the mems of the dead the following ‘AT THE SOUTH WEST SIDE OF THE CHURCH IS A HIGH ALTAR-TOMB WHICH WAS COMPLETELY COVERED WITH A THICK GROWTH OF IVY.  ON CUTTING A SMALL SPACE IN IT I DISCOVERED THAT THE COVERING SLAB WAS LETTERED: AND ON REMOVING THE WHOLE OF TH IVY I SAW THAT THERE WERE TWO CRESTS AND COAT-OF-ARMS AT THE UPPER END, AND A LONG INSCRIPTION IN INCISED CAPITALS BELOW THEM.  THE LATTER WAS EXCEEDINGLY HARD TO DECIPHER BUT I WAS ABLE TO MAKE OUT THE FOLLOWING…“THIS TOMB WAS ERECTED BY MR EDWARD CUSACK AND MR WALTER LUTWIDGE FOR THE USE OF THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES WHEN THEY SHALL BE EXTINCT. THE SAME TO CONTINUE FOR EVER TO THE USE OF THOSE OF EITHER NAME WHO SHALL

CLAIM IT.  HERE LIETH THE BODIS OF JOHN LUTWIDGE AND ROBERT

LUTWIDGE BOTH LATE OF ATHBOY TOGETHER WITH THE REMAINS OF WALTER LUTWIDGE LATE OF LACKIN AND OF RICHARD LUTWIDGE HIS SON DESESED THE 11 OF JUNE 1702”.

There is something else but is unreadable.  Isaac Butler visited Athboy churchyard about 1740 when on his famous journey across Ireland collecting botanical specimens for the newly founded College of Surgeons.  The Professor of botany was his personal friend.  While Butler was on his journey (which took him 4 or 5 years) he indulged in his hobby of visiting every graveyard on his route and looking for inscriptions to read.  He passed through Athboy and recorded several headstones in the old graveyard including the Cusack-Lutwidge altar tomb which had only recently been erected and was in excellent condition and quite easy to read.  Nothing was done with Butler’s notes for 100 years and then Austin Cooper found them and published them in the journal of the Royal Irish Academy.  Lord Walter Fitzgerald used them to help him read this inscription.  He says it took him one hour and fifteen minutes to expose the tomb and then he left the rain to wash the stone for a couple of weeks.  Mr Kenny took one hour and ten minutes to cut away the ivy we found shrouding the famous monument and we left it to the rain for some weeks and then with Butler’s and Fitzgerald’s readings we had little difficulty. The tomb is described as having 4 steps up to it, but these are now gone.  The Dexter shield cut in relief bears the Cusack arms:  Per Pale or and Azure, a fesse countercharged.

The Sinister shield also incised bears the Lutwidge arms:  Azure, three morions (steel caps), or turned up ermine.  We failed to see the ermine, but there is a considerable amount of mantling.  On the south side the Mensa is rounded but on the north side straight showing that the latter side was against a wall of the church.  Immediately to the north of this tomb is a small piece of the old church wall.  

Edward MacLysaght in his Irish Families, their names & origins (1957) says….  LEDWICH – This family was established in Co. Meath at least as early as 1270; they are included among the leading gentry of that county in 1329.  Later they spread to Co. Westmeath where Ledwichtown indicates their location.  By 1598 they are found also among the gentry of Co. Kilkenny.   Rev. Edward Ledwich (1737-1823) the antiquary states that they were originally a German family settled in Cheshire England, who came over to Ireland with De Burgo in 1200, when they obtained land in Co. Westmeath.  The Ledwich Medical School in Dublin was named after his grandson Thomas Ledwich (1823-1858).  Francis Ledwich (1891-1917) labourer and poet, came from the same area.

63)  SHAUGHNESSY – Domed top with Gloria etc around it and a full sunburst with cross IHS and heart with plant growing out of it.  An 8-petalled rose on each side.  “ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF JANE SHAUGHNESSY WHO DEPd THIS LIFE ON THE 23RD OF MAY 1857 AGED 75 YEARS.  ALSO HER SON JOHN SHAUGHNESSY WHO DEPd THIS LIFE ON THE 11TH OF JUNE 1837 AGED 18 YEARS”.  At bottom Requiescant in Pace Amen.

64)  LEVEY – Domed top with cross and IHS, Gloria etc around top.  “OF YOUR CHARITY PRAY FOR THE SOUL OF MATHEW LEVEY WHO DIED THE 5TH OF MAY A D 1866 IN THE 48TH YEAR OF HIS AGE”.  At bottom ‘MAY HE REST IN PEACE AMEN’.

65)  ADAMS – Tabletomb with 6 carved pedestal stones.  “HERE LIETH THE BODY OF LOUISA JANE ADAMS WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE AUGUST 15TH 1840 WIFE OF Wm O.B. ADAMS OF UPPER GLOUCESTER STREET IN THE CITY OF DUBLIN M.D.”

Row 12.

66)  CUSACK – Tabletomb standing on 4 carved pedestal stones.  This monument is very worn and the oldfashioned F for S is used in the name.  “HERE LIETH THE BODY OF Mr Jas CUSACK WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 23RD April 1790 in the 38 (or 78) YEAR OF HIS AGE. TO THE INCONSOLABLE GRIEF OF HIS WIFE ELIZA AMELIA CUSACK BY WHOSE DIRECTION THIS STONE IS ERECTED & SINCERELY LAMENTED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM”.

67)  O’KEEFE – This stone was completely covered with ivy.  It has a domed top with a lamb on a cross in a circular inset.  Ecce Homo around top.  “ERECTED BY Mrs MARY O’KEEFE OF DREWSTOWN IN MEMORY OF HER BELOVED HUSBAND JOSEPH M. O’KEEFE WHO DIED 9TH OCT .1877 AGED 37 YEARS.  ALSO HER BELOVED DAUGHTER ELLEN CATHERINE WHO DIED 29TH APRIL 1878 AGED 7 ½ YEARS.  ALSO HER FATHER JOHN MURRAY WHO DIED APRIL 1852 AGED 60 YEARS.  AND HER MOTHER MARCELLA WHO DIED 15TH MAY 1852 AGED 53 YEARS”.  At bottom Requiescant in Pace.  Farrell & Sons Glasnevin.

68)  REILLY – This small stone was covered in ivy.  A domed top with full sunburst encircling a cross and IHS.  “ERECTED BY PHILIP REILLY IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER AND MOTHER.  ALSO HIS WIFE ALLICE (2 L’S) REILLY WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE FEBry 15TH 1844 AGED 64 YEARS”.

69)  WHITE – This stone was covered in ivy.  It is a ringed cross with a lamb in the centre.  Trefoil on each of the 4 limbs.  A frame around the inscription.  “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF FRANCIS WHITE DIED 7TH MAY 1868 AGED 68 YEARS”.

70)  CASSIDY – This headstone is the same as No. 68 but a little bigger and it has in the centre IHS instead of a limb.  A frame around the inscription.  This stone also was completely enveloped in ivy.  “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF LAURENCE CASSIDY WHO DIED 25TH MARCH 1866 AGED 88 YEARS.  ALSO HIS WIFE BRIDGET DIED 25TH MAY 1867 AGED 78 YEARS.  ALSO THEIR SON DENIS CASSIDY DIED 9TH JULY 1870 AGED 41 YEARS”.

71)  DUNN – Also covered in ivy.  A small dome stone with sunburst around a cross and IHS.  “HERE LYETH THE BODY OF NICHOLAS DUNN OF CASTLETOWN WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE Ye 9TH OF JULY 1778 AGED 35 YEARS.  ANNO DOni”.  At bottom Requiescant in Pace.

72) PENTLAND – Tabletomb standing on 6 pedestal but the two in the middle have fallen down.  “THIS STONE COVERS THE BURIAL PLACE OF THE LAT E JOHN PENLAND OF ATHBOY, AND HIS FAMILY.  THE LAST OF HIS SONS GEORGE WAS INTERRED HERE THE FOURTEENTH OF MAY 1826 AGED 85.  THEY TRUSTED THEY SHOULD NOT BE HOLDEN OF THE GRAVE BUT RISE TO A HAPPY IMMORTALITY THROUGH THE MERITS AND MEDIATION OF THEIR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.  HERE ALSO REST THE BODY OF REBECCCA PENTLAND OTHERWISE LITTLE WIDOW OF SAID GEORGE WHO DIED ON THE 1ST OF JULY 1850 IN HER 88 YEAR”.

Row 13

73)  COLLES – This large tall headstone was completely covered in ivy and took over an hour to clean sufficiently to read the inscription.  It consists of a large square base with marble insets on each side but the North one was broken by the ivy.  Each of these insets has carved on it 2 torches turned upside down.  There is a fine high railing around this monument.  The marble inset on east side …. “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM AGED 8 YEARS WHO DIED ON 20TH OF MARCH 1858.  ISABELLA AGED 9 YEARS DIED ON 24TH MARCH 1858.  ANNA COUNTESS AGED 4 YEARS DIED ON 25TH MARCH 1858.  MARY AGED 16 YEARS DIED ON 27TH OF MARCH 1858. AND SOPHIA AGED 11 YEARS DIED ON 7TH OF APRIL 1858. CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM COLLIES OF BALLYFALLON”. The marble inset on South side … No inscription.  Marble inset on West side… ‘HE SHALL GATHER THE LAMBS WITH HIS ARM’.  Marble inset on North side… “IN MEMORY OF ABRAHAM COLLES ESQ. J. P. WHO DIED ON THE 22ND JULY 1879 AGED 63.  ALSO OF ANNA COUNTESS WIDOW OF THE ABOVE WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE MAY 12TH 1895 AGED 72.  THERE THE WEARY ARE AT REST”.

74)  NEALON – The inscription on this large slab is very difficult to read so I give Lord Walter Fitzgerald’s reading when he visited Athboy graveyard in 1907 and recorded his findings in the Journal of the Society for the preservation of the memorials of the dead of which at that time he was secretary.

  “HERE LIETH THE BODY OF DOMINICK NEALON OF ATHBOY WHO DEPARTED  THIS LIFE NOVr THE 11TH 1762 AGED 57 YEARS.  AND ALSO OF J….. BARNWALL HIS WIFE AND 5 OF THEIR CHILDREN THE LORD BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR SOULS.  THIS TOMBSTONE WAS ERECTED BY…….

JAMES NEALON ………….. SON OF SAID DOMINICK ………………. IN THE YEAR ……………………….. HERE LIETH THE BODY OF  JAMES NEALON WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 3? DAY OF JULY 1769 AGED 22 YEARS”. 

The last 4 lines are in a different type of lettering and much bigger than the letters of the previous 9 lines.

75)  LEDWITH – This headstone and the next are within the same curb.  We get a cross with IHS in its centre.  “ERECTED IN MEMORY OF THE LEDWITH FAMILY OF CASTLETOWN WHO ARE INTERRED HERE BY DIRECTION OF CATHERINE LEDWITH WHO ……. 16TH FEBRUARY 1948 R I P”.  On base A. Rennicks Ardbraccan Navan.

76)  LEDWITH – White marble headstone with IHS and a tulip on the right side.  “PRAY FOR PETER & BRIDGET LEDWITH BASKINAGH, THEIR DAUGHTER BRIDGET JOSEPHINE. THEIR SON PETER JOE.  HIS WIFE MARY”. At bottom

R I P and S. Gibney.

77)  BYRNE – Domed stone with full sunburst and cross IHS and heart with a plant growing out of it, and an 8-petalled rose on each side. “THIS STONE WAS ERECTED BY MARY BYRNE ALIAS MOORE IN MEMORY OF HER LOVING HUSBAND JOHN BYRNE OF ATHBOY INNKEEPER (the last 3 letters of this word are much smaller than the others) WHO DIED SEPTr 24TH 1815 AGED FORTY TWO YEARS.  ALSO HIS FATHER SILVESTER BYRNE WHO DIED IN MARCH 1802 AGED 65 YEARS. AND ALSO FANNY BYRNE HIS WIFE DIED IN 1807 AGED 88 YEARS”.

Row14.

78)  White wooden cross with R I P but no name.

79)  HIGGINS – Small cross with IHS in centre on top of a large base on which we get the inscription in a frame.  “ERECTED BY MICHAEL HIGGINS OF FRAYNE IN MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED MOTHER MARY HIGGINS WHO DIED 11 AUGUST 1892 AGED 49 Yrs AND HIS FATHER WILLIAM HIGGINS.  ALSO THE ABOVE MICHAEL HIGGINS WHO DIED 15 MAY 1901 AGED 32 YRs ALSO HIS WIFE MARY HIGGINS WHO DIED 18TH. APRIL AGED 41 YEARS. SWEET JESUS HAVE MERCY ON THEIR SOULS”. At bottom J. Wade Dublin.

80)  YORKE – Domed top with cross above inscription.  A white marble stone.  “ERECTED BY MARIA AND BRIDGET IN MEMORY OF THEIR FATHER ROBERT YORKE WHO DIED 19TH JUNE 1859 AGED 56 YEARS.  AND THEIR MOTHER ELIZABETH WHO DIED 11TH OCTr 1885 AGED 70 YEARS.  ALSO THEIR SISTER MARGARET WHO DIED 23RD OCTr 1877 AGED 25 YEARS.  ALSO JAMES WHO DIED 23RD MAY 1916 AGED 79 YEARS.  ALSO JANE YORKE DIED 31ST OCT. 1947.  MAY THE LORD HAVE MERCY ON THEIR SOULS”.  At bottom Harrison Dublin.

81)  RORK – Domed stone with cherub’s head and wings on either side.  In centre a full sunburst around a cross IHS and heart with a plant growing out of it.  “THIS STONE WAS ERECTEd BY PATRICK RORK IN MEMORY OF HIS WIFE MARGt RORK ALIAS CARNEY WHO DEPAd THIS LIFE JUNE THE 1ST 1779 AGED 49 YEARS & THEIR CHILDREN JOHN & CATHERINE DIED IN THEIR MINORITY”.

82)  BARRY – This stone was much buried in the ground and something seems to be missing from the top.  It has a full sunburst with cross and IHS on the left side and a half sunburst on the right side.  It is leaning backwards.  “THIS WAS ERECTED BY PATRICK YOURK AND ELIZABETH BARRY HIS SISTER FOR THEM & THEIR POSTERITY (spelt with two E’s).  HERE LYETH THE BODY OF JOSEPH BARRY WHO DIED IN HIS INFANCY.  ANo DO 1774”.

83)  TALBOT – A large tabletomb resting on masonry without any real pedestal stones.  It is close to the path around the South side of the graveyard.  The inscription cannot now be read so I quote Lord Walter’s reading made at the beginning of this century.  He says the inscription is in raised Roman Capitals and is carved along the North side of the Mensa running from West to East, which is most unusual.  He could only read 3 lines and those with great difficulty but judged that there were 9 ½ lines in all.  Unfortunately no one else seems to have read this monument so this inscription is incomplete.  “HERE UNDER LIETH THE BODY OF JAMES TALBOT OF ATHBOY BURGAES AND ONE OF THE HOUSE OF DARDISTOWN AND WAS BORN IN ATHBOY IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD GOD ON THE ……………… DESESED IN THE YEAR …….” Towards this end of the inscription Lord Walter read “GOD BE MERCIFUL”.  There is a dot between each word and the old-fashioned V is used for U.  After the inscription follows a carving of the Talbot hound in a frame also facing South.

The dictionary defines the Talbot defines the Talbot dog as a broad-mouthed, large-eared hound usually white in colour, apparently similar to the St. Hubert’s breed of hunting hounds.  The Talbot hound is the crest of the Talbot family and is called ‘THE RUNNING HOUND’.  The carver was anxious to portray this feature and therefore has shown all four legs at equal distance from each other, a clear indication that the animal in the Talbot crest is ‘A RUNNING HOUND’.

According to Burke’s peerage the Talbots of Dardistown in the County of Meath were sprung from John a younger son of Thomas Talbot Lord of Malahide who died in 1487.  This stone itself is judged to have belonged to the seventeenth century.  In ‘IRISH FAMILIES’ by McLysaght we read “THE TALBOTS OF MALAHIDE HAVE THE RECORD UNIQUE AMONG HIBERNO-NORMAN FAMILIES OF BEING IN POSSESION OF THE SAME PROPERTY IN UNBROKEN MALE DESCENT FROM THE TIME OF THE INVASION OF 1170 TO THE PRESENT DAY….800 YEARS”.  There are many branches of this family for example the Talbots of Robertstown, Dardistown and Agher in Co.Meath.  There are the English Talbots who hold the title of Earl; and the Welsh Talbots who made a seaport for themselves (Port Talbot) and still live nearby in the grounds of Margam Abbey and castle.  I couldn’t find any memory of Talbots in Agher and concluded they were there at a very early period perhaps in one of the castles of which there is now little more than the sites to be seen.

St. Hubert was an 8th century French Saint who is described as a very bloodthirsty hunter till he saw a stag he was chasing with a cross between his horns. Then he became a monk and went to the monastery in Ardennes in Northeast France bringing with him a small pack of his hounds. Those were the days that every one had to breed or catch their own food as there were no shops.  For hundreds of years the abbots of Ardennes continued to breed these hounds in memory of the saint.  The Talbot variety was popular from the 12th to the 16th century when it became extinct.

In the Irish Times of 7th March 1979 there was an account of an Antique shop owner in Belgium throwing out in his dustbin an old oak panel riddled in woodworm and broken in 4 pieces which was found by some one and brought to the Brussels Museum where it was discovered to be a rare Flemish religious carving of this St. Hubert dating from 1500.  On 6th March it was sold in Paris for £10,500 and the buyer expressed herself very pleased at getting it for such a moderate sum.

Row 15

84)  DOWDALL and CAMPBELL – A tabletomb on 6 pedestal stones with cross and IHS in a full sunburst.  17 On the left side and 97 on the right side.  “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF ANTHONY DOWDALL ESQr WHO DIED ON THE 26TH OF DECber  1791 AGED 24 YEARS.  CHRISTOPHER DOWDALL ESQr WHO DIED ON THE 12TH OF FEBry 1796 AGED 22 YEARS.  ALSO IS HERE DEPOSITED THE REMAINS OF JAMES DOWDALL ESQr of CAUSETOWN WHO DIED NOVe (or A) 23rd 1822 AGED 46 YEARS.  GEORGE DOWDALL DIED 1808.  WALTER DOWDALL DIED 1810.  HAMILTON DOWDALL DIED 1816.  FANNY CAMPBELL GRANDAUGHTER OF ABOVE GEORGE DOWDALL DIED 15 JUNE 1882”.  At bottom R I P.

85)  MONAGHAN – A thin flat-topped stone with a small marble cross on each side.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHRISTOPHER MONAGHAN FRAYNE DIED 2ND MARCH 1921.  MARCELLA DIED 27TH JUNE 1921.  RICHARD DIED 13 APRIL 1927.  JOHN DIED 12TH MAY 1934.  WILLIAM DIED 24TH NOV. 1937.  JANE DIED 5TH APRIL 1941.  MARY DIED 8TH NOV. 1949.  MARGARET DIED 14TH FEB. 1957.  LAURENCE DIED 12TH DEC 1958.  HIS DAUGHTER DIED AGED 1 YEAR”.  At bottom R I P.

86)  MONAGHAN – Ringed cross with cross and heart in centre and crown of thorns around it; and rays at the end of the limbs.  Frame around inscription.  “ERECTED IN (These two words a scroll) MEMORY OF PATk MONAGHAN OF FRAYNE WHO DIED 6TH OCT. 1893 AGED 84 YEARS.  ALSO HIS SON JAMES WHO DIED 29TH JUNE 1862 AGED 4 YEARS”.  At bottom Farrell & Son Glasnevin and R I P.

87)  PLUNKETT – Sunburst around cross IHS and heart with 3 barbs, tulip on each side.  A lozenge frame around the inscription.  “THIS STONE WAS ERECTED BY ELIENOR PLUNKETT IN MEMORY OF HER FATHER MATHw PLUNKETT WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 6TH DAY OF MARCH 1794 AGED 67 Yrs.  ALSO OF HER MOTHER CATH. PLUNKETT ALIAs SMITH DIED AUGUST 10TH 1765.  ALSO OF HER BROTHER PATRICK PLUNKETT WHO DIED DSEPT. 30TH 1780……..  There is more but it can’t be read.  Lower down Requiescant in pace.

88)  EUSTACE AND HOEY – Ringed cross with flaming heart in centre and crown of thorns and a wound in the heart.  A boss at the end of each limb of the cross.  Irish rope design with a dragon swallowing the end of the rope on the shaft.  The inscription is on the base which has ‘HOEY’ in large letters.  This grave is within a curb.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF PATRICK EUSTACE DIED DEC.27TH 1913 AGED 84.  HIS WIFE JANE DIED MARCH 15TH 1917 AGED 63.  THEIR DAUGHTER Mrs MARY HOEY KINNEFAD HOUSE EDENDERRY DIED JUNE 1ST 1949 AGED 69 YEARS.  MARGARET DIED 23 AUGUST 1951.  PETER DIED 29 APRIL AGED 75”.  At bottom R I P and A. Wrafter Tullamore.

Row 16.

89)  NORRIS and O’CALLAGHAN – Curb around this grave.  A high headstone with a small cross on top.  A peaked stone with IHS in the peak.  Ivy leaves.  “THIS STONE IS ERECTED AS A TRIBUTE OF FILIAL AFFECTION TO THE MEMORY OF MR EDWARD NORRIS OF ATHBOY WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 5TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 1840 AGED 47 YEARS.  AND OF HIS WIFE Mrs ELIZABETH NORRIS WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 25TH DAY OF APRIL 1871 AGED 70 YEARS.  ALSO IN MEMORY OF THEIR DAUGHTER CATHERINE WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 8TH OF MAY 1857 AGED 23 YEARS.  ALSO THEIR DAUGHTER ANNE WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 5TH OF DECEMBER 1882 AGED 47 YEARS.  MARY O’CALLAGHAN DIED 27TH JAN. 1923.  PATRICK O’CALLAGHAN DIED 12TH DEC. 1947.  AND THEIR SON PATRICK DIED 9TH. NOV. 1965.  PHILIP DIED 19TH MAY 1966. R I P “.  D. Scally & Son Glasnevin.

90)  HAVLIN – A small stone with full sunburst around a cross IHS and flaming heart.  Cherub with wings on each side.  Frame around inscription.  “THIS MEMORIAL WAS ERECTED BY THOs HAVLIN IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER CHRIST. HAVLIN WHO DIED OCT 6TH 1773 AGED 63.  HIS MOTHER ELIZABETH HAVLIN ALIAS MOORE DIED MAY 11. 1769 AGED 49 YEARS.  ALSO HIS BROTHER PATRICK …..Rest underground.

91)  This domed stone is facing West and it has a full sunburst cross and plant.  Cherub on right side but if there was one on the left side it is now missing.  Only a bit of inscription and no surname can now be read. “… BY JAMES IN MEMORY…..” All the rest is gone.

92)  CLEARY – Ringed cross with cross and IHS in centre.  “ERECTED BY CHRISTOPHER CLEARY IN MEMORY OF HIS BELOVED PARENTS JAMES CLEARY WHO DIED 10TH APRIL 1892 AGED 55 Yrs AND … MARY DIED 10TH AUG. 1910 AGED 73 Yrs.  THEIR SON JAMES DIED 10TH AUG. 1900 AGED 35.  AND THEIR DAUGHTER MARY DIED 21ST SEPT. 1909 AGED 34 Yrs.  R I P”.  At bottom T.H. Dennany Glasnevin.

Row 17.

93)   GILSENAN – Ringed cross with its hatlike top.  IHS in centre.  Irish rope design and scroll with ‘MY JESUS MERCY’.  Inscription on base.  “ERECTED BY PATRICK GILSENAN HIGGINSTOWN IN MEMORY OF HIS PARENTS JANE GILSENAN DIED 16TH MARCH 1926 AGED 58.  MICHAEL GILSENAN DIED 6 OCT.1930 AGED 83.  THEIR SON THOMAS 9 JULY 1927 AGED 24.  JAMES GILSENAN DIED 1ST OCT. 1935 AGED 86.  ROSE ANN GILSENAN DIED 18 JULY AGED 47.  ELLEN GILSENAN DIED 25 MAR. 1950 AGED 47”.  Burnell Edenderry at bottom.

94)  CURRAN – Domed top with cross and IHS.  This is a small stone.  “ERECTd BY CATHEr CURRAn IN MEMORY OF HER BELOVED HUSBANd JOHN CURRAN WHO DIED 23rd 1801 AGED 45 Yrs”.

95)  NEWMAN – Within a curb.  A small white marble stone.  “MY JESUS MERCY” AROUND A MOTHER OF SORROWS.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR PARENTS CHRISTOPHER NEWMAN DIED 28TH JAN.1956.  CATHERINE NEWMAN DIED 7TH OCT.1959”.  R I P at bottom.

96)  McCORMICK – Notched top.  A very worn stone with a scroll on each side.  Cross IHS and heart.  “THIS STONE WAS ERECTED BY MARGARET KING IN MEMORY OF HER HUSBAND PATRICK McCORMICK WHO DEPARTd THIS LIFE THE 25 OF JANUARY 1779 AGED 61 YEARS”.

97)  O’DOHERTY – Granite ringed cross in a granite surround.  IHS in centre of cross. “IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FATHER SIMON O’DOHERTY DIED 19TH SEPT. 1927 AGED 68 R I P”.  On North side … ALSO HIS SON SIMON DIED 17TH MAY 1958 AGED 66 YEARS.  INSERTED BY HIS WIFE AND FAMILY R I P”.  On South side ….”JANE O’DOHERTY DIED 27TH SEPT. 1968”.  On back… “PATRICK (Pat) O’DOHERTY KILCARTY DUNSANY DIED 23RD SEPT. 1977 AGED 41 YEARS R I P”.

98)  DOHERTY – In a curb.  A concrete ringed cross with flaming heart in centre.  Boss on each limb.  “IN MEMORY OF MARTIN DOHERTY MARTINSTOWN ATHBOY WHO DIED DEC. 21.1937.  HIS WIFE MOLLIE, THEIR DAUGHTER RITA. R I P”.  D. Quigley at bottom.

99)  COMISKEY – Domed stone with lamb on a cross.  “ERECTED BY THEIR CHILDREN IN MEMORY OF THEIR BELOVED PARENTS THOMAS COMISKEY DIED DEC. 28TH 1868.  BRIDGET COMISKEY DIED AUG. 10. 1884.  ALSO THEIR SON JAMES DIED SEPT. 13TH 1887”.  At bottom Requiescant in pace and Burnell Edenderry.

Row 18

100)  CASTLES – Domed stone with full sunburst, cross and IHS.  Gloria etc around it.  “OF YOUR CHARITY PRAY FOR THE SOUL OF WILLIAM CASTLES WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 28TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 1855 IN THE 49TH YEAR OF HIS AGE.  ALSO HIS WIFE ELIZABETH (Z is carved backwards) WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 18TH DAY OF MAY 1887 IN THE 81ST YEAR OF HER AGE”.  At bottom Requiescant in Pace. J. Farrell Glasnevin.

101)  CONNOLY – Domed stone with full sunburst around a cross IHS and heart, with a plant.  Gloria etc around top.  “ERECTED BY BRYAN CONNOLY IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER JAMES CONOLY WHO DEPd THIS LIFE THE 18TH OF MAY 1818 AGED 63 YEARS.  ALSO HIS FATHER TOLL CONNOLY WHO DEPd THIS LIFE MARCH THE 18TH 1778 AGED 64 YEARS.  ALSO HIS WIFE MARY CONNOLY ALIAS QUIN WHO DEPd THIS LIFE JUNE THE 2ND 1782 AGED 60 YEARS”.

102)  DUNN – Small domed stone much sunk in the ground.  Full sunburst around cross IHS heart and plant.  Scroll effect on either side.  “HERE LIETH THE BODY OF DANIEL DUNN WHO DEPARTd THIS LIFE FEBry 15TH 1787 AGED 46 YEARS”.

103)  ANDREWS – Within a curb.  It is a white marble stone with our Lord’s head on a cross at right side and ‘THY WILL BE DONE’ on the shaft.  Leafy ornamentation at bottom.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF Mrs MARGARET ANDREWS HILL OF WARD DIED 25TH NOVEMBER 1933 AGED 89 YEARS.  HER SON JOHN DIED 23RD DEC. 1938 AGED 49 YEARS.  AND HIS WIFE KATE DIED 3RD SEPT. 1965 AGED 68 YEARS.  R I P.  ERECTED BY HER FAMILY”.

104)  CUNNINGHAM – Small domed stone behind No. 103 and leaning forward.  Full sunburst cross IHS and heart with plant.  Winged cherub on each side. Floral ornamentation around top.  “THIS MEMORIAL WAS ERECTED BY JOHN CUNNINGHAM IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER JOHN CUNNINGHAM ……….”  The rest of the inscription can’t be read.

105)  GUGERTY – This domed stone is very old and much sunken in the ground.  At mid top we get a cross and IHS.  “ERECTED BY LAURENCE GUGERTY IN MEMORY …..” No more can be seen.

106)  McLOGHLEN – Big domed stone with cross IHS and heart with Gloria etc around top.  “OF YOUR CHARITY PRAY FOR THE SOUL OF GEORGE McLOGHLEN WHO DEPd THIS LIFE ON THE 15TH OF SEPTEMBER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1854 AGED 82 YEARS”.

107)  COMONS – A very small narrow stone with cross and IHS at mid top.  “HERE LIETH THE BODY OF DAVID COMONs AGED 66. 1747”.

108)  MARLOW – Very small stone with domed top, full sunburst, cross IHS and heart.  “ERECTED BY EDWd MARLOW IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER BALLY MARLOW WHO DEPd THIS LIFE JUNE THE 23d 1817 AGED 55 YEARS”. 

109)  FOX – Domed stone with full sunburst around a cross and IHS. “ERECTED BY MATTHEW FOX IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER THOMAS FOX WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 3RD DAY OF SEPT. 1831 AGED 68 YEARS.  LORD HAVE MERCY ON HIM AMEN”.

110)  CUNNEEN – Domed stone with full sunburst around a cross IHS and heart, a leafy design on each side.  “HAVE MERCY O LORD ON THE SOUL OF CHRISTr CUNNEEN WHO DEPd THIS LIFE DEC. 15TH 1806 AGED 37 Yrs.  TO WHOSE MEMORY THIS MONUt WAS ERECTd BY HIS AFFECTIONATE WIFE ANN CUNNEEN ALIAS MALONE”.

Row 19

111)  LARRISSY – Within a curb. A high ringed cross with its hatlike top, ornamentation on limbs and shaft.  Flaming heart with cross at centre.  Inscription on base.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF BRIDGET LARISSY DIED AUGUST 15TH 1905 AGED 64 YEARS. MARY LARRISSY DIED NOV. 15TH 1953 AGED 2 ½ YEARS.  JULIA LARRISSEY DIED OCTOBER 24TH 1926 AGED 10 YEARS.  JAMES LARRISSY NOV 8TH 1944 AGED 57 YEARS.  JAMES J. LARRISSY DIED 24TH FEBRUARY 1950 AGED 31 YEARS.  R I P.  ROSE LARRISSY DIED 14TH JUNE 1956 AGED 71 YEARS”.  At bottom J. Bennett Ardbraccan.

112)  MULLEN – Ringed cross with lamb on a cross in an inset.   Crossleted cross in each limb. “IN LOVING MEMORY OF WILLIAM MULLEN DIED 18TH FEB. 1883 AGED 67 YEARS.  AND OF HIS WIFE MARGARET DIED 26TH MARCH 1903 AGED 79 YEARS AND OF THEIR SON & DAUGHTER WILLIAM & SARAH”.  At bottom ‘R I P ERECTED BY THEIR SORROWING CHILDREN A D 1904’. And T.H. Dennany Glasnevin.

113)  TUITE – A large domed stone within a curb with a full sunburst surrounding cross IHS and plant.  Gloria etc around top.  An 8-petalled rose on each side.  “ERECTED BY THOMAS TUITE IN MEMORY OF HIS FATHER EDWARD TUITE WHO DIED ON THE 10TH OF OCTOBER 1860 AGED 90 YEARS, ALSO HIS MOTHER CATHERINE TUITE WHO DIED ON THE 20TH OCTOBER 1850 AGED 70 YEARS”.

114)  FLYN – A small stone with a notched top, half sunburst over a cross and IHS with heart underneath. A dove with an olive branch in her mouth on either side. “THIS STONE AND BURIAL PLACE BELONGs TO PATRIC FLYN & HIS POSTERITY”.

115)  HART – This large domed stone is broken into 4 pieces.  A few words can be made out on one piece.  “HART WHO ……AGED 60 YEA…  SO TO HIS BROTHER ……. AGED 2 YEARS DIED ……….. IN AGED  5 MO …………..15 MO………”

116)  HART – The top half of this stone is broken off and missing; only the bottom part with the end of the inscription now remains. “……DIED 1854 …….. MOTHER Mrs ROSE HART WHO DIED DECr 1834 AGED 65 YEARS.  MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE AMEN.  PATRICK HART DIED SEPt  20TH 1871 AGED 45 YEARS”.

Row 20

117)  CONNOR – This stone is right in the centre of the hedge and seems to be in two parts : A base and an upright stone broken off.  At the top is an open book with ‘HOLY BIBLE’ on it.  An ivy leaf on each side and a fine carving of a rope with elaborate tassels.  “ERECTED BY HIS SORROWING WIFE AND CHILDREN IN LOVING MEMORY OF GEORGE CONNOR WHO DIED 18TH FEBRUARY 1910 AGED 65”.

118)  O’CONNOR – A peaked stone with small shamrocks at top. “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF EDWARD O’CONNOR WHO DIED ON THE 7TH FEBy 1870 AGED 63 YEARS.  AND OF HIS SONS JAMES DIED 26TH AUGt 1846 AGED 20 YEARS.  JAMES DIED 29TH JANy 1869 AGED 20 YEARS & 1 MONTH.  IN MEMORY OF MY LOVING MOTHER JUDITH O’ CONNOR WHO DIED DECr 2ND 1876 AGED 69 YEARS.  INSERTED BY HER LOVING DAUGHTER M. STAPYLTON.  IF WE BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED AND ROSE AGAIN EVEN SO THEM ALSO WHICH SLEEP IN JESUS WILL GOD BRING WITH HIM.  THIS STONE WAS ERECTED BY A LOVING SON AND BROTHER JOHN O’ CONNOR”.

119)  Old broken stone with ‘MAY THEY REST IN PEACE AMEN’.

120)  FIELD – Small peaked stone leaning backwards with full sunburst around a cross IHS and heart.  A cherub on each side.  “JOHN FIELD DIEd SEPr 20TH 1780 AGd 61 Yrs.  ALSO HIS WIFE MARY FIELD ALIAS STANLY DIEd FEB ……….. (One and a half lines are gone here, and then we get) AGd 50.   AND THEIR SON”. 

121)  HIGGINS – Cross with IHS in centre.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOSEPH HIGGINS (Gillstown Athboy) WHO DIED 9TH AUGUST 1941 AGED 72 YEARS.  ALSO HIS DAUGHTER MARY DIED 24TH JAN. 1942 AGED 32 YEARS.  ALSO HIS SONS LAURENCE HIGGINS DIED 28TH AUGUST 1946 AGED 40 YEARS R I P”.  A & W Rennicks Navan at bottom.  On North side… “CHARLIE HIGGINS DIED 18TH FEB. 1947 AGED 32 YEARS.  ALSO AGNES HIGGINS DIED 24TH DEC. 1952”.

122)  KEERNAN – Ringed cross with its hatlike top.  IHS in centre, boss on each limb.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAMES KEERNAN DIED AUGUST 12TH 1886 AGED 26 YEARS.  ALSO MY DEAR MOTHER MARIA KIERNAN DIED AUGUST 13TH 1923 AGED 64 YEARS.  SWEET JESUS HAVE MERCY ON THEIR SOULS R I P. ERECTED BY THEIR SORROWING DAUGHTER”.  Bennett Navan at a base.

123)  GOULD AND SHEEHY – In a curb.  Stone with a rolled top.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF BRIDGET GOULD DIED APRIL 24TH 1942.  PATRICK SHEEHY DIED APRIL 25TH 1925 R I P”.  J. Bennett Ardbraccan  at base.

124)  WALSH – An iron cross with ‘M. WALSH’ in its centre and below ‘DIED JUNE 26. 1908 R I P’.  On a small broken stone nearby we get “IN LOVING MEMORY OF MICHAEL WALSH JUNIOR WHO DIED ON 2d JUNE 1908 AGED 27 YEARS LATE OF HILL ST. DUBLIN R I P”.

125)  MAHER – A broken stone with IHS in a circle and ‘JESUS MERCY MARY HELP’ around it.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF KATE MAHER WHO DIED 1ST APRIL 1909 AND HER HUSBAND JEREMIAH MAHER WHO DIED 13TH JANUARY”.

Headstones along west wall of graveyard

126)  … – This is a broken headstone with a few words on some of the pieces.  Domed top.  “…..MEMORY OF HER FATHER DOMINICK MARA……. WHO DECd THIS  …….. MAY 20 1818 AGED 76 Yrs. ALSO FOR THEIR…….

127)  GORE – A large slab against the wall within an iron railing.  “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF RALPH THOMAS GORE ESQr VANDILLA AUSTRALIA WHO FELL ASLEEP IN JESUS 31ST DAY OF OCTOBER 1860 AGED 45 YEARS.  ALSO TO CHARLOTTE ISABELLA SECOND CHILD OF RALPH T. GORE AND ISABELLA HIS WIFE.  BORN 22ND MAY 1857.  DIED APRIL 2ND 1858”.  At bottom ‘FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST AND TO DIE IS GAIN’.  R. Ballintine & Son 11 UPr Dorset St. Dublin below.

128)  NOBLE – There are three separate headstones inside this iron pailing. The top part of one has fallen off and lies on the ground.

This headstone has inscriptions on the middle part and on three sides…..“IN MEMORY OF THE REVd ROBERT NOBLE BORN 29TH AUGUST 1796 DIED 2ND OCTOBER 1870 REV. XX.6 AND CATHERINE WIDOW OF THE REVd ROBERT NOBLE DIED 3RD DECEMBER 1904 AGED 96 YEARS.  ‘UNTO THEM THAT LOOK FOR HIM SHALL HE APPEAR THE SECOND TIME WITHOUT SIN UNTO SALVATION’ HEB. 1X. 28.

“JAMES BURROWES NOBLE DIED JUNE 22. 1849 AGED 10 YEARS.  SHIRLEY WALLER NOBLE DID JUNE 15. 1859 AGED 4YEARS.  HE TOOK THEM UP IN HIS ARMS PUT HIS HANDS UPON THEM AND BLESSED THEM” St. Mark X.16

“ARTHUR ANNESLEY BURROWES NOBLE DIED JUNE 29. 1875 AGED 25 YEARS.  ERNEST NEWCOME NOBLE DIED MARCH 29.1880.  AGED 28 YEARS.  WE ASKED LIFE OF THEE AND THOU GAVEST THEM A LONG LIFE EVEN FOR EVER AND EVER”.

A small domed stone with ‘HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED’.

A domed stone “CATHERINE RELICT OF THE REV JAMES BURROWES VICAR OF CASTLECONNOR CO. OF SLIGO DIED MARCH 17. 1859 AGED 79.  “JESUS SAID UNTO HER I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE S. JOHN XI. 25”. At bottom Coates Dublin.

129)  NOLAN – In an iron railing.  A domed stone “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN NOLAN M D WHO DIED 28 MAY 1869 AGED 62 YEARS, FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS MEDICAL OFFICER OF ATHBOY.  BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN THE LORD REV. 14.13.  ALSO OF FRANCES ELIZABETH DAUGHTER OF THE ABOVE WHO DIED IN DUBLIN 30TH MARCH 1876 AGED 2 YEAR”.  Coates Dublin.

130)  KELLETT – Iron railing in form of a fancy chain; but is all broken and mostly gone now.  Peaked top with fancy carving.  “HERE RESTETH THE REMAINS OF FANNY MARY KELLETT WHO DIED 4TH OF MARCH 1867.  ALSO ALICE KELLETT WHO DIED 21ST OF JUNE 1871.  ALSO THEIR MOTHER MARY KELLETT THE BELOVED OF RICHd KELLETT DECr 21ST 1876.  ‘PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS’. ALSO OF RICHARD KELLETT BALLINADRIMNA HOUSE WHO DIED 20TH SEPTEMBER 1891”.  Coates Dublin.

131)  McELROY – The wall is actually falling down behind this stone.  “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF ROBERT McELROY WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 2ND DAY OF JAN. 1871 AGED 57 YEARS.  THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED AS A TOKEN OF AFFECTIONATE REMEMBERANCE BY HIS WIDOW AND ONLY SON.  MY TRUST IS IN THE TENDER MERCY OF GOD FOR EVER AND EVER”.

132)  SMITH – Peaked stone “SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF Mrs JANE SMITH WHO DEPd THIS LIFE MAY 14TH 1871 AGED 73 YEARS.  THIS STONE WAS ERECTED IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF HER LONG AND FAITHFUL SERVICE BY THE ROTHWELL FAMILY WITH WHOM SHE LIVED AT ROCKFIELD FOR 28 YEARS. EPHESIANS V1. 6& 7”.

Headstones on north side of church.

133)  READE – Tabletomb with 6 carved pedestal stones.  “NEAR TO THIS SPOT WITHIN THE CHURCH ARE DEPOSITED / THE REMAINS OF THE REVd PHILIP READE LLD OF WOODTOWN IN / THE COUNTY OF MEATH WHO DIED ON THE 4TH / DAY OF MAY 1781 AGED 74 YEARS.  ALSO THOSE / OF HIS WIFE MARGARET FETHERSON SISTER TO THE / LATE THOMAS FETHERSON ESQr OF BRACKLIN / CASTLE IN THE COUNTY OF WESTMEATH TOGETHEr / WITH SEVERAL OF THEIR CHILDREN / AND BENEATH THIS STONE REPOSE THE REMAINS OF THEIR SON / JOHN READE ESQr / BARRISTER AT LAW / WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 17TH DAY OF JANUARY 1826 / AGED 64 YEARS / AS A FAINT MEMORIAL OF HIS MANY AND GREAT VIRTUES / THE LOVE AND ESTEEM THEY INSPIRED / AND THE GENERAL AND DEEP REGRET. FOR HIS LOSS / THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED / BY HIS AFFLICTED FAMILY. / BESIDE HIM ARE PLACED THE REMAINS OF HIS BELOVED / WIFE / MARTHA READE / ONLY DAUGHTER OF THE LATE FRANCIS HOPKINS ESQr / OF ATHBOY LODGE IN THE COUNTY OF MEATH. / SHE DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON THE 8TH DAY OF NOVEMr 1832 / AGED 73 YEARS /. BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIED IN THE LORD EVEN SO / SAITH THE SPIRIT FOR THEY REST FROM THEIR LABOURS /.”

134)  BEGG – This stone and the next No. 135 are both tabletombs inside the same iron paling.  “AS A MEMORIAL OF HIS AFFECTIOn / FOR HIS DECEASED PARENTS / THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED / BY Mr MARK BEGG OF ATHBOY / TO THE MEMORY OF HIS FATHER Mr / MATHIAS BEGG FORMERLY OF KIL / KEELAN WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE / THE 20TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 1763 / AGED 70 YEARS /. AND TO HIS MOTHER MARY BEGG / ALIAS DOWDALE WHO DEPARTED / THIS LIFE THE 10TH DAY OF FEBRUARy / 1771 AGED 64 YEARS /. AND ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF / HIS BELOVED WIFE MARTHA BEGg / ALIAS REILLY OF MANNERS GENTLE / AND AFFECTIONS MILD / WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 6TH / DAY OF JUNE A D 1799 AGED / 52 YEARS /.

THIS STONE NOW PROTECTS / THE GRAVE OF Mr JAMES VAUGHAN OF / ATHBOY THE REMAINS OF Mr MARK / BEGG THE LATTER DIED THE … DAY OF / … AGED 106 YEARS /.  THE FORMER ON THE 15TH DAY OF FEBRUARY / 1832 AGED 63 YEARS.  MAY THEY REST / IN PEACE /.  Mr Mark Begg’s date of death was not entered on they tombstone.

135)  VAUGHAN and O’NEILL – Tabletomb with cross in an inset at top.  “SACRED / TO THE MEMORY OF / MR JAMES VAUGHAN OF ATHBOY / WHO DIED ON THE 15TH OF FEBRUARY 1832 /  AGED 65 YEARS / AND MARIA HIS WIFE  / WHO DIED ON THE 16TH OF SEPTEMBER 1860 / AGED 78 YEARS /. ALSO THEIR BELOVED SON JOHN WHO DIED ON / THE 16TH OF AUGUST 1847 / AGED 22 YEARS /.  AND MRS FRANCES O’NEILL SISTER OF / THE ABOVE MARIA WHO DIED ON / THE 13TH OF NOVEMBER 1861 / AGED 74 YEARS.

136)  POTTERTON – A tabletomb.   “ BENEATH THIS STONE / REST THE MORTAL REMAINS OF / THOMAS POTTERTON / OF BALATALION CO. MEATH WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE / NOVEMBER 8TH AD 1847 in his 71st year. / ALSO THOSE OF HIS BROTHER /HENRY POTTERTON / OF BALLYFALLON SAME COUNTY / WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE / OCT.29 AD 1846 AGED 72 YEARS /. EPH 2. 8. HERE ALSO LIE INTERRED / ELEANOR ANNE / WIDOW OF THE ABOVE NAMED / THOMAS POTTERTON / DIED AUGUST 15. 1874 AGED 86.  AND TWO OF HIS DAUGHTERS / ELIZABETH DIED APRIL 11. 1883 AGED 65 / MARY DIED MARCH 17. 1887 AGED 67 /.  AS ALSO THEIR SON / ARTHUR POTTERTON / OF CLONEYLOGAN CO. MEATH / BORN MARCH 19. 1828 DIED 6 OCTOBER 25. 1890 /.  THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE HAD IN / EVERLASTING REMEMBERANCE. Ps 112.6/.  HERE ALSO  REST / HARLOE AND EMILY IRWIN / GRANDCHILDREN OF THOMAS & ELEANOR POTTERTON /.  MATT, 19. 14/.

There seems to be a larger tablestone under the one with the above inscription but of course there is no way of seeing if it has any inscription on it.

137)  POTTERTON – A tall headstone with a pinnacle top.  On front… IN MEMORY OF / SARAH MAINWARING / WIFE OF / WILLIAM POTTERTON / BALATALION / DIED JAN 12TH 1894 / AGED 70 YEARS/.  AND FIVE OF THEIR CHILDREN / THEY SHALL BE MINE SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS / IN THAT DAY WHEN I MAKE UP MY JEWELS /.  Mal. 111.17.  ON THE RIGHT SIDE … THOMAS HENRY / DIED FEB. 7TH 1885 / AGED 29 YEARS/.   ROBERT ALEXANDER / DIED SEP. 16TH 1894 / AGED 28 YEARS /.  ON LEFT SIDE… FRANCES AND MATILDA TWINS / DIED MARCH 1868 / AGED 6 MONTHS /.   ELEANOR EMMA / DIED MAY 1866 / AGED 2 YEARS/.

138)  SMYTH – Domed stone.   Inscription in a marble inset.  “IN PIOUS REMEMBRANCE OF JOHN SMYTH FOR MANY YEARS SEXTON OF THIS CHURCH WHO DIED MAY 15. 1844 AGED 58.   ALSO HIS ONLY SON JOHN WHO DIED AFTER A BRIEF ILLNESS NOV. 3. 1871 AGED 27.   BOTH DEEPLY RETGRETTED.  Ps C111. 16. 17.   THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY CATHERINE NOBLE IN TOKEN OF THEIR FAITHFUL SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE PARISH OF ATHBOY”.

139)  WALKER – A peaked stone.  “IN LOVING MEMORY OF ANDREW WALKER WHO DIED 12TH MAY 1878 AGED 72 YEARS”.   At bottom … ‘WHAT THOUGH IN LONELY CRIES I SIGH FOR FRIEND BELOVED NO LONGER NIGH.  SUBMISSIVE STILL WOULD I REPLY THY WILL BE DONE’.

I would like to thank Mr Wm Battersby for a good day’s help.

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