CRUICETOWN CEMETERY, NOBBER, CO MEATH
HEADSTONES AND INSCRIPTIONS
With grateful thanks to Oliver Ward
Taken from “An Archaeological and Historical Assessment of Cruicetown Church and Graveyard” issued 27 May 2005
Contributors:
Dr. Niall Brady, Project Director
Anne Connon, Early Medieval Historian
Anthony Corns, GIS
Dr. James Galloway, Later Medieval and post 1700 Historian
Dr. Margaret Murphy, Later Medieval and post 1700 Historian
Rory McNeary, Archaeologist, Graveyard survey
Dr. Michael Potterton, Archaeologist, Graveyard survey
Brian Shanahan, Archaeologist, Buildings Survey
Robert Shaw, Topographical Survey
The chest tomb
In the south wall of the chancel is a niche containing a chest tomb with a representation on the covering slab of male and female effigies in high relief under the head of God in heaven flanked by trumpet-blowing cherubs. It is dedicated to the memory of Walter and Elizabeth Cruise. The chest cover is supported on four pilasters (a flat representation of a column in shallow relief). These are decorated with carvings of foliage, rosettes and hearts. The end panel has the following mortality symbols carved in high relief: a skull and crossbones, hour-glass and bell, while the side panel has two sections; one with a cross saltire surrounded by circular medallions. The other has a crowned, winged figure, within a sunburst, and foliage. The mural plaque on the back wall of the tomb niche has the heraldic motifs of the Cruise and Dalton families in the upper half and an inscription in Roman capitals below:
CRUX BONA CRUX DIGNA CRUX / CONTRA OMNIA MALGINA / HERE
VNDERNEATH / ARE INTERRED THE BODIS / OF WALTER CRUISE GRAND /CHILD TO CHRISTOPHER / CRVISE OF THE NAALE CR / VISETOWN NO.. QR ESQVIRE W / HO DYED THE 11TH OF APRIL / 1663 AND ELIZABETH CRUIS / E HIS WIFE DAVGHTER TO / GERRALD CRVISE OF BRIT /
WHOSE ELDEST SON PATRI / CKE CRVISE CAVSED THIS / TOMBE TO BE
ERECTED AS / A MONVMENT OF ANTIQVITY / FOR HIMSELFE HIS WIFE CAT /HERINE DALTON AND THEI / RE POSTERITY FOR EVER / ANNO D. 1688 AND INTHE / 4TH YEARE OF THE REIG / NE OF THE MOST ILLVST / RIOVS PRINCE OUR GRACI / OVS KING JAMES THE / SECOND.
CRUISE – Here underneath are interred the bodies of Walter Cruise, grandchild to Christopher Cruise of the Nuale, Cruisetown No..Qr esquire, who died 11th. April 1663, and Elizabeth Cruise, his wife, daughter to Gerald Cruise of Brittas, whose eldest son Patrick Cruise, caused this tomb to be erected as a monument of antiquity for his wife, Catherine Dalton and their posterity forever A.D. 1688, and in the 4th year of the reign of the most illustrious prince, our gracious King James the second.
The ringed-cross
To the south of the church and within the graveyard there is a ring-headed cross dating to 1688. This commemorative cross was commissioned by the Cruise family and the inscription on the north face reads, ‘Pray for the soulds of Patrick Cruise and Cartherine Dalton, his wife, daughter to William Dalton 1688’. Patrick Cruise was the eldest son of Walter Cruise who is buried in the chest tomb within the church. The cross is a folk-art attempt to copy an Early Christian high cross. The crucifixion is depicted on the west-facing side of the cross overlying a skull and surmounted by a winged head while the east side also has a winged figure with a Madonna and Child near the base. In this simple, rustic depiction the Child is presented as a mature young boy sitting on his mother’s knee.
ANSLOW – Here lieth the body of Abraham Anslow, who departed this life 1736, March 20th
BIRD – This was erected by Peter Bird, in memory of his brother, Nicholas, who departed this life A.D. August 26th 1763, aged 40 years. Alsoe Bridget Bird.
BRADY – This stone was erected in memory of Thomas Brady who died in Jan. 1827 aged 60 years
BRADY – This stone erected by Denis, Joe and John Brady of Staholmick, in memory of their father, John Brady, who died February 7th 1794, aged 56 years. Also their brother Thomas, who died November 22nd, 1807, aged 31 years. Also their sister, Mary Brady, who died March 27th 1810, aged 19 years. Their mother, Judith Brady, alias Naulty, died December 29th 1821, aged 71 years.
BRADY – In memory of Charles Brady, Cruicetown, who died 7th August 1943, aged 52 years. His wife Letitia, who died 9th September 1973, aged 85 years and their daughter, Stella Damoth-Henderson, Michigan, U.S.A. who died 29th January 2002, aged 76 years.
CENNEY – IHS. This stone is arected by Owen Cenney for him and his posterity d who died March the … eaged 27 1744
CLARKE – In loving memory of Margaret Clarke, died 25 March 1919. Patrick Clarke, died 18 Jan 1940. Bartle Clarke, died 10 June 1955, Annie Creevan, died 22 Dec. 1957, Julia Creevan, died 20 Feb. 1969.
CONLAN – Lord have mercy on the soul of Mary Conlan, Grange, who died April 10 1897, aged 65 years. Also her husband, Pat Conlan, who died June 17 1886, aged 67 years. Erected by their son, Rev. Michael Conlan. On top of plinth Pettigrew Navan.
CORBALLIS – Sacred to the memory of George CorballIS of Kilmainhamwood, who departed this life in the year 1801, aged 51 years. Also of his daughter Catherine who died in the year 1801 (?) aged 9 years. Here also are deposited the remains of his son William Corbally, late of Drogheda, (Merchant), the recollections of whose many virtues will be very cherished by a numerous and respectable circle of acquaintances, and must prove a source of melancholy consolation to his afflicted friends. He exchanged his temporal for eternal life on 5th April 1827, in the 30th year of his age. “Eternal rest give them O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine on them”.
CRUISE – Pray for the soulds of Patrick Cruise and Catherine Dalton, his wife and daughter to William Dalton 1688.
DOLAN – In memory of James Dolan 1860, William 1865, Catherine 1892, Margaret 1905, James Dolan 1942. R.I.P.
FINNEGAN – In loving memory of Patrick Finnegan, Altmush, died 1898. His wife Frances, nee Kellett, died 1921. Their son Laurence, died 1953, and their infant grandsons. Also Bridget Medley, Newcastle, died 1936. Edward died 1947, Kate died 1948. Erected by the Finnegan family Altmush and John Medley (Thurles) 2002.
GALLIGAN – In loving memory of the Galligan family of Kilbeg, Moydoragh and Newtown. Rest in Peace.
GALLIGAN – In loving memory of Rose Galligan, Newtown, Nobber, who died 12th February 1967. Her husband Philip died 22ND February 1968. R.I.P.
GINNIS – This stone was erected by Owen Ginnis, for him and his posterity, died March 1744, aged 27 years.
GOGARTY – This stone erected by Bridget Gogarty of Dunaree In memory of her Bel[oved] Husband
GOGARTY – Inscription incised on somewhat paler panel (cartouche) within rectangular stone. Erected (curvilinear lettering) by Edward Gogarty, in memory of his wife, daughter, father, mother, sister and brother. R.I.P. at base.
GUGERTY – This monument was erected by Henry, Patt, William and Christopher Gugerty, in memory of their father, Michael Gugerty of Brittas, who died April 12th, 1804, aged 47. Also their mother Anne, alias Carolan, who died July 10th 1833, aged 76 years.
GUGERTY – Erected by John Gugerty … in memory of their Mother Mary Gugerty who died in Sept. … aged … years of their Father M… Gugerty who died in May 1830 aged …. Mary Gugerty who died in … aged 11 years and Fanny Gugerty who died Sept 1845 aged ….. of Peter Gugerty ……….. Gugerty son of John Gugerty who died in April 1853 (?).
HARINGTON – Erected by Richard Harington, in memory of his son Pat.r.c Harington, who departed this life, April 21st 1800, aged 20 years.
LYNCH – Erected to the memory of the parents of Reverend James Lynch P.P. Lobinstown, by the Executor, according to his last will and testament A.D. 1868. Requiescant in pace. Of your charity pray for the soul of the Rev. James Lynch. Parish Priest of Lobinstown who departed this life on the 20th of March1868 in the 76th year of his age and 51st of his sacred ministry. Pious. Exemplary. Zealous & Charitable. His memory shall be long revered especially by his friends and acquaintances. May the soul of the good and venerable Father Lynch, rest in peace, amen.
…… – Very faint. Lettering 5cm high. Design in centre? ………… together with ………. departed this life on the 18th August 1856 Aged [ ] years Requieseant in pace Amen
MC GUINNESS – Erected by Joseph McGuinness, in loving memory of his parents, brothers and sisters; and diseased relatives. R.I.P. Sacred heart of Jesus have mercy on us.
MASTERSON – Gloria in Excelsis Deo. IHS. Remember Death. This monument was erected by Michael, Laurence and Patrick Masterson of C(urragh?) town in the county of Meath, in pious memory of their beloved father, Patrick Masterson of Robertstown, who departed this life on 1st day of January A.D. … the 80th year of his age. Here also lieth the remains of their beloved brother James Masterton, and father of the above named Patrick of Curraughtown, who departed this life on the 18th day of September AD 1899 in the 70th year of his age. There is a c.71cm long crack running across the slab at this point. Inscription at base of slab Requiescant in Pace Amen.
MORTAGH – Here lyeth the body of Elizabeth Mortagh wife to Edmond Gugerty who departed this life the second day of May in the year of Our lord [1786?]
NAULTY – To left: Mary incised. In loving memory of John Naulty, Cruicetown, died 6th. October 1966. His wife, Mary Anne, died 4th. Sept. 1979. Their children, Mary, Margaret, Laley and Thomas Anthony. Owen Naulty, died Dec. 1950. Thomas Naulty, died May 1955. John Naulty, died 17th May 2002. P. Bennett R.I.P.
O’BRIEN – On north side of base ‘F. Rennicks, Flower Hill, Navan’. In loving memory of James O’Brien, Carlanstown, who died 9th January 1956. Also his wife, Julia, who died 6th January 1953. Their son, James, died 12th April 1934, and their daughter Peggy, died 13th May 1947. R.I.P.
O’REILLY – In loving memory of the O’Reilly family, Boynagh, Killmainhamwood. May they rest in peace. Erected by Annie O’Donoghue.
REILLY – IHS in motif above heart (set within sun moktif; two marigold motifs flanking it on either side). This stone was erected by Jame’ Reilly, over ye body of his father Thomas, who died in…………Mother…..
REILLY – Mary Reilly, Cellar, Nobber, died 28th April 1952, aged 70 years
ROGERS – Here lieth the ….. of Thomas Rogers, who departed this life, April 26th 1748.
ROGERS – Sacred Heart of Jesus motif at top; Rogers on plinth. In loving memory of Anne Rogers, Ballymacane, Moynalty, died 7th November 1954. Her husband Frank, died 30th September 1981. Their children, Nancy died 25th June 1950, Ita died 27th June 1950, Maureen died 11th December 1951, Annie Rogers, Horath, Carlanstown, died 9th Jan. 1942. Her husband Thomas, died 11th September 1955. Rest in Peace.
ROGERS – This stone was erected by Patrick Rogers, in memory of his father, John Rogers, who departed this life December 1807, aged 78 years. Also his mother, Mary Rogers alias Gillic, who departed this life March 10 (16?) ….. 70 Years
SWAN – In loving memory of Annie Swan, who died 24th April 1947, aged 81 years, on whose soul, sweet Jesus have Mercy. R.I.P.
WARD – In loving memory of Florence Ward, who died 29 May 1970, aged 70 yrs. R.I.P.
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