LOUGHAUN High Cross
Tihilly High Cross located to the SE of the medieval church (OF008-045001-) this high cross is in poor condition with only half of its ringed head surviving along with its circular base which is also partially destroyed. The OPW has done some restoration work to it in recent years. The cross shaft is composed of two pieces with interlace and geometric patterns carved in panels on the N, S and E faces. There are two biblical figures carved on the west face which are badly weathered and impossible to decipher. However from previous descriptions these figures consist of Adam and Eve and the Crucifixion. The cross sits on top of a circular base which has two bands carved in high relief encircling the base. The Northern portion of this base is missing along with the top and northern portion of the ringed head of the cross. The whole cross measures approx. 2.5m high by 0.2m thick by 0.3m wide. Described by Harbison as a ‘High Cross near a church (OF008-045001-) standing on a round base. Adam and Eve, and a Crucifixion can be seen on the west face, and many of the other panels are filled up with good interlacing, geometrical and animal motifs. Nearby is also an Early-Christian grave-slab (OF008-045004-)’ (Harbison 1970, 207). A 3D model of the high cross can be downloaded from Offaly County Council website at www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Heritage/Archaeology/3D_Surveying_of_Archaeological_Monuments/
115647,OF00447,HICR,OF009-005006-,OFFALY,DURROW DEMESNE,R182796,631977,730699,53.325579820000002,-7.520000930000000,Cross – High cross,Not indicated,Not indicated,https://heritagedata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=0c9eb9575b544081b0d296436d8f60f8&query=18a4b61b268-layer-9%2CSMRS%2COF009-005006-,National Monument No. 313. A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011
Monument Type: Cross – High cross