Irish High Crosses

 

Moone

In Moone, Co Kildare stands the second tallest high cross in Ireland. The shape of which is quite unique, and consists of three parts, the upper part and base were discovered in the graveyard of the abbey in 1835 and re-erected as a complete cross, but in 1893 the middle section of the shaft was discovered and the cross was finally reconstructed to its original size, now standing at 17.5 feet the cross has been erected inside the ruins of the medieval church. The theme of the cross is the Help of God, how God came to their assistance in their hour of need, Daniel in the lions pit, the three children in the fiery furnace and the miracle of the loaves and fishes amongst the scenes depicted. The monastery is believed to have been founded by St Palladius in the 5th century and dedicated to St Columcille in the 6th century, and the cross constructed from granite during the 8th Century.

 

 

The 12 Apostles are carved on the base of the west side, below the crucifixion.

The Temptation of St Anthony and a six-headed beast on the North base.

East face showing Daniel in the Lions pit and the sacrifice of Isaac.

South side, the miracle of the loaves and fishes, the flight into Egypt.

 

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