Mayo Historical and Archaeological Society
Cong Market Cross
By N.O'N.
11, Mar 2006 - 20:42

 

Market Cross at Cong village.

The Market Cross at Cong, pictured in bright Spring sunshine just a few days ago, is a relic of Cong Abbey in its glory days. The monument consists of a 14th cross base on which a relatively modern cross is inserted. The cross-shaft and the three steps on which the base is mounted were erected by the Elwood family in 1822, a time of famine.

The base is inscribed 'ordo Niahol agus do Gillibard O Dubthaigh rab i narraiddeacht Cunga' - 'A Prayer for Niahol and for Gillibard O'Dubthaigh (Duffy) who were abbots of Cong'. The prayer is repeated on the face of the modern cross.

Further reading;

The Shell Guide To Ireland. Killanin & Duignan. 1962.

Wilde's Lough Corrib, Sir William Wilde. 1867.