This top picture below shows a 15^th -16^th century tomb carved in stone in the Dominican Friary at Straide. Its intricately carved tracery is amongst the finest in Ireland and is surely the work of a master craftsman. The lower picture shows the Pietá, another finely carved piece which formed part of the high altar

The friary was founded by Jordan De Exeter of Ballylahan Castle and was initially a Franciscan foundation. However, C.1252 the friary was handed over to the Dominicans at the behest of Basilia, wife of Stephen De Exeter, whose father was Miler De Bermingham of Athenry a great benefactor of the Dominicans. It is said that Basilia refused to appear at a banquet given for honoured guests at the castle, and would have scandalised her husband and insulted the guests by her absence. Stephen was forced to accede to her wishes and emissaries were immediately despatched to Rome for papal approval of the transfer.