This small carved figure is to be seen on the outer south wall of Rosserk Franciscan Friary, near Ballina.

Carved figure at Rosserk Friary.

The friary, built c.1441, housed a community of the Third Order of St. Francis which, according to local lore, was placed under interdict by Rome for failing to adopt the Reform of Strict Observance. Some church historians refute this story but there does seems to be an element of truth in it.

(See Bishop McDonnell’s ‘Diocese of Killala’ published 1976, pps.87-88).