Survey Data

Reg No

20823292


Rating

Regional


Categories of Special Interest

Artistic


Original Use

Grotto


In Use As

Grotto


Date

1950 - 1955


Coordinates

210829, 77441


Date Recorded

30/07/2008


Date Updated

--/--/--


Description

Carved bas relief, erected 1953, depicting Virgin and Child with fleur-de-lis motif to background. Set in round-headed brick arch, flanked by curved stone clad walls and square-profile piers, and situated behind altar with inset limestone plaque and top. Metal gates with limestone plinths to front.

Appraisal

Set in a prominent position, this sculptural piece by Seamus Murphy provides an artistic and spiritual focus in the South Abbey area. The detailed carving, representing Our Lady of Grace, is influenced by medieval religious representational traditions. It forms part of a group of Murphy pieces in the town with a pair of low relief plaques on Cork Road (see 20823290 - 20823291).