St Abban's Cross

Adamstown

Located in Adamstown graveyard is this stunning high cross. The 3.8 metre cross towers above the surrounding grave markers. The plain latin cross is cut from a green coloured stone and sits in a rectangular base buried in the ground. Although it reminds me of the early cross at Killiney in Kerry this possible 8th century cross is a lot cruder. St Abban established a church here in the late 6th century. The low remains of a medieval church are also present in the graveyard.

St. Abban (aka St Abban of Magheranoidhe, Eibbán and Moabba) According to tradition Abban was born into the Uí Chormaic dynasty in Leinster and is the alleged brother of St Gobnait of Ballyvourney. As well as establishing the church at Adamstown he is also associated with Killabban in County Laois and is credited with founding the church at Ballyvourney before surrendering it to St Gobnait. There is also an association with Killagh Abbey in County Kerry. There is a grave marked with two ogham stones and a bullaun stone in the woods near Ballyvourney traditionally believed to be the burial place of St Abban. He died c.520AD.