January 23, 2007
Hurler on the ditch
This wayside cross marks part of the old road west - it's located near the ruins of Dysart old church in County Roscommon. It is dated 1639 - 2 years before the Catholic population of Ireland revolted against Protestant rule and 10 years before Cromwell arrived to spoil the fun for everyone.
The cross is decorated (see below) with a carving of what looks a severed hand holding a hurley - clearly, hurling was as dangerous then as it is today. It's visible from the road (the old church is signposted). The old road west is only used a short cut today for people trying to dodge weekend or rush-hour traffic through Ballinalsoe, Loughrea and Craughwell. Even now, preparations for the new motorway joining Athlone to Galway are well underway - the land is bought and paid for, and is being fenced off - and, soon, the old road will attract even less traffic than it does today.
