- Ballyduff, Co. Laois, Laois

In February 1990 human remains were discovered in the roots of a tree that had fallen in recent storms at Ballyduff, Co. Laois.¹⁴⁶ Parts of several skeletons were visible firmly embedded in the rootball of the tree. The site was reported to the NMI and was investigated by Mary Cahill. The landowner, Mr Michael Booth, stated that the area has always been avoided when ploughing, even though there was no surface indication of an enclosure. It was possible to tell that the skeletons were originally aligned west/east, probably in an extended position. According to the landowner, there were no local traditions of a cemetery or church site known to his family, although an enquiry as to the location of ‘Ballyduff Cemetery’ had once been made to him. A forged iron cross of relatively modern date was found in the area, as was a bronze coin of 1683. The pathologist at Portlaoise hospital examined the bones and found them to be the remains of several young adults, but the cause of death could not be determined. The bone was not acquired but was reinterred locally.

146. Parish of Moyanna, barony of Stradbally. SMR LA014-097——. IGR 257100 201500.