2006:1465 - Lecarrowkilleen, Mayo

Excavations were undertaken in Lecarrowkilleen, The Neale, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, following the discovery of human remains during works to realign a dangerous junction on the R334 in late 2005 and 2006 (Excavations 2005, No 1127). These remains were located directly underneath the tarred road surface. This road and junction are marked on both the first-edition OS map of 1838 and Bald’s map of The Maritime County of Mayo, the survey of which took place between 1809 and 1816.
A standing stone (MA121–002) measuring 1.1m high, 0.4m wide and 0.2m thick is situated at the site, mounted on a concrete slab. This monument was moved from its original location in the 1960s after being struck by a car.
Initially the tarred road surface was excavated, revealing the presence of human bone immediately under the thin road subsurface. Excavation revealed a total of 231 human remains, including 107 adults, 61 children, 45 infants, three foetal remains and fifteen unidentified skeletal remains. A large quantity of disarticulated human bone was also found during excavation. Osteoarchaeological analysis of this fragmented bone is likely to increase the number of individuals recorded at the site. The state of preservation of the bone was poor, because of its location directly underneath a busy junction. Many of the burials were cut and disturbed by other graves. The site was also heavily disturbed by the recent insertion of an Eircom fibre-optic duct, which ran diagonally across the burial-ground. This pipe cut through several burials.
A variety of grave types were identified, including 133 simple grave-cuts and thirteen stone-lined graves. Two burials were represented by simple grave markers, while 83 burials had no discernible grave-cuts. A number of the graves had earmuffs and pillow stones arranged to support the head. The majority of burials were orientated east–west, with a number laid out with their feet crossed or their hands crossed over the pelvis.
Several other features were excavated, including a number of pits and post-holes. A variety of finds were uncovered, including animal bones, metal objects that included a number of possible shroud pin fragments, six glass beads (five blue and one white), a fragment of a stone bracelet, a number of lithic artefacts, clay-pipe fragments, some possible iron slag and a decorated quernstone fragment.
Post-excavation analysis is at a preliminary stage. Samples (which include animal bone, charcoal and soil) are being processed. Human remains are being prepared for osteoarchaeological analysis. Radiocarbon analysis will establish a dating sequence for activity at the site, but, based on material recovered, an early medieval date is indicated.