2009:505 - SITE AR025, MULLINAVAT, Kilkenny

An excavation took place during June 2006 in advance of the construction of the N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford road improvement scheme. Prior assessment (Valerie J. Keeley Ltd, 2005) and centreline test-trenching was carried out by Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd in 2006. The site, including the mound material, was truncated by a north-east/southwest-running modern drain containing a plastic corrugated pipe. Evidence of modern disturbance was found below the deposit of burnt-mound material, which is therefore believed to have been redeposited from another location and is ex situ. The small spread of burnt-mound-type material (comprised mostly of heat-shattered stone fragments and black silt) measured 5.5m by 5m and up to 0.2m deep. Below the thin spread of burnt-mound material was a mix of varying shades of grey clay, some sand and organic matter. Roots and the remains of a tree trunk were found. Originally, on inspection, the tree remains appeared like a possible track or togher through the marshy land. However, once fully exposed, the wood was found to have been fresh and a sherd of fine, clear glass was wedged within it. This material seems to have been dumped here from another location and fragments of burnt stone were found below, possibly washed down.

Editor’s note: This summary did not arrive in time for inclusion in the bulletin of 2006.