2013:154 - Shanrahan, Tipperary

Testing was undertaken of a proposed extension to a burial ground at Shanrahan, Clogheen, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Situated in south-west Tipperary, Shanrahan is located c. 1.5km west of Clogheen village, just off the Clonmel/Clogheen/Mitchelstown regional road (R665). A number of archaeological monuments occur within Shanrahan burial ground. A ruined castle, a ruined church, a graveyard and two Sheela-Na-Gigs are recorded.

The work was commissioned by South Tipperary County Council who are currently undertaking preparatory works to acquire ground for the extension. The proposed extension will be sited to the east and south-east of the existing burial ground and will cover a total area of less than one acre.  Following the results of an Archaeological Impact Assessment, and in particular a Geophysical Survey, it was decided to implement a programme of testing. The Geophysical Survey indicated potential archaeological features in the larger part of the site which was given over to tillage whilst the smaller part proved very difficult to survey due to magnetic disturbance and overgrown vegetation.

In total, five trenches were opened within the boundaries of the proposed graveyard extension: two in the northern extent; and three in the southern part.  No archaeological remains were found in any of the openings. The Geophysical survey of the northern extent proved negative regarding anomalies of potential archaeological provenance. This was not surprising as it would have been almost impossible to gain an accurate response through the dense vegetation that covered this area. Due to the close proximity of this part of the site to the ruined castle, as well as its topographic nature and location, it was decided to test this area for archaeological activity. Both trenches opened within this area proved negative regarding archaeological activity.

Three trenches were opened within the southern aspect of the proposed extension, each of which was to determine the provenance of anomalies identified during the Geophysical survey. The most northerly feature, in Test Trench 3, proved to be an isolated stone spread of unknown date. Due to its amorphous nature it was not possible to determine its function/importance, if there actually is one. The linear feature in Test Trench 4 was considered to be the remains of a pre-19^th-century furrow, which has mainly survived as a scar cut into the natural clay. The third feature, located in Test Trench 5, appeared to be a north-south aligned ditch.  When the northern line was projected it is noticeable that it extended to the house fronting the Clogheen-Ballyporeen regional road (R665); whilst the southern projection would appear to have terminated at the river.  It is therefore considered this feature was an early drainage ditch associated with the roadside house.

Mary Henry Archaeological Services Ltd, 17 Staunton Row, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary