2013:245 - 13LIS-008, Killoran, Moyne, Tipperary

Following an assessment of the proposed impact of an extension to the Tailings Management Facility (TMF) in Lisheen Mine, 16 archaeological sightings were recorded in June 2013 (see 13E059). A programme of excavation was carried out between July and September 2013 which resulted in the excavation of these 16 sites and a further 28 sites which were identified during the course of excavation.

This site consisted of a longitudinal brushwood trackway, identified in two separate cuttings, although no associated remains were evident between the two cuttings.

Cutting 1, the westernmost cutting, measured 5.3m (east-west) by 5m. Two main levels of construction were recorded – a substructure and an overlying superstructure, generally orientated north-east/south-west. At the lowest level of Cutting 1 a number of loosely arranged brushwoods (none of which were worked) were uncovered on the same alignment as the sub and superstructures. The main sub-structure was constructed of a possible re-used hurdle panel, maximum dimensions of 1.9m by 0.9m. The hurdle was constructed of 5 hazel sails set between 0.1-0.18m apart, averaging between 15-26mm in diameter and between 0.3-2.05m in length. One of the sails was noted as being constructed of 2 timbers laid side by side. The hazel rods which composed the majority of the panel had an average diameter ranging from 11-15mm in diameter and from 0.1-0.8m long.

The majority of the superstructure consisted of longitudinally set brushwood/twigs, extending over an area 4.8m by 1.8m (3.6m at west end) orientated north-east/south-west. The brushwoods ranged in width from 5.2mm to 2-3mm and have an average length 1-1.5m.

A number of possible pegs were recorded on either side of the superstructure, two on either side of the hurdle panel and a further 3 in an alignment across the overlying brushwoods. The two pegs associated with the hurdle panel were set on either side and could have provided additional stability. The three pegs across the superstructures were arranged with 2 on the north side and 1 on the south. Their precise function is unclear but could have assisted in stability and prevented lateral movement of the superstructure.
The main components of the surrounding peat were identified as sphagnum moss with frequent eriophorum throughout.

In Cutting 2, to the east, the remains were more fragmented and poorly preserved than those in Cutting 1. The main area of Cutting 2 had maximum dimensions of 3.5m (east-west) by 3m (north-south), although this was extended to the north-east with an additional area of 2.5m (east-west) by 1.5m.

The lowest level recorded in the cutting consisted of 6 loosely arranged brushwoods, none of which were worked.

The superstructure elements were predominantly orientated north-east/south-west with some probably disturbed elements extending north-south. Average dimensions ranged in size from 0.01-0.06m diameter, with some twigs 50mm diameter, and from 0.08-1.2m in length. In the extended area of Cutting 2, 7 brushwood elements were very loosely arranged on the field surface, but aside from a similar alignment direct association with the main structure could not be confirmed.

Timber sampled from Cutting 2 identified the majority of the brushwood as birch (26%), although hazel, alder, elm, holly, oak, prunus, and ash were all represented.

This site was fully resolved and no further archaeological mitigation is required.

IAC Ltd, Unit G1, Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow