Gallen Priory Cross #184

Half a mile south of Ferbane, Ireland is the site of a 5th century priory with a collection of 8th to 11th century grave slabs preserved in the modern priory. Close by is the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, bounds the western edge of Co. Offaly. First settled almost 9000 years ago, West Offaly is rich in prehistoric treasures. 

The Gallen Priory cross is the gravestone of a monk. Four serpents, whose tails wind into a spiral, appear to be attacking the human heads. The person on the shaft appears to be struggling with the serpent or dragon. The head, long considered the seat of thought and of consciousness, struggling with temptation, suggesting the inner struggle of the soul as it strives after the Christian ideal.