Thurles - TN041-042005 - Sheela-na-Gig -

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Located on a section of wall behind Lyon’s Tyre and Batteries Centre in Thurles town. The carving is located on the top of the wall and appears to have been inserted at a later date. According to the OS Letters the W gate of the town was known locally as ‘geata na Gcoileach’ or the gate of the old woman with a carving of an old woman chiselled on a stone in one of its sides (O’Flanagan 1930, vol. 3, 7-8). It has been suggested this is a reference is to the sheela-na-gig. The figure consists of a woman carved in relief with a pear-shaped head, almond-shaped recessed eyes, small nose and horizontal mouth on a square body with sagging breasts, splayed legs and arms pulling vulva apart. It has pronounced jug-shaped ears and the lower leg on the dexter side is missing while that on the sinister side terminates in a foot positioned side-ways with pronounced heel and foot