The McKenna Cross stands
in the Old Donagh Graveyard, 3.5Km from Emyvale and 1Km from Glaslough. It
dates from the 12th century and is almost 7ft. In height. According to local
tradition it was in the shadow of this Cross that the McKenna chieftains were
inaugurated as Leaders of their Clann. It was obviously deliberately knocked
down by ‘the Planters’ of the early 17th century and lay buried in the ground
until discovered by a member of the Leslie family c.1830. It was knocked or
blown down again at a later date and again lay buried until 1910, when it
was re-discovered by Sir Shane Leslie, who had it erected in its present location.
The stem appears short but actually stands 6ft. 2ins. In height. A concrete
collar of 18ins. Surrounds the lower part of the stem, keeping the two broken
parts together.
