The Kiltinane Church Sheela-na-gig was one of the very first to be described by modern researchers and the figure from which the name came into common usage.

In the mid-1800’s the renowned scholar John O’Donovan noticed the figure whilst carrying out research of the area and was surprised to find such an overt image on a church. The locals told him it was a Sheela-na-gig but not what the name meant and thus began an inquiry that is still on-going.

Despite the pre-christian imagery the Sheela-na-gigs date from the Middle Ages, 12th – 16th c and are traditionally regarded as iconic representations of saints. They are very special, magical carvings considered to be imbued with mystic powers.