Rams

Yesterday Mike wondered what the the two goats/ram symbols were on the sign leading down to Kilcrohane. They are the logo for the Sheep's Head Way walking trail and they come from a rather interesting monument.  I braved a very muddy hillock and some horizontal mizzle to show her their origins- not that you can actually see them very well!  They are at the very top - sideways on! This is what they're meant to symbolise:
 The image illustrates the Gospel story of the people of Gideon and the Israelites who fought for many years; no one won and no one surrendered, they agreed to live together! Thus the interlocking rams symbolise togetherness and resilience.
Below them is a carving of what's described as a skin covered boat plus rudder - possibly a depiction of St Brendan the navigator( also sideways) who may have founded a monastery here. The carvings are unique and their date is given variously from the 6thC to the 8thC but are getting more and more eroded as they have no protection from the weather. On the other side is a praying figure, interlacing designs and St Anthony and St Paul praying in the desert! Obvious isn't it. 

Still working on the article. And tonight I have a catch up Irish lesson. All go.