The De Profundis Stone
In the County of Westmeath and not far from the town of Mullingar there lies a Stone which is claimed to be the only one of its kind in Ireland.
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This is the De Profundis Stone and it is named such after a biblical Psalm.
.jpg "The De Profundis Stone - Whitewell")
The Psalm in question is Psalm 129 (Latin Vulgate) or alternatively Psalm 130 (King James).
It is sometimes called a Prayer for the Dead.
.jpg "The De Profundis Stone - Kilbride Veston")
Ancient Psalms were originally a type of poetry in Hebrew and were often sung.
Todays contemporary Psalms are translations into English which we are more familiar with and which are spoken as prayers.
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In a peculiar twist of faith I came across this lonely roadside lithic returning from a Funeral Mass in Mullingar.
The Stone is located in an area known as both Whitewell and Kilbride-Veston.
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There is a nearby Church ruin and Graveyard directly across the road from the De Profundis Stone and it is here the stone was originally located before being removed and placed in its present roadside position.
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The De Profundis Stone is a large Coffin shaped stone.
It is unremarkable in and of itself but for its singular claim to be the last of its type in Ireland.
.jpg "The De Profundis Stone - Westmeath")
It is believed the Stone marked the site of the nearby Graveyard and that funerary processions would lay the Coffin with the deceased on top of the De profundis Stone and the Psalm would be recited.
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A plain Cross is incised onto the top of the slab. The "one and only" claim of its uniqueness in Ireland was sufficient grounds for me to detour on my way home to visit the site when I became aware of its existence.
The stone is elevated and lying on a purpose built plinth for display purposes.
Despite the lack of any elaborate carving, a well known history or a record of touristic visits I would recommend a detour to visit the De Profundis when passing through the area if only to chance upon a more obscure and unusual Irish historical relic.
Keep the wheels turning.
De Profundis - Gregorian Chant
The De Profundis Catholic Prayer
De Profundis - Learn Religions
De Profundis Origin - Mary Geraghtry - Dúchas.ie - Schools Collection