 Clara, Co. Offaly More than once or twice, I have mentioned that I am on a bit of a Seamus Murphy trail – looking for and admiring his work at very many locations. When in Tullamore recently, I had to travel the extra twelve miles to Clara to appreciate and photograph the headstone erected to remember William Cochrane Mercier. I am getting better at recognising his headstones – the thickness, the stone, the profile. The lettering, the edge detailing and the distinctive red engraving are generally confirmation only. The sculptor’s name is regularly observed for my own particular game – R.H.A., A.R.H.A. or no letting; Murphy, O Murcaḋa, or O Murchú. Each of these alternatives are engraved on different works. Since I learned that most engraving is now computerised, I have been keeping an eye open for what appears to my eye to be hand-engraving. I have spotted a few by Ken Thompson in graveyards. I do like the images of @PoorFrankRaw. In the graveyard of St. Brigid’s Church in Clara, I spotted a headstone which appeared to be hand engraved and detailed. It had what appeared to be the initials of the craftsman – TG. TG has now gone onto my ‘To Find Out More’ list. |  Clara, Co. Offaly  Clara, Co. Offaly |
