Armstrong — Some Matrices of Irish Seals. 469 



the Academy by the Eev. Denis Murphy, S.J.' The deAdee represents the 

 half-length figure of the Virgin and Child. The figures are well modelled. 

 The Virgin holds a globe in her right hand. The Holy Child has his right hand 

 raised in benediction, and holds some object — perhaps a bird — in his left. 

 Below is the figure of a priest fully vested, standing at an altar, saying mass. 

 His right hand is raised making the sign of the cross over the chalice which 

 he holds in his left hand. There is a tall cross on the altar in front of him. 

 (Plate LI, fig. 4.) Inscription — 



1^ S' PRIORIS SCCI PffTRI Da ATf^LOTIS'. 



To the last division — i.e., the common seals of religious foundations — 

 belong the following matrices : — 



Bronze matrix of the seal of the convent of Ballindown, Co. Sligo.- This 

 finely cut matrix is pointed oval in form and measures 2|- by l-f- inches. 

 It has an ornamental pierced handle. Previous to its acquisition by the 

 Academy it was in the collection of the Eev. Sir George Bisshopp, a former 

 Dean of Lismore.' The deAdee repi'esents the Virgin seated, holding the 

 Child. She wears a crown, and her robe has long sleeves. In her right hand 

 she holds a star of five rays to which the Holy Child points. (Plate LI, fig. 3.) 

 Inscription — 



* SI6ILLVM : ttAPITVLI : PEIORIS • ET^aOHVEHTYS : 3E : 

 BYLLqNSIOMS. 



The family of M'Donogh, Lords of Corran and TirerrU, founded an establish- 

 ment at Ballindown in 1427 in honour of the Virgin Mary for nuns of the 

 Order of Saint Dominick.* 



The very interesting but unfortunately much worn and broken matrix 

 of the priory of St. John (?) at Tuam. — The matrix is of bronze, and has a 

 green patina ; at the back, in the centre, is a looped handle. It is round, and 

 measures 2^ inches in diameter. The device represents three figures 

 under rude canopies. (Plate LI, fig. 5.) The central figui-e has the letters 

 I if CC on his breast. Inscription — 



* siGiLLvm aonYGcncvs ( ) is Da cvAvm. 



It is probably the matrix of the seal of the priory of St. John the Baptist 

 at Tuam.^ It was found near Loughrea, Co. Galway, some time before 1867, 

 and was deposited in the Academy's collection by Lord Talbot de Malahide 

 on behalf of another person. This matrix probably belongs to the thirteenth 

 century. 



• Proc. Royal Irish Academy, vol. xix, p. 373. * Proc. Royal Irish Academy, vol. ii, p. 32. 



2 Cotton, op. «<., vol. i, p. 171. * Archdall, op cit., vol. ii, p. C26. 



= Archdall, op. cit,, vol. i, p. 298. 



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