Madonna and Child

A polychromed oak statue of the Madonna and Child dating from the late thirteenth or early fourteenth century is preserved in the local Catholic Church at Clonfert. It comprises an upright Madonna and stands to about 4 feet in height. It underwent conservation in the National Museum of Ireland in 1945.

Kilcorban Madonna and Child

There are two other similar statues from the region. The earliest is the Kilcorban Madonna and Child from near Tynagh. It dates to the late twelfth or early thirteenth century and comprises an enthroned Madonna. It is now preserved in the Diocesan Museum in Loughrea.

Our Lady of Bethlehem

The second example is the Athlone Madonna or Our Lady of Bethlehem, so named after a former Poor Clare Convent where it was housed at a place called Bethlehem outside Athlone. Following a devastating fire that engulfed the convent, it was taken to Galway by the Poor Clares. It is to be seen in their convent on Nuns Island, Galway City.

Our Lady of Clonfert

The Clonfert Madonna the latest of the three, is commonly known as Our Lady of Clonfert. It is the focus of a large pilgrimage that takes place annually during the Month of May.

Like the Kilcorban example, this too is an enthroned Madonna. A common feature of all three statues is that they have hollowed out backs. To stop the finished piece from cracking the harder heart wood is removed thus allowing the outer softer wood to shrink evenly.

Found by Woodcutters

It is likely that the Clonfert Madonna and Child originated in the convent of Canonesses of St Augustine. The Christ Child is supported on his mother’s right arm while he plays with a tress of her hair. The left arm of the Virgin is missing. It is traditionally believed to have been accidentally severed by woodcutters as they were cutting a tree. According to local folk tradition they saw blood flow from the cutting, so they stopped and retrieved the statue from the tree.