Balleen Little
Balleen Little, Co. Kilkenny.
This townland houses a late 18th century castle in poor condition and beside it, the remains of an older church.
The sheela is remounted on a wall to the rear of the farmer’s (Frank Dowling) house and is well located for taking photos, although lighting is a problem. Features on this sheela are the bug eyes, cow ears, large flat nose, whiskers?, a full set of teeth and lips, ribs, triangular breasts and hands placed on an immature vulva, legs apart and feet splayed out. Needs a makeover.
At present I’m working on that ring around the neck and trying to decide if it is a ligature or not.
Directions
Map No. 60…GR No. S 377/668…and marked church.
Holiday Map East
From Freshford, which is 15k NW of Kilkenny, take the Urlingford road for 1k to a right turn for Gattabawn. Go through the next crossroads and it’s the second farm on your left. The one with the castle in the front garden!
Last Updated: 22 April 04
