Fethard (Tipperary)

There are two figures in the tiny town of Fethard. This one (less photographed than the other associated with the abbey) is on a remnant of the mediæval town wall
at the former Water Gate..

Showing emaciation and (unusually) teeth and distinctive almond-shaped eyes more usually associated with Irish Romanesque figures, this is a remarkably disquieting piece of sculpture - almost certaiinly performing an apotropaic function,
facing the bridge which leads into the town.

Tiny, claw-like hands pull a deeply-carved vulva.