Thursday 19th December, marks the 500th anniversary of the death of Roland Eustace, Lord Portlester. Roland founded and endowed an abbey for the Franciscans of Strict Observation at New Abbey, Kilcullen, in the year 1486. The double effigy of Lord Portlester and his wife Margaret D'Artois was originally an "alter tomb" inside the Abbey Chapel. At the disolutin, the abbey was ruined and the altar tomb dismantled.
The side panels of the altar tomb are now built into the dwarf walls of the chapel, which was finally demolished in the 19th century.
After centuries of exposure to the elements, the effigy is now in need of urgent care.
At a recent meeting held in the Town Hall, Kilcullen, a committee was elected to device the best way to preserve this monument for future generations.