About Rory O'Tunny
Rory O'Tunny was a sculptor.
Rory O'Tunny (fl. c. 1520 – 1542; , ; other spellings include Ruoricus, Otyuny, Otwyne, Otuyne, Otyyne ) was an Irish sculptor.
Rory O'Tunny was born into a family of sculptors, said to have originated in Callan, County Kilkenny. According to his own signature in Kilcooly Abbey, his father's name was Patrick. Among his more prominent works are three tombs in Kilcooly Abbey, the resting place of Sir John Grace and his wife, Honora Brenach, in the North aisle of St. Canice' Cathedral, County Kilkenny, and the tombs of Robert Walsh and his wife, Katherine Poer (Power), at Jerpoint Abbey.
Several of the chest tombs at St. Canice's Cathedral which had been taken apart and scattered in the graveyard by Cromwellian forces and re-assembled in the 19th century have been partially identified as O'Tunny's work by John Hunt.
He is also believed to have carved the Trinity Stone (Throne of Grace) once housed in St. Mary's Church, Callan, now in the Catholic Church in Callan.
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Important facts
Frequently asked questions
Who was Rory O'Tunny?
Irish sculptor
When was Rory O'Tunny born?
Rory O'Tunny was born in Callan.
What was Rory O'Tunny's occupation?
Rory O'Tunny was a sculptor.
What nationality was Rory O'Tunny?
Rory O'Tunny's recorded nationality: Lordship of Ireland.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Rory O'Tunny. https://biography.guide/rory-o-tunny/
MLA: "Rory O'Tunny." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/rory-o-tunny/.
Chicago: "Rory O'Tunny." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/rory-o-tunny/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-24 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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