Lower Carboniferous strata at Hook Head, County Wexford, Ireland, reco
rd tempestite deposition on a mixed carbonate and siliciclastic shelf-
ramp. Crinoidal remains occur in all facies, which allows for a compar
ative taphonomic analysis of crinoid preservation. Preservation of cri
noid crowns was controlled by a balance between mean storm intensity a
nd frequency. The best preservation occurs at moderate depths. Taphono
mic resistance among Hook Head crinoids is interpreted as follows (fro
m most to least resistant to disarticulation): monobathrid camerates -
cladids - diplobathrid camerates - flexibles (with Platycrinites and
Dichocrinus disarticulation more like cladids).