I have no problem with people refering to Sheelas as 'a goddess', but I object to the use of "The Goddess" as if there was only one monotheisstic being.

I just see her as a matriarchal knee-jerk to God, and no one has ever written anything that makes me believe she ever existed.

Sheelas are more common in Ireland than in GB. In Ireland there is St. Brigit, a later avatar of the Celtic Brigid, who was a fertility goddess (and still is, being Mary's midwife).

The Irish hold St. Brigit sacred as much as they do Mary, more so in some places. I just believe that with the power of Brigid still lasting the Sheela as a fertility goddess has no role.

One of the Sheelas (kilinaboy I think) is said by locals to be an image of a 10th century nun! Go figure :-)

Their use on castles in Ireland (probably, but not proven to be taken from church sites - some seem to be carved in place) does hint at a protective aspect.

There is one in a round tower (built in 11th century) that has one which is definitely carved in situ across two stones above a window. That does not hint at being all that pagan to me.

As I have said before, I would love someone to prove that they are pagan.