THE FOUR MASTERS FEATURING A CELTIC CROSS
THE FOUR MASTERS PHOTOGRAPHED 2020 AND 2022
THE FOUR MASTERS MEMORIAL [FEATURING LARGE CELTIC CROSS BY JAMES CAHILL]
(Images from 2020 and 2022)
The Four Masters Memorial, a striking Celtic cross sculpted by James Cahill, stands within a small, privately owned park bounded by Eccles Street, Berkeley Road, and St. Joseph's Church in Dublin. While the park's location is publicly accessible to view from the street, access to the park itself is restricted, preventing public entry.
The Memorial and its Origins:
Erected in 1876, the memorial commemorates the remarkable achievement of the Franciscan friars of Donegal town. Between 1632 and 1636, these friars meticulously compiled a comprehensive history of early Ireland from a wealth of ancient sources. This monumental work, known as the Annals of the Four Masters, is a cornerstone of medieval Irish historiography, providing invaluable insights into the island's past.
The driving force behind the memorial was Sir William Wilde (1815-1876), father of Oscar Wilde. A distinguished eye and ear surgeon, Sir William was also a passionate antiquarian with a deep interest in Irish history and archaeology. His active involvement in Dublin's sculptural commissions, coupled with his membership in the Royal Irish Academy, made him a natural champion for a monument honouring the Four Masters. He commissioned James Cahill to execute the project.
The Sculptor: James Cahill (d. 1890):
James Cahill, born in Delvin, County Westmeath, demonstrated his artistic talent early in life. Following his father's death, his family moved to Dublin, where he studied at the Royal Dublin Society School, winning prizes in 1851 and 1852. In 1852, he exhibited a sculptural group at the Royal Hibernian Academy before travelling to Rome for a brief period.
Upon his return to Dublin in 1853, Cahill apprenticed in the studio of the renowned Irish sculptor, John Hogan, remaining there until 1858. During this time, he honed his skills and produced numerous works for churches, as well as portrait busts and statues. His most significant individual work is considered to be the statue of Daniel O'Connell, erected in Ennis in 1865. Cahill exhibited regularly at the Royal Hibernian Academy between 1856 and 1886. He died in Dublin on 28 October 1890 and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
The Park and the MetroLink Connection:
The park containing the Four Masters Memorial is owned by the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. Interestingly, historical records reveal that the park was once intended to be integrated with the now-cancelled Metro North project. A partially constructed underground structure, sometimes referred to as a "box," exists beneath the Mater Hospital grounds, likely intended to serve as part of a planned "Mater Stop" on the original Metro North line. However, with the shift to the MetroLink project and a revised route, these plans were abandoned, leaving the "box" and the park's future uncertain. The reasons for restricting public access to the park remain unclear.