HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PUZZLE FOR ME
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Dublin, a city steeped in Catholic tradition, is adorned with numerous Marian statues, each bearing testament to the enduring devotion to the Virgin Mary. Many of these statues, erected in 1954 during the Marian Year, dot the landscape, marking a significant moment in Ireland’s religious history. Yet, amidst this tapestry of faith, the Marian Statue in Stillorgan presents a captivating enigma.
Located at what locals once referred to as “Patrician Villas,” now officially recognised as St. Laurence’s Park, this statue stands as an outlier. While its counterparts proudly display their 1954 origins, the Stillorgan statue’s inscription boldly declares 1986 as its year of erection. This discrepancy raises intriguing questions about its history and purpose.
The 1987 Marian Year had minimal impact on statue building in Ireland, making the 1986 date even more perplexing. Could it be a belated response to the 1954 movement, or perhaps a commemoration of another significant Marian event specific to the Stillorgan community?
Further complicating matters is the recent mislabeling of the statue on Google Maps as the “Stillorgan Grotto.” This is historically inaccurate, as the true Stillorgan Grotto, designed by Edward Lovett Pearce, is associated with the Stillorgan Obelisk, a landmark situated away from the village.
The Stillorgan Marian Statue, shrouded in this web of historical ambiguity, beckons further investigation. Unraveling its true origins and purpose could shed light on a unique chapter in the story of Marian devotion in Ireland. It serves as a reminder that even amidst well-documented traditions, local narratives and individual expressions of faith can create fascinating exceptions and enduring mysteries.
The Stillorgan Obelisk, erected circa 1727, stands as a testament to Ireland’s architectural heritage, possibly being the earliest surviving obelisk in the country. Its completion by 1733 is confirmed through historical records referencing its resemblance to the “Devil’s Castle” sea stack in County Kerry. Notably, the obelisk predates other iconic landmarks such as the Conolly folly (1740), the Killiney Hill Obelisk (1742), and the Wellington Memorial (completed in 1861).
However, the obelisk’s grounds hold more than just architectural significance. In 1954, while preparing a site for a Marian Grotto, boys from St. Augustine’s stumbled upon a Bronze Age cist burial. The discovery, prompting investigations by Gardaí and the National Museum, revealed the remains of a young woman who had suffered a fatal blow to the head. The presence of flint and oyster shells within the grave helped date the burial back to the Bronze Age, adding another layer of historical depth to the site. Interestingly, this wasn’t the first such discovery; earlier remains had been found in 1946 and reburied, and another cist burial was unearthed in 1716, showcasing the area’s rich and ancient past.
The Stillorgan Obelisk, therefore, represents not only a remarkable architectural feat but also a silent witness to centuries of human history, from the Bronze Age to the present day. Its grounds, once home to both grand estates and ancient burials, continue to intrigue and inspire, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s layered and captivating past.