William Murphy

A TALE IN THE WALL -236745-1

July 19, 2024 by infomatique

MORE PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY BY MARTA OKUKICZ

Marta Okulicz is a street artist based in Dublin. She has participated in the Dublin Canvas project, creating vibrant and eye-catching murals around the city. This was the first example of Marta’s that I photographed.

How the artist described this example of her Paint-A-Box street art: Ireland is the birthplace of many great fairy tales and folklore. Dublin especially can cause one to feel like they’re living through one of those epic fables. You only have to turn a corner before you find another hidden gem”.

ROCK AND CHICKEN FILLET ROLL ON PRUSSIA STREET X-236743-1

July 19, 2024 by infomatique

PAINT-A-BOX BY MARTA OKUKICZ

Marta Okulicz is a street artist based in Dublin. She has participated in the Dublin Canvas project, creating vibrant and eye-catching murals around the city. I thought that this was the first example of her work that I have photographed but a few minutes ago I discovered that I photographed “A Tale In The Wall” near Guild Street last Sunday.

How the artist described this example her art: “Get ready to rock your taste buds with a celebration of Ireland’s ultimate cult classic: the Chicken Fillet Roll! The artwork is my tribute to this divine Irish delicacy. Whether you’re gorging yourself on one during you lunch break, indulging in a late-night feast, or just craving one, I hope that my artwork will put a smile on your face and pump you up for whatever comes your way, just like a good rock song!”

IN 1786 THE SERIAL KILLER BILLY IN THE BOWL WAS ARRESTED X-236741-1

July 19, 2024 by infomatique

PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART

Billy in the Bowl, also known as the Stoneybatter Strangler, was a notorious figure in Dublin’s dark history of the late 1700s.

Who was Billy in the Bowl?

Born without legs, Billy Davis used a large, bowl-shaped cart to move around, hence his nickname.
He was known for his immense upper body strength, which he tragically used to overpower and strangle his victims.
His Crimes:

Billy targeted mostly women, particularly young servant girls and elderly ladies, in the Stoneybatter and Grangegorman areas of Dublin.

He would lure his victims by feigning distress and calling for help, then attack them when they approached.
Capture and Aftermath:

In 1786, Billy was caught after attempting to rob two women who fought back and alerted the authorities.

While he was never convicted of murder due to lack of evidence, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for robbery with violence.
The murders in the area ceased after his incarceration, strongly suggesting his guilt.
Legacy:

Billy in the Bowl remains a chilling figure in Dublin folklore, embodying the city’s dark past of poverty, crime, and violence.

His story is often retold as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers that lurked in the shadows of old Dublin.

ST MARY’S OF THE ANGELS CHURCH -236733-1

July 19, 2024 by infomatique

CHURCH STREET DUBLIN JULY 2024

St. Mary of the Angels Church: A Capuchin Gem on Church Street, Dublin

Designed by J.J. McCarthy in 1881 for the Capuchin Order, the elegant St. Mary of the Angels Church replaced the smaller Church Street Chapel. Its Gothic Revival style, with pointed arches, rib vaulting, and turrets, creates a harmonious interior and a striking exterior that stands out in the streetscape.

The church’s Franciscan heritage is evident in the numerous depictions of Franciscan saints, including sculptures by Leo Broe on the facade and mosaics and sculptures by James Pearse (father of 1916 Rising leaders Pádraig and Willie Pearse) in the reredos. A unique feature is the series of oil paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross, titled in Irish – an early example of the language’s use in a religious context.

The Capuchin Friars, who have been present in Dublin since 1615, originally established a friary on Bridge Street in 1624. They moved to Church Street in 1690, shortly after the Battle of the Boyne, and opened a “Mass house” on the site of the current church. This Mass house was enlarged in 1796 before being replaced by the current structure.

St. Mary of the Angels is not a parish church, but the friars also serve the nearby Halston Street Parish, one of the oldest in Dublin City Centre. The friary also houses the Capuchin Day Centre, providing vital services to the local community, and the Capuchin Mission Office, supporting the work of Irish friars overseas.

STATUE OF PADRE PIO X-236732-1

July 19, 2024 by infomatique

THIS IS DISTINCT FROM THE POPULAR SHRINE INSIDE THE CHURCH

St. Mary of the Angels Church & The National Shrine of St. Padre Pio, Church Street, Dublin

History: A Capuchin Franciscan church built in 1881, known for its beautiful architecture, historical significance (including connections to the 1916 Rising), and its role as the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio in Ireland.

Padre Pio Statue: A prominent stone statue of St. Padre Pio, erected on 30th May 1982 by the members of the Capuchin Padre Pio Prayer Group, stands outside the church facing Church Street. It is a popular site for prayer and reflection, distinct from the shrine located inside the church.

Irish Office for Padre Pio: Founded in the 1970s by Eileen Maguire, this office played a crucial role in promoting the canonization of Padre Pio. In 2018, it moved to the Capuchin Friary on Church Street, further solidifying the church’s connection to the saint.

Prayer Group Masses: The church hosts two prayer group Masses dedicated to Padre Pio: the first Thursday of the month at 3:00 PM and the Thursday after the third Sunday of each month at 7:30 PM.

St. Padre Pio (1887-1968)

Early Life: Born Francesco Forgione in Pietrelcina, Italy, Padre Pio entered the Capuchin order at a young age.
Stigmata: He became famous for bearing the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, on his hands, feet, and side for 50 years.
Spiritual Gifts: Padre Pio was also known for his reported gifts of bilocation, healing, and prophecy.
Following: His reputation for holiness and miracles drew massive crowds to his monastery in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, and his following continues to grow even after his death, especially in Ireland.
Why Padre Pio Has a Large Following

Miracles: The numerous reported miracles associated with Padre Pio, both during his life and after his death, have inspired deep faith and devotion.
Stigmata: The visible wounds of Christ on his body served as a powerful symbol of his connection to the divine.
Humility: Despite his fame, Padre Pio maintained a simple and humble lifestyle, endearing him to many.
Empathy: He was known for his compassion and understanding towards those who sought his counsel and prayers.