NORTH STRAND BOMBING

A Park of Confusion and Remembrance

This park, often locked and neglected, raises questions about its purpose and maintenance. The term "re-opened" suggests a cyclical pattern:

1. Years of discussion about creating a memorial park.
2. A grand opening, often before a general election.
3. Neglect and lack of upkeep.
4. Closure due to anti-social behaviour.
5. Repetition of the cycle, especially on the North Side of the city.

The park's confusion stems from two unrelated elements coexisting in the same space:

• Steve Doody's "Hexagon (This Could Be It)": A deep orange, double hexagonal steel sculpture, representing the efficiency of the hexagon in nature.
• North Strand Bombing Memorial: Commemorating the tragic bombing of North Strand by German aircraft during World War II.

These two distinct entities share a small garden on North Strand Road, each with its own significance. The sculpture embodies Doody's artistic expression, while the memorial serves as a reminder of the historical event and its impact on the community.

The North Strand Bombing

At approximately 2 a.m. on 31 May 1941, four German bombs fell on North Dublin. While three caused damage and injuries, the fourth devastated North Strand, claiming 28 lives, injuring 90, and leaving 400 homeless. The reasons behind the bombing remain unclear, whether an attempt to force Ireland into war or a reprisal for Dublin Fire Brigade's assistance during the Belfast Blitz.

Steve Doody: Artist and Sculptor

Steve Doody, a ceramics artist, woodworking teacher, and slam-poetry workshop leader, created the "Hexagon" sculpture. In 2014, it was selected for Sculpture in Context, Ireland's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition, and won him a prize. Doody's inspiration for the hexagon came from nature, recognising it as the most efficient shape found in the natural world.