SHEEHAN MEMORIAL [HAWKINS STREET]

This is located on Hawkins Street and as a matter of interest Hawkins House, Dublin’s ugliest buildings, is scheduled to be levelled, three years after its demolition and redevelopment was granted planning permission. My father had an office in the building for about a year and he hated it.

Constable Sheahan was a member of the Dublin Metropolitan Police force. He lost in life in tragic circumstances in May 1905 when he was overcome by deadly gas in the sewers of Dublin as he attempted to rescue unconscious workmen. Sheahan’s heroics touched the heart of native Dubliners, as this young man of only 29 had given everything in an attempt to save others. In 1906 a monument to Sheahan was erected, paid for my public subscription, and placed at the site of the tragedy.

This memorial incorporates a water fountain and for many years I have complained that in general fountains in Dublin appear to lack water and in most cases they are badly maintained. Unfortunately, one of my photographs may explain why fountains in Dublin no longer contain water … they are used as asktrays by people smoking outside pubs.

This particular memorial is well maintained but it should be noted that it has been recently relocated [slightly] to make way for the new Luas tram tracks.