THE MATER PLOT OR THE FOUR MASTERS PARK
The Mater Plot: Will this North Inner-City Green Space Disappear?
The Four Masters' Park, located on Berkeley Road in Dublin's North Inner-City, might be a lesser-known haven of greenery, but its origins and features hold historical significance. Given by the Sisters of Mercy for the community's benefit, it boasts the Healing Hands sculpture by Tony O'Malley and a large "Four Masters" Celtic cross.
Uncertain Access, Uncertain Future
Despite assuming it was a public park, access has been mysteriously restricted for several years. This restricted access, combined with the planned new MetroLink station development, raises concerns about the park's fate. Curiously, a station box constructed for the former Metro North plan lies less than 100 meters away under the Mater Hospital.
History of the Park's Features
Healing Hands by Tony O'Malley: This evocative sculpture symbolises the Mater Hospital's healing ministry. O'Malley, a self-taught artist from Callan, County Kilkenny, was a significant figure in Irish art.
Four Masters Memorial (1876): Commissioned by Sir William Wilde, this high cross commemorates the Franciscan friars who compiled the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. Wilde, an eye and ear surgeon and prominent antiquarian, was deeply passionate about Irish history. Sculpted by James Cahill, a Dublin-based artist known for his church commissions and portrait works.
The MetroLink Dilemma
The Mater Plot's future is in question amidst the MetroLink project. The plan to repurpose this green space raises concerns:
Loss of a rare green space: Dublin's North Inner-City has limited green areas.
MetroNorth investment: Why not utilise the existing, purpose-built Metro North station box under the Mater Hospital, saving taxpayer money?
Call to Action:
Residents, history enthusiasts, and those who value green spaces might want to advocate for preserving the Mater Plot. Can a solution be found that integrates this unique green space into the MetroLink development without complete erasure?
The Four Masters' Park, located on Berkeley Road in Dublin's North Inner-City, might be a lesser-known haven of greenery, but its origins and features hold historical significance. Given by the Sisters of Mercy for the community's benefit, it boasts the Healing Hands sculpture by Tony O'Malley and a large "Four Masters" Celtic cross.
Uncertain Access, Uncertain Future
Despite assuming it was a public park, access has been mysteriously restricted for several years. This restricted access, combined with the planned new MetroLink station development, raises concerns about the park's fate. Curiously, a station box constructed for the former Metro North plan lies less than 100 meters away under the Mater Hospital.
History of the Park's Features
Healing Hands by Tony O'Malley: This evocative sculpture symbolises the Mater Hospital's healing ministry. O'Malley, a self-taught artist from Callan, County Kilkenny, was a significant figure in Irish art.
Four Masters Memorial (1876): Commissioned by Sir William Wilde, this high cross commemorates the Franciscan friars who compiled the Annals of the Four Masters, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. Wilde, an eye and ear surgeon and prominent antiquarian, was deeply passionate about Irish history. Sculpted by James Cahill, a Dublin-based artist known for his church commissions and portrait works.
The MetroLink Dilemma
The Mater Plot's future is in question amidst the MetroLink project. The plan to repurpose this green space raises concerns:
Loss of a rare green space: Dublin's North Inner-City has limited green areas.
MetroNorth investment: Why not utilise the existing, purpose-built Metro North station box under the Mater Hospital, saving taxpayer money?
Call to Action:
Residents, history enthusiasts, and those who value green spaces might want to advocate for preserving the Mater Plot. Can a solution be found that integrates this unique green space into the MetroLink development without complete erasure?
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