Plaque photographed in The Irish Times, November 1980
The plaques of the city are something we return to time and time again. Indeed, you may have noticed at the very top of the page we’ve given over a section of the blog to some of the more unusual plaques in Dublin, in pieces which often examine the history (and controversies!) around some of the plaques on the walls (or in the pavements) of Dublin.
One of the most unusual plaques ever unveiled in this city must be the one above but, a fascinating insight into Irish society in the late 70s and early 80s some would say! This plaque was unveiled at Dublin Airport in November 1980, marking the very spot where Pope John Paul first touched Irish soil. The Minister for Transport unveiled the plaque. Being located where it is, it is obviously a plaque very few Dubliners beyond those in the pay of the Airport will ever see.
The minister had come straight to the unveiling from the funeral service of Frank Duff! Frank Duff was the founder of the Legion of Mary, a radical Catholic organisation often accredited with “cleaning up” the notorious Monto, the red-light district of Dublin for so long.
The plaque was designed and commissioned by Aer Rianta. Also present at the short ceremony was the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Fergus O’Brien.
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Donal
Ciarán
Sam
My oul lad brought us away on holidays when the pope came to Ireland. I remember arriving back in dublin airport (from Russia mind you so we saw no tv coverage of it either!) about a half an hour after the pope had left, it was a bit like arriving in the nightclub after the cops had shut it down.
The day the deluded gathered in the Phoenix Park I ignored the whole thing. The streets of Dublin were deserted. You could have had a crap in the middle of any major road junction no problem.
The popes plaque should be taken down and shagged Frisbee style at the next one if he dares to show his mush during the White Wafer Adoration Congress this year.
Plaques in Henrietta Street on the earliest Georgian houses in Dublin are fast fading away. They give details of the original owners of the houses but, unfortunately, are now almost indeciperable. Pity. Anyone know how to get them restored?
City Hall Plaques
Various ones outside but the most interesting is a device for measuring! It gives exact measures for yards, feet and inches and apparently was installed by the City Council so citizens could check measurements! It is before the steps on the left hand side as you enter City Hall. Again the plaque describing the device has faded away
I Personally set That Memorial Plaque to Pope John 11, at the Spot he Kissed the Ground , with two other Aer Rianta workers . Shay Smith , Toronto Canada.