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3. Crampton Court

November 7, 2011 by Sam

View from Dame Street down to Crampton Court (Photo credit - Trevs Photos)

This is probably my favourite little lane or passage way in Dublin. Not least because it’s not featured on any maps, it was the site of two of Dublin’s most famous 18th century coffee houses – ‘Little Dublin Coffee House’ and ‘Royal Exchange Coffee House’ and as I’ve had some memorable personal experiences in the lane (nothing dirty!)

Crampton Court links Dame Street (entrance just under ‘BAR’ in the sign for Brogans BAR) and leads right down, past the back entrance to The Olympia Theatre, to Essex Street East (entrance just beside the Dublin Theatre Festival office)

Flora H. Mitchell in her excellent Vanishing Dublin (1966) described it as being

“… the unofficial “exchange” of Dublin until the “commercial buildings” were opened in 1799. No 20, “The Little Dublin Coffee House” provided the merchants with a meeting place prior to this. Crampton Court had been used as a short cut from the Olympia Theatre to the well known Dolphin Restaurant prior to it being demolished in 1963.”

Entrance to Crampton Court from Essex St. East (Photo credit - infomatique)

The doors in Crampton Court were famous in their own right:

Uploader credit - Jimmymac

This is how it looked in the 18th century when the court was bustling with trade and housing:

Artists interpretation of those doors (and buildings) in 18th century

Like so many beautiful and historical sites, it fell into decay in the 1950s and 1960s:

How it looked in 1959. Photo - Dublin City Library

A real pity. An anonymous letter to The Irish Times (May 23rd, 1931) described it as ‘a part of Dublin which still seems to suggest its ancient history’.

No doubt at one stage Palace Street used to run right across Dame Street and into Crampton Court:

While Palace St. is still visable on maps, Crampton Street has been lost.

So next time your heading down Dame Street, when not pop through Crampton Court and have a gawk at an old, forgotten part of Dublin.

Entrance just beside Dublin International Theatre Festival Essex St. East. Notice wooden rafter across frame (Photo credit plattbridger)

Plus see if you can spot the wooden rafter above your head, as you come from the narrow Essex St. East side, that looks especially old! Perhaps original?

Posted in Dublin History, Photography | 24 Comments »

We’re all here on a technicality, a technicality, a technicality….

November 6, 2011 by Donal

Unbelievably, Pats are in Europe.

Despite a fourth place League finish, and a dramatic collapse in the cup against Shelbourne, the fact that a top-three team have won the FAI Cup today ensures that we’re in on a technicality. ‘We’re all here on a technicality’ has long been a favourite chant of Saint Patrick’s Athletic supporters, and everything from others financial woes to others successes have sent us abroad.

Remarkably, the club shop even flogs t-shirts which boast of the fact:

I’m sure all across the southside of Dublin Credit Union books are being dug-out from behind the couch, a technicality will do once more.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

2. St. Andrew’s Lane

November 6, 2011 by Sam

View looking up to Exechequer St.

A bendy little lane that links Exchequer St. (entry is between Boulevard Cafe and Music Maker) and Trinity St. (entry is between Hilfiger Denim and Leon: The Pastry Cafe), synonymous with the Andrew’s Lane nightclub, Maser graffiti and Grift’s old Batman piece.

Cars still drive through it, so you have to be careful while walking down it (especially at night) because it’s very narrow.

Bendy as ever, 1818

Showing how the courtyard on Dame Lane and St Andrews lane nearly touch, 1836

Showing how the courtyard on Dame Lane and St Andrews lane nearly touched, 1836

In 1863, apparently that courtyard lane on Dame Lane linked up with St. Andrew's Lane.

In 1885, the lane disappeared!

Clear view of it in 1907

View in 2011, featured on Google Maps because it's not pedestrianised

Posted in Dublin History, Photography | 1 Comment »

1. Williams Lane

November 5, 2011 by Sam

Looking from Middle Abbey Street. Photo credit - Matthew S.

One of my favourite little lanes in Dublin is Williams Lane which (handily) links Princess Street North and Middle Abbey Street. It’s one of those hidden lanes that actually takes a good few minutes off your journey if your coming from Middle Abbey Street and want to head up the north side of O’Connell Street or when your coming from that direction and are heading towards Liffey Street and the ha’penny bridge. (It’s also handy for finishing your last can before heading into the Twisted Pepper across the road! Shhhh)

The view from Princes' North Street. Photo credit - Matthew S.

As you can see, it’s clearly marked (though not named) in these maps from the early/mid 19th century.

Visible in 1818

Visible in 1836

Visible in 1863

Visible in 1863

Then suddenly it disappears from all the maps!

Oh, where did it go? 1885 map

Still missing in 1913

According to Google Maps (2011), there's no lane!

Odd isn’t it? Anyone have any ideas? Anyone know why it’s known as Williams Lane? Answers on a postcard.

Posted in Dublin History, Photography | 17 Comments »

From Thessaloniki to Tallaght.

November 4, 2011 by Donal

Interesting banner from the PAOK fans in Tallaght Stadium earlier on tonight for the Europa League clash with Shamrock Rovers. The IMF isn’t too popular in Greece at the moment for obvious reasons. It’s unfortunate to note the fascistic imagery below the banner, in the form of the SS skull, but sadly that’s the case with football in many parts of Europe today.

The banner was clearly visible on television during periods of the match. I was passing through the city at 10pm or so and saw huge crowds of PAOK fans. To think they tell us there isn’t two fivers left in all of Greece!

An earlier outing for the banner in Greece.

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments »

Roadworks Map (Dublin Contemporary)

November 3, 2011 by Donal

This is an excellent Google Map for anyone with an interest in Dublin street art, showing the locations of all the pieces that make up Roadworks, a part of the Dublin Contemporary programmme in the city. While the main exhibition at Earlsfort Terrace has come to an end, these wonderful pieces of art remain around Dublin. Well worth taking the time to explore.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

‘Orangemen In Dublin- Behind Enemy Lines’

November 3, 2011 by Donal

I wouldn’t have a great deal in common with YouTuber OrangeDemocrats, but this is a fascinating piece of Dublin social history. Jaycarax posted notice of this radio documentary prior to its airing on RTE, and here it is in full. This is well worth a listen, notice one of the first men speaking describes himself as a ‘working class Dublin Protestant’ from the north inner-city, perhaps not the stereotypical member of the Orange Order!

Posted in Dublin History | 1 Comment »

122 Emmet Road

November 3, 2011 by Donal

Tomorrow at 3pm a brand new and very important plaque will be placed on 122 Emmet Road, Inchicore.

This is of course very near to number 125, the official home of Saint Patrick’s Athletic which sits in front of Richmond Park. Emmet Road is a street that means a lot to me and all saints, and is a street I’ve seen evolve and change in my years following Saint Patrick’s Athletic.

122, Emmet Hall, was the home of 1913 strike leader and Irish Citizen Army officer Michael Mallin, who was executed for his role in the 1916 Rising. It was also the branch headquarters of the Irish Transport Workers Union.

Inchicore has a great radical and hidden history, indeed Emmet Road alone has a fascinating story to tell. William Partridge, a leading trade unionist who fought in the 1916 rising for example, was an organiser with the Amalgamated Society of Engineers who would meet in the Workman’s Club on Emmet Road. Jim Larkin purchased the Emmet Hall in 1913, appointing William Patridge as manager of the premises.

The Irish Citizen Army had an active section in the area (Inchicore-Crumlin, No. 3) of which Michael Mallin was Commandant. Dr. Ann Matthew’s has compiled an incredibly useful Irish Citizen Army membership list, and among the names one finds residents of St. James Park, St. Mary’s Terrace, Park Street and other parts of Inchicore.

Michael Mallin was executed for his role in the rebellion of 1916. At his court-martial appearance, Police Constable John O’Connell of the DMP would state:

I know the prisoner Michael Mallin. There is a paper called “The Workers Republic” in which it has been stated th the prisoner is Chief of the Staff of the Citizen Army. I have known the prisoner about 9 or 10 months. I have seen marching with the Citizen Army and he has marched with James Connolly and the Countess Markievicz…..

Mallin was survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters. They continued to live at the premises on Emmet Road after his death.

There will be a number of speakers tomorrow including Jack O’Connor of Siptu, labour-historians, member of the Mallin family and local TDs including United Left Alliance TD Joan Collins and Sinn Féin TD Aengus O’Snodaigh from the left.Great credit should go to the Kilmainham and Inchicore Heritage Group for their efforts.

Posted in Dublin History, Social History | 3 Comments »

Irish Citizen Army (ICA) Roll of Honour – Easter 1916

November 2, 2011 by Sam

ICA mobilisation for Easter Sunday

There is confusion over the official list of ICA members and supporters who were killed in action in the Easter Rising. Some erroneously name The O’Rahilly (Irish Volunteers) and Daniel Murray (A Company, 3rd Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers) as ICA members. Other lists omit John O’Reilly (second-in-command to Sean Connolly at City Hall) while most exclude James Corcoran and Arthur ‘Neal’ Wicks. (The latter of whom I have been researching for some time and hope to publish my work on early next year. I think he was an actual member of the ICA and will argue this in my essay).

After comparing several sources including Ray Bateson’s excellent They Died By Pearse’s Side (2010) and R. M. Fox’s The History of the Irish Citizen Army (1943), I think I’ve come up with a definite list.

Fifteen ICA members were killed in action while Michael Mallin  (8 May) and James Connolly (12 May) were executed afterwards.

1916 ICA Roll of Honour

1) Adams, John Francis (38) – 25 April 1916 – St Stephen’s Green – Buried St Patrick’s, GC
2) Byrne, Louis (46) – 24 April 1916 – City Hall – Buried St Paul’s, GC
3) Clarke, Philip (40) – 25 April 1916 – St Stephen’s Green – Buried St Bridget’s, GC
4) Corcoran, James (33) – 25 April 1916 – St Stephen’s Green – Buried South Section, GC
5) Connolly, Sean (33) – 24 April 1916 – City Hall – Buried South Section, GC
6) Cosgrave, Edward (45) – 25 April 1916 – GPO – Buried St Paul’s, GC
7) D’Arcy, Charles (15) – Henry & James Building, Parliament St (City Hall Garrison) – Buried St Paul’s, GC
8) Fox, James Joseph (18) – 25 April 1916 – St Stephen’s Green – Buried Knockmark, Drumree, Co Meath
9) Geoghegan, George (35) – 26 April 1916 – Parliament St (City Hall Garrison) – Buried St Paul’s, GC
10) Lynch, Patrick (46) – 28 April 1916 – Moore Lane (GPO Garrison) –
11) McCormack, James (38) – 26 April 1916 – Beresford Palce (GPO Garrison) – Buried St Paul’s, GC
12) O’Reilly, John (28) – 24 April 1916 – City Hall/GPO – Buried St Patrick’s, GC
13) O’Reilly, Thomas Joseph (21) – 27 April 1916 – Liberty Hall (GPO Garrison) – Buried St Paul’s, GC
14) Ryan, Fred (23) – 26 April 1916 – Harcourt St (St Stephen’s Green Garrison) – Buried St Paul’s, GC
15) Wicks, Arthur (30) – 29 April 1916 – Metropole Hotel (GPO Garrison) – Buried St Paul’s, GC

16 Connolly, James
17 Mallin, Michael

Posted in Dublin History | 24 Comments »

On Friday he waved a Starry Plough…..

November 2, 2011 by Donal

Newly elected Labour T.D Patrick Nulty

….on Wednesday he voted to block any debate or vote on the paying out of 700m euro to Anglo Irish Bank bondholders. Only in Ireland eh?

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

NAMAland.

November 2, 2011 by Donal

Today sees the repayment of an unsecured Anglo Irish Bank bond of E700,000,000, which the state has no obligation to pay but will. It seems a more than fitting day to post these great images from a recent action highlighting a very peculiar aspect of the baNAMA republic in the form of buildings in the city which sit empty, boarded-up and out of our hands.

Posted in Photography, Politics | 1 Comment »

Dublin Punk & New Wave singles timeline (1977 – 1983)

November 1, 2011 by Sam

Updated – Dec 2021

Starting with The Radiators From Space’s ‘Television Screen’ in April 1977 and finishing with The Blades’ ‘Downmarket’ in October 1983. Two of the greatest songs ever to come out of this city.

This was actually a quite a big undertaking:

1. I went through the full list of all Irish Punk & New Wave bands, figuring out which ones were from Dublin.

2. I made sure all these bands were 1st wave i.e. active before 1983

3. Out of them, I picked out the ones that actually released singles. (A surprising number of seminal Dublin punks never got signed or only ever release one single!)

4. Then, I had to find out which singles were already on Youtube and which weren’t. Trying to fill the gaps best I could.

So without further ado, here’s what should be a complete list of Dublin 1st wave punk/new wave singles released from 1977 to 1983.

How can you help?

As you can see, there’s quite a few gaps. I’m suggesting people if they have a single which is currently not digitzed and on Youtube do one of three things:

– Digitize it and upload it

– Give it to me and I can digitize it, upload it and hand it back

– Give to me, I can digitize, upload it and give it a lovely new home!

Finally, if you can help with dates for any of the single release dates (those marked ‘?’) please let me know.

Johnny Thunders with The Radiators From Space, 1977.

1977

April
The Radiators From Space –  Television Screen / Love Detective

Aug
The Boomtown Rats –  Lookin’ After Number 1 / Born To Burn / Barefootin’ (Live)

Sep
The Radiators From Space – Enemies / Psychotic Reactions
The Radiators From Space – Sunday World / (Why Can’t I Be A) Teenager In Love [Live version not single]

Nov
The Boomtown Rats – Mary Of The 4th Form (Alternate Version) / Do The Rat

Bob Geldof and the Boomtown Rats, nd. Photographer – Danny Clifford

1978

May
The Radiators From Space – Million Dollar Hero / Blitzin’ At The Ritz (live)
The Boomtown Rats –  She’s So Modern / Lying Again

June
The Boomtown Rats – Like Clockwork / Dún Laoghaire
Revolver – Silently Screaming  /  On The Run

October (Recorded)
The Vipers –  I’ve Got You / No Such Thing

The Atrix, c. 1979

1979

?
Strange Movements – Dancing In The Ghetto / Amuse Yourself
The Romantiks – Said If You Needed Me / Little Queenie
Square Meal – Love Attack / Hold On

June
The Radiators From Space – Let’s Talk About The Weather /  Hucklebuck /Try And Stop Me
Sacre Bleu – Broken Promises / Mademoiselle Goodnight

July
The Atrix –  The Moon Is Puce / Wendy’s In Amsterdam
The Boomtown Rats –  I Don’t Like Mondays / It’s All The Rage

Aug
The Radiators From Space – Kitty Ricketts / Song of the Faithful Departed (Acoustic)

Oct
The Boomtown Rats – Rat Trap / So Strange
Sacre Bleu – Move It / Just Another Saturday Night

Nov
The Defenders –  Happy Surfin’ Santa / Xmas Up On Venus

Dec
The Boomtown Rats –  Diamond Smiles / Late Last Night
Berlin –  Over 21 / Waiting For The Future
Tony Koklin – Cinderella / Living With The Times

U2, Dandelion Market.

1980

?
Katmandu – I Can Make The Future / Australia [TV version not single version] [Belfast, Dublin-based]
Square Meal –  Someone’s Out To Git Ya / Another Boy
The Alligators – Thrill Power / Having A Party // Just A Little Bit
The Boddis EP:
– Big Self – Concrete Curtains [Belfast]
– The Departure – Stop
– The peridots – Precious Blood
– Chant! Chant! Chant! – What Do You Know?

The Resistors (For Jeanie EP) – Jeanie / Takeaway Love / End of the Line

The Spies – Thinking About The Sun / Hippy Hangover

Feb
The Boomtown Rats – Someone’s Looking at You / When The Night Comes
DC Nien – Nightclub / Things Japanese
U2 – Another Day / Twilight

May
U2 – 11 O’Clock Tick Tock / Touch [remastered version not single]

July
The Radiators From Space – Stranger Than Fiction / Prison Bars / Who Are The Strangers?
Soul Survivors – Move On / Done Stayin’ Around

Aug
U2 – A Day Without Me [remastered version] / Things to Make and Do [album version]

Sep
The Radiators From Space – Dancing Years / Electric Shares, Sunday World, Enemies (On Stage At The Roundhouse London, Feb 1978)
The Blades – Hot For You / The Reunion

Oct
The Atrix – Treasure On The Wasteland / Graphite Pile
U2 – I Will Follow / Boy-Girl (live)

Nov
The Boomtown Rats – Banana Republic / Man At The Top
Berlin – Boyfriends / Central Station

The Blades, nd.

1981

?
New Versions – Like Gordon of Khartoum / What You Want
The Shade – 6:05 / Talk To Me
The Sussed – Don’t Swim On The East Coast / I Wanna Conform
The Blades – Ghost Of A Chance / Real Emotion
The Threat – Lullaby in C / High Cost Of Living
Tokyo Olympics –  Dance Movement // Some Kind Of Wonderful –  Just Like Me
The Zen Alligators – Call Me Lucky / The Ticket

Jan
Tony Koklin – Claude Monet  / Lucky Man

Feb
The Virgin Prunes – Twenty Tens (I’ve been smoking all night) / Revenge /  The Children Are Crying / …Greylight

The Brown Thomas Band / The BTs – My Life / Murder On Their Minds
April
The Radiators From Space – Song Of The Faithful Departed / They’re Looting The Town
The Peridots – Open Season / Calm

June
The Zen Alligators – Who Can That Someone Be? / Berlin Wall

July
Chant! Chant! Chant! –  Quicksand / Play Safe

Aug
The Virgin Prunes – Moments and Mine / In The Greylight/War

Oct
The Atrix – Procession / The Eleventh Hour
The Teen Commandments – Private World / Italian Girls

Dec
Tokyo Olympics –  Radio (Turns Her On) / Radio 2

Tokyo Olympics, 1982

Tokyo Olympics, 1982

1982

?
A Further Room – Psychedelic Disco / Strange In Rome
The Alsations – 5 Honours And A 175 / Denise Denise
The Camino Organisation – Human Voices // Executivity / The Bust Up Of Love
Kissed Air – Kariba / Kissed Air [Belfast, Dublin-based]
Pop Mecanics – Soldier Boys / It Feels Like I’m Alone Again
Stano – Room / Town
The Shade – Watching You / Touch Sensitive
The Tabs – Million Miles / Gotta Get Away
The Fashions – All I Own In Dublin (Are The Bars) / The Secrets Of Young Brides
The Zen Alligators – You Make My Day (Radio mix) / People Who Make People’s Day

Jan
Autobop –  Secrets / Advertising

March
The Blades –  The Bride Wore White / Animation

April
Tokyo Olympics –  One Step From Paradise /  Paradise (Disco Mix)

June
The Zen Alligators –  The Invisible Man / The Scorpio Function

Oct
The Blades –  Revelations Of Heartbreak / Rules of Love

Nov
Tokyo Olympics –  Shot By Love / Shot By Love (Instrumental)
Kissed Air – Out of the Night / Change of Attention

The Zen Alligators, nd.

1983

May
Very Mental – Slaughtered and Maimed EP

June
The Zen Alligators – I Never Forget A Face / Caught In The Crossfire // Side One – Diary Of A Forgotten War

July
Resistors –  That’s It / Steal My Love

Oct
The Blades –  Downmarket / You Never Ask

Posted in Music | 37 Comments »

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