A pair of angels executed in mosaic line a portion of wall in what was once the chancel of a chapel in St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin. Established in 1875 as a Roman Catholic teacher training college, St Patrick’s was once the country’s largest such institution. Its chapel dates from the end of the 19th century when designed by the popular church architect George Ashlin. The lavish interior decoration dates from the early 1900s when a number of different companies worked on the site: the mosaics came from the Manchester-based company of Ludwig Oppenheimer Ltd. Like many other such buildings, this one underwent alterations following the Second Vatican Council, when a new chapel was designed for the college by Andy Devane. Many of the features of the old one were removed (its Stations of the Cross are now in a church in Tullamore, County Offaly) and the space was converted into a reading room. St Patrick’s College is now part of Dublin City University.
More on Dublin City University and its historic properties in due course…
Dear Mr O’Byrne,
On a whim I bought Ruins of Ireland, and I am blown away by its beauty, poignancy, history, and wonderfully scrupulous prose. It arrived this morning and as yet I’ve not been able to do more than dip into your essays – pleasures that await this and subsequent evenings – but I just wanted you to know I immediately ordered another copy for my brother-in-law, who will love it just as much.
And now with the discovery of this website, the gates to a broad, welcoming and endless avenue open.
In admiration and with great thanks,
Christopher Wilson
Thank you for getting in touch, and for your kind remarks, which are so much appreciated. And I am delighted you have enjoyed the book sufficiently to order another copy for your brother-in-law (the royalties…). Best wishes and thanks again.