Fr Mathew statue not returning to O’Connell Street
A statue of Fr Theobald Mathew, founder of the temperance movement in Ireland, will not be returned to O’Connell Street after the completion of the Luas works in Dublin.
The statue, erected in 1893, cannot be accommodated in the new transport layout and discussions are ongoing between Luas and Dublin City Council about its relocation.
Bro. Richard Hendrick, a member of the Capuchin Province, said that they have been kept up-to-date with plans and the Capuchin province is “in consultation with Dublin City Council about the new location of the statue” and they hope to have a decision soon.
New ‘St Francis’ bridge to open in Kilkenny
Kilkenny County Council has voted to name the city’s new CAS bridge, due to open next week, after St Francis. Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Malone told The Irish Catholic he has asked the Cathaoirleach to write to Pope Francis inviting him to visit the bridge during his expected trip to Ireland next year for the World Meeting of Families in Dublin.