The title on this image is so detailed as to render research virtually unnecessary: "Bust of James Clarence Mangan, Stephen's Green, Dublin : Unveiled in Stephen's Green in 1909 May 3rd, by Dr. George Sigerson" says it all - or does it? There are some great ladies hats on view, the only knowledge I have of Sigerson is the competition among the colleges for the Sigerson Cup. So perhaps there is still something to be learned?
With thanks in particular to
BeachcomberAustralia today (who was perhaps too awed by the poetic company to deign a ditty himself), we have solid suggestions on some of the dignitaries visible here. In addition to
Sigerson (whose very speech bechcomber replicates for us below), there's a strong suggestion that the crown includes
TD Sullivan,
J Gwynn and at least a few relatives of the bust's subject - poet
James Clarence Mangan....
Photographers:
Various
Collection:
Irish Political Figures Photographic Collection
Date: 3 May 1909
NLI Ref:
NPA PERS85
You can also view this image, and many thousands of others, on the NLI’s catalogue at
catalogue.nli.ie
Info:
Owner:
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Source:
Flickr Commons
Views: 18794
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
3 May 1909 was a Monday ...
domenico milella
Congratulation for your beautiful Album.
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
Flickr is sometimes amazing! In 2013 via https://www.flickr.com/photos/rambraster/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/rambraster/11945612306/
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
Oh dear! This article thinks it was May 22nd, a Saturday. Read All About It ! ... trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170908241 Here is what Dr Sigerson said (while this photo was taken!) - ""In the name of the National Literary Society of Ireland, I now unveil and confide to the custody of the Commissioners and to the care of the public this memorial of Clarence Mangan. Against the dark background of his life he raised a fabric of fair poetry, which shines bright as 'apples of gold amid foliage of silver'— the admiration of other lands, the glory of his country. In gratitude for his genius, in memory of his patriotism, in evidenoe that our generation is not forgetful of benefactors, and in the hope of inspiration to future times, we erect this monument. Here, in the city of his birth, in the land of his love, we erect it, bearing its beautiful symbol of our Ideal Erinn, whose desire and whose honour abide in the noble affection of an undivided nation. Thus, finally, do we faithfully carry out the injunction of 'The Preacher* of old: 'And now let us give praise to men of renown, our fathers in their generations.' " (Applause).
Niall McAuley
Here is the bould Sigerson himself in the 1911 census, a Physician and Professor National University, and at wikipedia, which confirms that the 3rd level GAA Sigerson Cup is named is his honour, what with him having paid for the trophy.
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
Via Trove, a contemporary description of Mangan from his first-cousin-once-removed (who is probably in this photo) - trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/108176932
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
Another description has a few more names, including T. D. Sullivan who was asked to speak. I think that is him seated second from left (see note). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Daniel_Sullivan trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/167015599?searchTerm=M...
Frank_C
Another interesting point is that the white marble sculpture under Mangan is of Roisín Dubh by Willie Pearse (brother of Padraig)
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
And "Professor Gwynn, T.C.D" - (see note) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gwynn_(professor)
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
Can anyone recognise "Miss Sara Allgood" who recited the poem 'The Nameless One'*, from her wiki photo? She was nominated for an Academy Award (Hollywood) in 1941 - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara_Allgood * - 'The Nameless One' on YouTube - youtu.be/dRKTbiszPjM - text - www.bartleby.com/101/665.html
richard39a
Smashing picture. Looking to getting back to Dublin again as soon as I can walk properly.
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
After lots of loitering around St Stephens Green, I eventually found the memorial. Those annoying ankle-biting railings are still there! Streetview - goo.gl/maps/bkKKRRYqDu72
National Library of Ireland on The Commons
Thanks https://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia. With apologies for not acknowledging your intrepid investigations yesterday, I've since updated the map, tags and description - all almost entirely based on your inputs. Míle buíochas!