Cork's St Patrick's Street: A History - Hardcover

Antoin O'Callaghan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1848890575 ISBN 13: 9781848890572

Publisher: The Collins Press, 2010

Synopsis

Leaders from Daniel O'Connell to Michael Collins to Jack Lynch drew thousands onto this street for rallies. Charles Stewart Parnell, MP for Cork, made his famous statement that 'no man can fix the boundary of a nation' on this street. As home to the film festival many Hollywood stars visited. Probably the most famous, though much forgotten, resident was one of the earliest socialist thinkers, William Thompson - forerunner to Karl Marx. It could be argued this was one of the founding places of socialism. The story of St Patrick's Street is in many ways the story of Cork. Affectionately known as 'Pana' by generations of Corkonians, it is Cork's main street and the heart of the city. The newly refurbished street opened in 2004, a pedestrian-friendly space retaining the natural curve of the one-time river channel and bringing a continental flavour to the streetscape. This history takes us from its beginning in the 1780s to the present day. Who created and named the street? Why was it named after the national rather than local saint? How has it evolved? The people and buildings and its evolution into primarily a retail street are outlined in some detail. The rebuilding of the street after 'the burning of Cork' in 1920 is described for the first time. This is also the place where Cork people come to assemble, in celebration or in sorrow, in religious processions and parades. Copiously illustrated with maps, plans and photographs, both new and old, and packed with interesting snippets of information, this is for all with an interest in Cork City.

About this title

Review:

'Fascinating ... his research is impressive and revealing' Irish Examiner 'Expertly illustrates the interdependency between St Patrick Street and the people who made it what it is ... beautifully recreated by The Collins Press' Evening Echo 'Atmospheric and generous photography adds enormously' The Irish Times

About the Author:

Antoin O Callaghan, a native of Cork City, is master's graduate in history of University College Cork. A production engineer, he works for RTE, the national broadcaster. He is currently reading for his PhD.

About this edition

• Publisher: The Collins Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1848890575
• ISBN 13: 9781848890572
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 200