NUMBER 385

BENCHMARKS continued

Still heading out west on the Grand Canal Trail this one is on the old Ballyfermot Bridge on the Killeen Road near the 7^th Lock.

 

Below: The 'mark on the old Ballyfermot Bridge.

Above: Ballyfermot Bridge looking east with the 'mark at left.

NUMBER 384

BENCHMARKS continued

Back from the badlands of north Dublin, M.C. and Benchmarker saddled up to scout the open prairies west of the city. Following the Grand Canal Trail heading out west, paydirt was struck at the 5^th Lock.

Those not familiar with the history of the Grand Canal might wonder why the numbering of its locks starts with the one at Suir Road/Davitt Road - designated the 1^st Lock - rather than the one on the east of the city at Grand Canal Dock where the canal enters Dublin Port. Well the reason is that when originally built the canal terminated at Grand Canal Harbour beside the Guinness Brewery. The section to Dublin Port with all those other locks was constructed later. That original section is now filled-in and on it is that bit of the Luas Line from Suir Road Station to Fatima Station. Benchmarker recalls exploring the area around Fatima in the late 60s and seeing a walkway bridge there linking the two banks of the canal. Aaawww ... Dublin in the rare old times, Jockser! 

 

Below: The 'mark on the 5^th Lock of the Grand Canal in Dublin.

Above: The 5^th Lock looking towards the city centre. The 'mark is on the lock wall on the opposite side just to the left of the wooden walkway.

NUMBER 383

BENCHMARKS continued

As tasty as a 'steak on a stone' the day was rounded off with this one near McAllister's Garage on Swords Road near its junction with Dublin Road in Malahide. No prizes for guessing what was for dinner later.

Below: The 'mark on Swords Road, Malahide.

Above: On Swords Road looking towards Dublin Road with the 'mark at bottom left.

NUMBER 382

BENCHMARKS continued

With daylight closing fast, the duo proceeded to Chapel Road in Kinsaley. And there on the graveyard wall found this one. 

 

Below: The 'mark on the boundary wall of the church and graveyard on Chapel Road in Kinsaley.

Above: Risking limb and life in pursuit of a higher purpose, M.C. stepped into the path of oncoming traffic on Chapel Road to point out this one for the camera; and lived to fight another day.

NUMBER 381

BENCHMARKS continued

Much fortified with courage after the earlier victory, the brave duo of M.C. and Benchmarker ventured further northwards to Saint Doolagh's Bridge. However the bridge and the surrounding area drew a complete blank. But the hunt was still productive because a visit to the eponymous church resulted in a guided tour from a man there who is deeply involved in its maintenance. We learned that as a young man the saint established himself in a cell within the church, and relying for his needs on the charity of those outside, remained there for the rest of his life. Indeed after death his body may have been interred in a bricked up section within the church. Those holy people who followed that life-style are known as anchorites. Benchmarker however made a faux pas by confusing the term with 'Alawites' a group much in the news in Syria recently. However the man was gracious and offered no correction.

And then on crossing over the bridge while returning to the car, the 'mark revealed itself. Lucky chance or divine intervention by the saint? You decide. 

 

Below: The 'mark on the Saint Doolagh's Bridge on the Malahide Road.

Above: On the Malahide Road looking towards Saint Doolagh's Church with the 'mark at bottom left.

NUMBER 380

BENCHMARKS continued

Following the successful engagements at the Hill of Howth, M.C. and Benchmarker went out a few days later on a general mopping-up campaign. The first success was on the Malahide Road at its junction with Ardlea Road. A really lovely brickie!

Below: The 'mark on the Malahide Road at the junction with Ardlea Road.

Above: On Malahide Road looking towards Ardlea Road with the 'mark at right near the bottom of the wall.