NUMBER 721

BENCHMARKS continued

The story of how the life-force that is M.C. bagged this one, on an outhouse in the townland of Cullaghreeva near Pass If You Can in west County Dublin, would rival that of the Odyssey. Suffice to relate here is that it involves a good number of invitations to partake of effusions of the leaf of the tea plant accompanied by lectures on the scientific principles of benchmarking. Should you ever be so fortunate as to encounter him, perambulating gently along with head low as he scrutinises the lower stones of a wall in some far-flung townland or barony, beseech him gently to relate it. Should his ceaseless searching allow him occasion to oblige, your reward will be to be refreshed immeasurably in spirit and convinced of the inherent goodness of human fellowship that benchmark hunting engenders.

Below: The 'mark in the townland of Cullaghreeva, County Dublin. 

 

Above: A view of the outhouse in Cullaghreeva with the 'mark on the bottom corner of the wall.

NUMBER 720

BENCHMARKS continued

As 2013 limps towards its inevitable demise it is awards season time for the Benchmarker Academy. Having reviewed all contributions, for the fourth time in as many years the title of Benchmarker Hunter Supreme is bestowed on M.C. The citation noted that he again gave exemplary display throughout the year of that special persistence and commitment to the hunt, the highlight of which resulted in locating this one on Emmet Road near its junction with Saint Vincent Street West, Inchicore in Dublin City. The award will be presented at a special celebration at Bar 52 in the New Year.

Below: The 'mark on Emmet Road in Dublin City.

 

Above: Looking west on Emmet Road with the 'mark on the wall at left.

NUMBER 719

BENCHMARKS continued

In the village of Kilmainhamwood, in the townland of Eden, in the county of Meath is where M.C. found this one, located at the southern entranceway to the Roman Catholic Church.

Below: M.C. models his wedding guest shoes at the 'mark at the entranceway to the R.C. Church in Kilmainhamwood, County Meath. 

 

Above: The entranceway to the R.C. Church. The 'mark, bisected by the sunshine and the shadow, is to the right on top of the small wall.

NUMBER 718

BENCHMARKS continued

Another from M.C. from the centre of Kingscourt in County Cavan. It's on the south-east corner of Saint Ernon's Church.

Below: The 'mark on Saint Ernon's Church in Kingscourt.  

 

Above: Lit by the midwinter sun at midday, a fine view of Saint Ernon's Church with the 'mark on the shaded side of the bottom corner-stone of the church at right.


NUMBER 717

BENCHMARKS continued

This one from M.C. is on the south side of Bailieborough Road near its junction with Main Street in the centre of Kingscourt in County Cavan.

Below: A 'mark on Bailieborough Road in Kingscourt.

 Above: Looking east on Bailieborough Road with the 'mark, somewhat indistinct, on the corner outfacing at bottom right.

NUMBER 716

BENCHMARKS continued

South of Malahide in County Dublin on Hazel Brook Road - a.k.a. the R124 - where the railway line crosses above, is where M.C. got this one.

Below: The 'mark on Hazel Brook Road. 

 

Above: Looking south on the R124 with the 'mark on the portion of the bridge wall under the sloped capping.


NUMBER 715

BENCHMARKS continued

A little way south-west of Donabate on Hearse Road in County Dublin is where M.C. found this one located on the wall of a building that was formerly a smithy.

Below: The 'mark on Hearse Road in Donabate.

 

Above: Looking north-east towards Donabate with the 'mark out-facing on the corner nearest, obscured in the branches.


NUMBER 714

BENCHMARKS continued

This one on the Jesuit College on Sea Road in Galway City was submitted by Kevin Fahy.

Below: The 'mark on the Jesuit College, Sea Road. 

 

Above: A view of the chapel. The 'mark appears to be near where the lightning conductor enters the ground near bottom centre.


NUMBER 713

BENCHMARKS continued

This one from Knockaroe courtesy of M.C. is perhaps the first from County Laois. It's on the south-west corner of the wall surrounding the R.C. Chapel and Graveyard.

Below: The 'mark at Knockaroe.

 

Above: Looking east in Knockaroe with the 'mark at the bottom of the corner.


NUMBER 712

BENCHMARKS continued

What with all the widening and improvements that have gone on, and considering there were never all that many to start with, kerbstone 'marks - or flaties if you prefer - are as rare nowadays as hens teeth. It's surprising therefore that this one still remains in situ on the north side of Leinster Street South in Dublin City, just a few paces from the building where James Joyce's inamorata Nora Barnacle worked as a chamber maid – Finn's Hotel. It's not listed on any of the usual maps, or indeed in Ulysses, (or Finnegan's Wake, as far as is known) but M.C. tracked it down from the maps that accompany the Griffith Valuations. The fact that the kerbstone is now cracked in two could mean that its days may be numbered. A full scale occupation of the site may be called for. Come with your spouses and children; your hopes and dreams yearning to break free; placards, tents and sleeping bags, on next June 16^th. Kidneys will be served.

Below: The 'mark on Leinster Street South. 

 

Above: Looking east on Leinster Street South with the 'mark at bottom. Finn's Hotel is just out of shot to the left.


NUMBER 711

BENCHMARKS continued

Down on Main. Opposite its junction with Malahide Road on the west side of Main Street in Swords in County Dublin, is where M.C. located this one.

Below: A 'mark on Main Street, Swords.

 

Above: Looking north on Main with the 'mark at bottom left.