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 16th.
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.
