NUMBER 119

BENCHMARKS continued
 

Another day and another 'mark from Benchmarker. It's on the branch of A.I.B. on Dame Street in Dublin.

Below: The 'mark on the A.I.B. building on Dame Street.

Above: The AIB building on Dame Street viewed from Sycamore Street. The 'mark is located between the cyclist and the people at the ATM.

NUMBER 118

BENCHMARKS continued

Another day and another 'mark from M.C. It's on a gate pillar at the entrance to Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin.

Below: The 'mark on the gate pillar at Mount Jerome Cemetery.

Above: The entrance to the cemetery with the 'mark on the bottom inside of the pillar at left.

NUMBER 117

BENCHMARKS continued
 

This one is on the base-wall of the railings of an interesting old house at the junction of Old Kilmainham and Kearn's Place. The house dates back to the early 19th century, possibly much earlier. Just across Kearn's Place is the location of the Old Kilmainham Gaol (no trace now survives) and perhaps the house had some connection with that notorious place. Benchmarker recalls reading a report of conditions there with the inmates - men, women and children all held together - pitifully begging through the basement bars from the citizens who walked by above them.

Below: The 'mark on the old house in Kilmainham.

Above: Old Kilmainham looking east towards the city centre. The 'mark is at bottom left barely visible in the photograph. In the distance are the twin towers of Mount Brown that overlook Benchmarker's exclusive residence.

NUMBER 116

BENCHMARKS continued
 

Another one from M.C. It's at Saint Bartholomew's Church at the confluence of Elgin Road and Clyde Road in leafy Dublin 4. Benchmarker had earlier checked this location without success. However M.C. with his unerring instincts for the quest, took a peek behind the shrub growing against the front of the building and revealed this little treasure.

Below. The 'mark on Saint Bartholomew's Church, Dublin 4.

Above: The fine front facade of Saint Bartholomew's Church with the 'mark concealed behind the shrub at the front of the building at centre.

NUMBERS 114 & 115

BENCHMARKS continued

Spurred on by the enthusiasm shown by Mr M.C., Benchmarker responds with this pair spotted on Tyrconnel Road in Inchicore, Dublin.

Below: This one really is a beaut. Carved into the bricks of a wall pillar, someone has outlined it lightly with a yellow colour.

Above: Tyrconnel Road looking south-east with the 'mark at right just below the shrub.

Below: This one is further along Tyrconnel Road, again looking south-east.

Above: The 'mark - difficult to see - is at bottom right. Like the one above it is lightly outlined in yellow.

NUMBER 113

BENCHMARKS continued
 

If Benchmarker fails to reach the grand target of recording 1,001 'marks then it will not be for the lack of assistance from M.C. He has sought them out with the tenacity of a beaver coupled with the instincts of a truffle-hound, and has delivered a computer disc containing 19 treasures. These will be posted in the coming days and weeks.

The first of these is at the junction of Wellington Road with Elgin Road in leafy Dublin 4. Forty years ago Benchmarker resided for a period at No 4 Elgin Road and it's refreshing to see the old area looking as well as ever.

Below: The 'mark at the corner of Wellington Road with Elgin Road.

Above: Looking south down Wellington Road with Elgin Road to the left. The 'mark can be seen at the corner.

NUMBER 112

BENCHMARKS continued

As the Queen glides along Thomas Street tomorrow on her way to the Guinness Visitors' Centre, were she to reach out she could almost touch this one which is located at the base of the railings round the front of Saint Catherine's Church at the corner with Saint Catherine's Lane. (It is probably better for Anglo/Irish relations if no one within earshot of the Queen were to mention what the British did to Robert Emmett at this spot over 200 years ago.)

Below: The 'mark on the railings of Saint Catherine's Church, Thomas Street at the corner with Saint Catherine's Lane.

Above: Saint Catherine's Church with the 'mark just to the left of the base of the light standard at left.