Centre in Cork in County Cork, Munster, Ireland — Irish South-West ((Éire) North Atlantic Ocean)
Father Mathew
The Apostle of Temperance
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 14, 2026
1. Father Mathew Marker
Father Mathew
The Apostle of Temperance
Born Oct 1790
Died Dec 1856
Erected during the mayoralty of J. F. Maguire M.P.
A tribute from a grateful people
Unveiled Oct 10th 1864
Erected 1864.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1790.
Location. 51° 54.004′ N, 8° 28.236′ W. Marker is in Cork, Munster, in County Cork. It is in Centre. It is at the intersection of Saint Patrick's Street and Saint Patrick's Bridge on Saint Patrick's Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 125 St Patrick's St, Cork, Munster, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, on the Atlantic Arc, in Europe, on the Island of Ireland, on the Celtic Fringe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mangan's Clock (a few steps from this marker); Sráid Phádraig / St Patrick’s Street / Droichead Phádraig / St Patrick’s Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Saint Patrick’s Bridge / Droicead Pádraig (within shouting distance of this marker); Joan Denise Moriarty LL.D (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Gailearaí Ealaíne Crawford / Crawford Art Gallery / Áras Ceoldrámaíochta Chorcaí / Cork Opera House (about 150 meters away); Opera Lane / Lána an Cheoldráma (about 180 meters away); Rory Gallagher (about 180 meters away); 27 MacCurtain Street (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cork.
Also see . . .
1. Father Mathew Statue, Cork (GPSMyCity).
this page online
When Mathew died in 1856, Cork decided he deserved a tribute worthy of his influence. The task first went to sculptor John Hogan, but fate intervened and the job passed to John Foley. Cast in London and unveiled on October 10, 1864, the monument bears the inscription “A Tribute From a Grateful People.” It has held its ground ever since-quite literally-surviving a relocation attempt in 2000 thanks to strong public pushback. In its early years, the statue wasn’t just a symbol-it was a landmark for Cork’s electric tram system, often treated as the city’s unofficial central point. Today, it’s still a meeting spot, surrounded by the hum of shops, cafés, and constant foot traffic, as if Father Mathew has been drafted into Cork’s daily life as an honorary host.(Submitted on June 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)
2. One day at a time: The sobering life of Father Theobald Mathew.
Some want to give up drinking. Some want to cut back. Some turn to Alcoholics Anonymous or other groups for support. Still others take the decisive step of entering rehab. All can look to Father Theobald Mathew as a patron. He played a(Submitted on June 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)gigantic role in founding the movement, now diverse and widespread, to help problem drinkers help themselves...From his home in Cork, Father Mathew traveled all over Ireland and drew crowds in the hundreds of thousands. At each appearance, he stood for hours while the men, women and children came before him — one at a time — and knelt and recited the words of the total-abstinence pledge.Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 14, 20262. Father Mathew MarkerThe north and west faces of the pedestal.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 14, 2026
3. Father Mathew Marker
The east and south faces of the pedestal.
Photographed by Lawrence, Publisher, Dublin, circa 1905
4. Patrick Street
The location of the statue is seen here on the far side of the St Patrick Bridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 4. submitted on June 9, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
