Identity area
Reference code
IE LMOD 2335
Title
Fr Mathew's Thumb
Date(s)
- Twentieth Century (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
White granite
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Archival history
15/03/2024
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Thumb from Fr Theobald Mathew's monument on Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin. Donor acquired it, rather incredibly, during the post-Italia '90 parade in Dublin, when the Irish squad were driven through the city on an open-topped bus. While throngs of people crowded around on O'Connell St, a group of local children climbed up the Fr Mathew statue to get a glimpse of the team bus. One child grabbed Fr Mathew's hand as he ascended the statue and accidentally pulled his thumb off! Donor was standing nearby and saw what happened. Donor collected the finger intending to contact and return it but it's remained in donor's possession ever since.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Some weathering (erosion)
