By the mid-nineteenth century, the ruinous condition of St. Brigid's Cathedral was a matter of grave concern. In 1871, a decision was made to investigate the possibility of restoring the once great edifice to its former glory. The architect George Street, who was supervising the restoration of Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin, was approached and he submitted a report, dated 31 October 1871, on the condition of the cathedral. The report was printed and circulated with illustrations showing the ruins of the cathedral and a design for the restoration.
While subscriptions were slowly gathered and the cost eventually exceeded Street's initial estimate, work began in 1875 but was abandoned in 1881. The second phase began in 1890 and the Cathedral was re-opened in 1896. As it stands today, it is difficult to visualise the physical ruins that existed at that time and the reprinting of Street's report makes interesting reading. It also reminds us of what can be achieved and should serve to spur us to action to see the fallen north boundary wall of the cathedral rebuilt.
By Mario Corrigan.