Reading the Signs
  • Blog
  • Cork
    • Cork City >
      • Derelict Cork
      • Cork City Plaques >
        • Arts & Artists
        • Buildings with Dates >
          • Individual Buildings or Houses >
            • 1847 Blarney St School
            • 1854 Greenmount School
            • 1856 Kyrl's St
            • 1856 Ladyswell Brewery
            • 1860 Cornmarket Arch
            • 1860 Richmond Cottage
            • 1860 Roman St
            • 1864 Butter Market House
            • 1865 Waterworks Chimney
            • 1870 Maryville
            • 1870 St. Paul's Avenue
            • 1871 North Presentation
            • 1874 Courthouse Chambers
            • 1878 Distillery Chimney
            • 1881 Neptune House
            • 1883 Reardens
            • 1888 Waterworks
            • 1889 St. Luke's N.S.
            • 1890 Kennedy Quay
            • 1892 Cork Baptist Church
            • 1894 Jamesville
            • 1895 Courthouse
            • 1896 Dun Desmond
            • 1897 Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital
            • 1900 Lough Hall
            • 1902 Fitzgerald's Park
            • 1913 St. Joseph's N.S.
            • 1914 64 St. Patrick's St
            • 1925 1 Libertas Villas
            • 1926 Capwell P.O.
            • 1928 Castlegreine
            • 1928 College Stream House
            • 1958 Churchfield B.N.S.
            • 1968 Scouthut
            • 1971 Library
            • 1994 McHugh House
          • Developments & Multiple Buildings >
            • 1719 Skiddy's Almhouses
            • 1761 Tuckey St
            • 1766 Millerd Street
            • 1767 James St
            • 1782 Farrens St
            • 1785 Grenville Place
            • 1832 Montenotte Road
            • 1833 Rotunda Buildings
            • 1833 York Terrace
            • 1836 Millfield Cottages
            • 1836 Rockspring Terrace
            • 1837 St. Luke's Place
            • 1853 Eglinton Place
            • 1865 Langford Terrace
            • 1878 College View Terrace
            • 1880 Bellevue Terrace
            • 1880 Bloomfield Terrace
            • 1882 Friar St
            • 1882 St James's Place
            • 1883 Monarea Terrace
            • 1883 Walsh's Square
            • 1886 Madden's Buildings
            • 1889 Marina Villas
            • 1894 Wynneville
            • 1895 St. John's Terrace
            • 1896 Balmoral Terrace
            • 1897 Ophelia Terrace
            • 1898 Centenary Crescent
            • 1898 Tramore Villas
            • 1900 Corporation Buildings
            • 1903 O'Connor Ville
            • 1905 St. Vincent's Terrace
            • 1907 Millview Cottages
            • 1907 Rock View Terrace
            • 1908 Arthur Villas
            • 1915 Morton Villas
            • 1932 Ardfoyle Terrace
            • 1932 Elmgrove
            • 1934 St Joseph's
            • 1940 St Vincent's View
            • 1982 Ardfert
            • 1983 St. John's Square
            • 1994 Red Abbey Court
            • 1999 Adelaide Court
            • 2004 Alexandra Court
        • Cork City Commemorative Plaques
        • Fenian Plaques >
          • Plaques
      • Cork City Timeline
      • Eucharistic Tiles - Cork
      • Cork Wheelguards
      • Grottos in Cork City
      • War of Independence - People >
        • Terence MacSwiney
    • Co. Cork >
      • Grottos in Co Cork
      • Clonakilty Jungle City >
        • Barrister Bill
        • Children's Green Dream
        • Cloich na Coillte Tiger
        • Crocakilty
        • Dufair
        • Horny Bill
        • Make Us Safe (Lucy)
        • Old Mill Car Park
        • 8/9 Pearse St
        • 26/27 Pearse St
        • Precious Tears
        • Taidghín Tiger
        • Tara
        • Wolfe Tone Street Roundabout
  • Not Cork
    • Clare - Ennis YHS Tiles
    • Clare - Co. Clare YHS Tiles
    • Clare - Ennis Grottos
    • Clare - Grottos
    • Kerry - Civil War Memorials
    • Kerry - Grottos
    • Limerick - Civil War Memorials
    • Co. Limerick - YHS Tiles
    • Limerick - YHS Tiles
  • Not Munster
    • Dublin YHS Tiles
    • Co. Galway YHS Tiles
    • Galway City YHS Tiles
    • Co. Mayo YHS Tiles
    • Athlone YHS Tiles
  • Groupings
    • Famine Memorials
    • Irish Words
    • Old Ads
    • Post Boxes
    • Roadside Memorials
    • Ghostsigns
    • ESB Logo, etc
    • Street Art
    • People
  • Contact
Search the site

MIXED MESSAGES.

Using signs, advertisements and messages as the inspiration for observation and comment - enlightened and otherwise

BLOG

Wall Art - Spotting Similarities

30/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Old Railway Line (off Brian Boru St)
I would be far from competent in art appreciation but even I can spot the chopped off fingers in both paintings so assume the same artist.

As for looking for guidance as to interpretation of the image, unfortunately you are on the wrong webpage.
Picture
Lynch Street
0 Comments

Michael Long, Dingle

30/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
A few weeks ago, I was listening to the Documentary On One on RTE about the Dingle Sturgeon and there was mention of the publican,
Mikey Long who was responsible for very many exhibits at the Natural History Museum. If anything unusual was caught and landed at Dingle, Mikey Long would pack it off to the Museum after rewarding  the fisherman with a pint.

I then remembered the photograph taken in July.

 For me, this is an example of an ideal plaque – recording details of someone whose renown would not have had a wide reach but who did improve the public good by his actions.

0 Comments

It is nice to say 'Thanks'.....

28/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Dunmanway, Co. Cork
Picture
There are a number of different views one could take on work being carried out by someone.

One could say that it the work that he is being paid to do and is that not reward enough – no further recognition is required.

But one says thank you to a shop teller – most of the time.

I found this plaque refreshing that enough local people thought highly enough of Fran Cleary’s work that they wished to record a ‘thank you’.

The enhancement of self-worth in just hearing these two words may them so valuable.

0 Comments

Leave A Trail

28/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Do not go where the path may lead, 

go instead where there 

is no path, and

leave a trail


Read More
0 Comments

Cork School of Anatomy, Medicine and Surgery

27/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Recently I took shelter in the Crawford Art Gallery and spotted this on display on the second floor. I’m sure that what took my eye was not intended as the most important aspect of the display. 
 
I did stop and wonder as to the building shown on the certificate. It took a  while but then I recalled that Nelson Quay became Warren Place which then became Parnell Place.

The condition that it was for many years as evidenced in photographs from the Buildings of Ireland below was bad enough but the current façade that has existed for a good few years must surely not be one of which the planners can be overly  proud.

Interesting to spot the removal of the raised centre parapet from the Warren Place days.

Picture
2013
Picture
From BuildingsOfIreland.ie website
Picture
From BuildingsOfIreland website
0 Comments

Leonard Cohen - As Gaeilge

25/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Get Thee to Tralee Next Saturday.(Correction - Next Friday29th November)

We went to Ennis last Saturday for the night and discovered that there was a gig on in Glór. We got tickets for the three of us (including our seven year old). The auditorium was less than half-full but the gig was brilliant. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

There was a definite sense of something new and original coming from the stage. 

I have attended Leonard Cohen live on two occasions in the past two years. On both occasions, he re-used, in whole or part, an intro to at least one song that I would have heard from his live album. It must be difficult to be original for every song every night.

On Saturday, one sensed that each introduction was said for the first time – the others on stage were hearing of it for the first time, as were the audience. There was a palpable buzz of a fresh relationship with the coming together of three independent artists (one a band) – not just wondering what the other might say and when but a definite mutual liking and enjoyment.
 
The music was respectful to the original tune – to many varying degrees – but never to the extent that you thought it was a case of simply changing the words and keeping the tune. The final song of the night ‘Ní hin an tslí chun slán a rá’ (That’s no way to say goodbye) was repeated – so we got two different treatments; both hopping.

The three artists (Liam O’Maonlaí, The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra and Hilary Bow) combined to provide 5 vocalists – each brought their own to a particular song.

This wasn’t just an aural experience. There was a visual back-drop with a picture slideshow of Leonard Cohen and images appropriate to the lyrics. These images included the words being sung at the time. For me, non-fluent in Irish, these were needed. A definite enhancement.

The only improvements for me could have been the inclusion of ‘A Thousand Kisses Deep’ and possibly a larger audience or smaller venue – minor issues.

I like Leonard Cohen. I have started conversational Irish classes so do have an interest. You can take whatever possible bias from these as you wish.

I am hoping to get to Tralee on Saturday ( Correction - Friday 29th) for the final gig so again you can take whatever inference you wish.

0 Comments

We All Matter. But How?

24/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
North Wall, Dublin - 20130912
“We All Matter


Class is only a division when one is subdued to accept it: a mere transcript of meaningless self preservation: a mere moment of loss: a mere
  moment of chaos.

 Belief in ridicules is senseless: a mere undertone of ignorance and flesh ???? mis-educated: a soulless mirror image of mass destruction;
it capsizes the more you accept it. a hypocritical
pack of fools really. a mere pact.

 The lost ones:
Class – What is it?
Division – When did it arrive?
Segregation – Why does it still exist?”


 Red =  assumed


I was early for Leonard Cohen. I did spend a minute or two trying to make out the message – but failed.

I have looked at the image a number of times since and complete clarification of the words and interpretation of the message continue to elude me.
 
I wonder if there is an answer.

0 Comments

Recording A Score

23/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
PictureThe Ovens Bar
While travelling to Macroom some weeks ago, I spotted a plaque on the wall of the Ovens Bar and stopped to investigate.

This could be argued to be another case of ‘paper never refusing ink’ or even ‘stone never refusing engraving’.

 So many unanswered questions:
 -         Why are  the winners not recorded?
 -         What makes this game so noteworthy, and so much more important that all others, to  warrant recording in stone?
 -         Why is this activity of the bishop more deserving of recognition that his other activities?

0 Comments

Sporting Street Art

22/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Moore Street, Cork
Picture
I spotted some street art recently that differed from the norm.

This is the first version of street art or graffiti that I can recall that is actually a game. I have passed by a few times since but have yet to see anyone availing of the art and throwing or kicking at the target.

0 Comments

Anyone for a drink?

21/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
O'Sullivan's Bar, Western Road, Clonakilty
Picture
When in Clon a few weeks ago, I spotted some writing on the wall of the hall of a pub and stopped to photograph.

I was not in the market for a drink that day but the message has definitely put O’Sullivan’s at the top of the list for a quiet pint the next time I head west. So appropriate in terms on content and location – just enough to raise one’s curiosity.

0 Comments

Gud Luk

21/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
De Barra's, Clonakilty
Picture
When in Clonakilty recently, I spotted this plaque on the floor as one enters De Barras bar on Pearse Street.

I know that there are more susceptible to wear and erosion but I am beginning to like the idea of plaques at thresholds – more subtle but still prominent.

The ten years from 2003 have flown as I would have thought his passing was more recent.

It was another tug on the conscience of Get Busy Living. If I am to live as long, I have less than ten years to complete whatever is on the Bucket List – better start compiling that list.

Noel Redding
1945 – 2003
 Bass Player With
 The Jimi Hendrix Experience
 Played De Barras For Over 20 Years
 “Gud  Luk”
0 Comments

Departments of Misery

20/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
On my way home, I stopped in Ballinascarthy recently to photograph the Wall Art. It was colourful and definitely drew my attention when heading west earlier in the day.

It was only then that I spotted the words that are being prepared to accompany the art. The incomplete saying does make one wonder if the author became so miserable as to not complete the works; or, whether having noticed his spelling the artist gave up in despair; or, maybe the rain came and painting was postponed.

An interesting concept though; one which some may think has existed for the past six years; a bit 1984-ish – a Department of Misery.


0 Comments

Tuckey Street

18/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Last Saturday morning, I got a very enlightening and enjoyable guided tour of part of the City Centre which was conducted by Tom Spalding. His walk as part of the heritage Day was overbooked and so an additional walk in conjunction with Liam Russell’s was organised for Saturday.

 It dealt substantially with street signage but other nuggets of information were also found.

Towards the end we arrived at Tuckey Street and Tom stopped to talk about this sign that I had photographed some months ago.

He understands that the sign was originally on the building on the corner of Grand Parade and Tuckey St which, I understand burnt down, and now forms part of Bishop Lucey Park. This is consistent with the current siting of
the sign – both in terms of height on building (at shopfront height is rather low) and also in respect of position within the street (signs were generally at the beginning and end of streets and not in the middle).

He pointed out details, some of which I had not observed, which indicates that the sign-writer may not have been very experienced:
 -         For each of the three lines of text, there are three lightly scored lines, similar to what I recall from primary school to get our proportions for letters correct
-         The first row appears reasonably well set out but an ability to appropriately set out the second row was beyond the writer,
-         The gap between ‘E’ and ‘T’ in ‘STREET’,
-         The fancy tail to the ‘U’, and
-         The odd ‘6’.

Reading this back, it does make it look like an uninteresting walk and talk. That is so far from the truth.

0 Comments

The Future For Atheists

18/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
I was christened into the Catholic faith at three days of age. My mother was still in hospital and would not be allowed back into a Catholic Church until she had been ‘churched’. My parents possibly spotted my tendency to agnosticism which took over sixteen years later. That has been my faith ever since.

 Maybe it was my particular perspective but I did smile when passing Clon Business Solution premises on Pearse Street in Clonakilty last month, before Halloween.

 Yet another reaffirmation of the saying that this is not a trial run and that we only live once. Another reminder to get busy living or get busy dying.

0 Comments

Faction Fight - 11 Dead

16/11/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Ballinhassig, Co. Cork
Picture
I have been photographing plaques and signs for this blog since February. For even longer, I would have read plaques as I passed them.

This is the only one that I have seen so far to commemorate a faction fight.

As to why it was considered appropriate to commemorate a faction fight, I do no know…..

Neither do I know but I do wonder whether Julia O’Callaghan was  an innocent bystander or whether she considered herself as good a fighter as the males…….

“This plaque which was unveiled on the 30th June 1995 was ertected in memory of Maurice Corcoran, Jeremiah Coughlan, Charles McCarthy, Corneilius Ford, John Kerrigan, Julia O’Callaghan, John Desmond, John Hourihan,
John Walsh, Tom Delea and a man named O’Sullivan who lost their lives as a result of a faction fight which took place here in the village of Ballinhassig, during a fair day, on Monday 30th June 1845.”
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    From Cork.

    Old enough to have more sense - theoretically at least.

    SUBSCRIBE

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    Picture
    Unless otherwise specifically stated, all photographs and text are the property of www.readingthesigns.weebly.com - such work is licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence


    Tweets by @SignsTheReading

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    March 2022
    November 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013

    Picture
    WRITE A LETTER

    Categories

    All
    Accuracy
    Arts
    Books
    Branding
    Cavan
    Cemeteries
    Clare
    Commemorate
    Cork
    Dated
    Donegal
    Dublin
    Economy
    England
    Fermanagh
    Gaeilge
    Galway
    Ghostsigns
    Graffiti
    Grammar
    Help
    Heritage
    Holland
    Humour
    Kerry
    Kildare
    Laois
    Leitrim
    Limerick
    London
    Longford
    Marketing
    Mayo
    Me
    Northern Ireland
    Offaly
    Old Ads
    Old Shops
    Other Blogs
    Plaque
    Politics
    Public
    Punctuation
    Religion
    Riddle
    Roscommon
    Scotland
    Sculpture
    Sligo
    Spelling
    Sport
    Stickers
    Street Art
    Submission
    Tipperary
    Tweets
    Waterford
    Westmeath
    Wild Atlantic Way

    Blogs I Read & Links

    Thought & Comment

    Head Rambles

    For the Fainthearted

    Bock The Robber

    Póló


    Rogha Gabriel

    Patrick Comerford

    Sentence First

    Felicity Hayes-McCoy

    140 characters is usually enough

    Johnny Fallon

    Sunny Spells
    
    That’s How The Light Gets In

    See That

    Tea and a Peach


    Buildings & Things Past

    Built Dublin

    Come Here To Me

    Holy Well


    vox hiberionacum

    Pilgrimage in Medieval Ireland

    Liminal Entwinings

    53degrees

    Ciara Meehan

    The Irish Aesthete

    Líníocht


    Ireland in History Day By Day

    Archiseek

    Buildings of Ireland

    Irish War Memorials


    ReYndr

    Abandoned Ireland

    The Standing Stone

    Time Travel Ireland

    Stair na hÉireann

    Myles Dungan

    Archaeouplands

    Wide & Convenient Streets

    The Irish Story

    Enda O’Flaherty



    Cork

    Archive Magazine


    Our City, Our Town

    West Cork History

    Cork’s War of Independence

    Cork Historical Records


    Rebel Cork’s Fighting Story

    40 Shades of Life in Cork

    
    Roaringwater Journal





    Picture
    Picture
    Best Newcomer Blog
Proudly powered by Weebly