Angelic Limerick monument restored to its former glory

A GOLDEN angel statue in the city which dates back to 1881 has been restored in time to herald in 2023.

It stands upon the bell tower of St Michael’s Church, Denmark Street. Keen historians Fionán Coughlan and Dr Paul O’Brien have been involved in the restoration project for a number of years.

"The monument has looked over Limerick city for almost 150 years and is truly unique, the likes of which are not found anywhere else in the country," said Mr Coughlan.

"The statue is highly ornate and features Michael the archangel, spear in hand standing upon a snarling dragon. Incredible attention to detail is exhibited in this cast-iron statue such as the gnarled teeth and forked tongue of the dragon, the ornate body armour and calm facial expression of the angel with hair suspended in the breeze."

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Restoration works were commissioned by Fr Leo McDonnell, of St Michael’s Church, with works carried out by Collins Steeplejacks. Richard Boland, of Collins Steeplejacks, noticed, on closer inspection, that a large cavity had been opened by a lightning strike which had hit the statue directly causing serious damage.

Mr Coughlan said the weather had begun to eat into the cast-iron structure and if works hadn’t been completed immediately, the damage to the statue could have become irreparable. Mr Boland had a brand new spear cast, and was able to salvage the spearhead from the original.

The statue was first unveiled on September 29, 1881, the Feast Day of St Michael. While conducting a drone survey of the structure on September 29, 2020, Dr O’Brien and Mr Coughlan made a startling discovery that on this day each year the rising sun lines up with the spear held in the angel’s hands!

"Now the statue has been fully restored, given a new spear and has been coated in gold leaf paint that is brilliant in the sun.

"The total sum for restoration works came to €18,000. Fr McDonnell has said that any donation to help cover the costs of repair would be most welcome and greatly appreciated this Christmas.

"A truly beautiful monument of our city lives on for future generations to enjoy!" said Mr Coughlan.