Sir, – I refer to the Irish Times Magazine (November 21st) and the archive photograph in "The times we lived in" column on the inside back page.
I was surprised that the article below the picture referred to the scene as being “Abbey Street”. It is in fact North Earl Street. It is understandable why the error was made.
In 1959 Madigan’s did not operate in Abbey Street, it was then a Mooney’s pub which also had a presence in North Earl Street. I too was confused until I noticed in the top left corner of the photograph a snippet of Nelson’s Pillar and surrounding railings.
The late 1950s was a very depressing economic period and that is reflected in the gloomy faces of most in the photo.
I was also amazed by the number and density of the crowd until I remembered shopping centres were not then a feature of Irish society.
I can imagine many were heading for Henry Street, to Hafner’s, Todd Burns, Roches Stores, Arnotts, the Tower Bar or even Radió Éireann. Alas all have gone except Arnotts. A wonderful photograph!
– Yours, etc,
MUIRIS HERON
Sutton,
Dublin 13.