Survey Data
Reg No
22117138
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical
Previous Name
Clonmel Infantry Barracks
Original Use
Monument
In Use As
Monument
Date
1905 - 1915
Coordinates
220776, 122625
Date Recorded
03/11/2006
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding triangular-plan limestone memorial to soldiers of Royal Irish Regiment who died in Boer War, erected 1910. Set on circular stepped plinth and surrounded by cast-iron railings. Each face has chamfered recess for plaques, with bronze garland over and moulded cornice with frieze having egg-and-dart moulding. Below each plaque is lettering or date in high relief above further chamfered plaque with inscription. Front, south, face has bronze figure sculpture and lettering 'South Africa 1899-1902'. Northwest face has plaque listing those who died of disease and north-east commemorates those killed in action or who died of wounds. Pair of yew trees as backdrop to monument.
Appraisal
This is a particularly finely crafted early twentieth-century monument commemorating those who died in the Boer War in South Africa. It is important for being one of the very few Art Nouveau memorials in Ireland. Designed by R.C. Orpen, it has a notable bronze figure and other details, and the stone-cutting and inscribing are of a high order. Its setting, in the military barracks, is fitting.