Part 24 - Fr. Peter Bowe at the opening of Father Mathew Park, Fairview, Dublin

Black and white print

A photograph of Fr. Peter Bowe OFM Cap. speaking at the opening of Father Mathew Park in Fairview in Dublin.

The park was located just off Windsor Avenue (near Philipsburgh Avenue) and at the rear of the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Fairview. The Capuchins obtained possession of a three-acre field on the site. The field was used as a location for events organised by a local temperance association including outings, summer concerts, and fundraising for the poor of the parish. Notably, Father Mathew Park was later used by the Irish Volunteers for drilling and rifle practice. The Volunteers also used the park as an assembly point for the collection and storage of arms during the Howth gunrunning incident in July 1914 and later during the 1916 Rising. The association of the Capuchins with the park ceased in 1917. No trace of Father Mathew Park exists today as St. Mary’s National School was constructed on the grounds in 1953.