father matthew statue

Standing in the centre of Patrick Street, this statue commemorates Fr. Thoebold Matthew, the apostle of Temperance(1790 - 1861), He was known and loved in Cork for his efforts to alleviate distress during the cholera epidemic of 1832 and during the Great Famine from 1845 to1850. He was also responsible for the purchase of the botanic gardens in Ballyphehane and the establishment of St Joseph's cemetery on that site.

The statue of Fr. Matthew was erected 10 October 1864 and it has been loved and adore by Corkoians ever since.