RESTORATION HAS BEEN completed on the Shandon clock in Cork city, which predates Big Ben in London and was the only four-faced clock until the latter’s construction.

The structure, which was installed in 1847 by Cork Corporation, is known as ‘the four-faced liar’ because the four clock faces did not historically show exactly the same time.

Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, rang the bells of the city’s famous St Anne’s Church at Shandon in Cork today to mark the formal completion of the project.

Dennehy said that the renewed St Anne’s is ready to face the future with confidence.

Reverend Meghan Farr and Bishop of Cork Cloyne and Ross Most Reverend Paul Colton ring the bells of the city’s famous St Anne’s Church at Shandon today

“Heritage buildings of this age and significance require ongoing care, and we know that its journey of renewal must continue,” said Dennehy.

“Shandon is one of Cork’s most beloved landmarks. 

“It is part of the cultural and social fabric of the city, it is woven into the story of us, it is a symbol of the city, it is part of us. This restoration reminds us of the significance of Shandon to us all.”

Cork City Council assisted with three restoration projects at St Anne’s, which involved major works to the clock faces and clock mechanism, to its bells supports, and to its original 300-year-old front doors.

The project involved specialist advice from a horologist, structural engineers, conservation architects and specialist conservation joiners and stone repair contractors, all of whom are based in Cork.

The Lord Mayor visited the landmark church, just days after its restored original 300-year-old front doors were rehung, to celebrate with the Church of Ireland community

Cork City Council received €250,000 in funding under the Historic Structures fund, and supplemented this with an additional €340,000 to fund the restoration to the clock faces and clock mechanism.

Scaffolding had to be carefully designed for the church tower to allow access to the four clock faces and for localised external repair to the stonework.

The clock is now working and all four clock faces have been restored, to include the repainting and gilding of the clock numerals, and the reintroduction of the minute markers – an element which has been missing since the 1960s.

Shandon’s famous quirk – the four faces of the clock showing slightly different times – has been maintained, with the four faces only showing the same time on the hour.

Cork City Council took the opportunity while the scaffolding was in place to clean the tower stonework, using a specialised hot steam system. 

The Select Vestry of St Anne’s also secured €130,000 to help fund repairs to the church’s decayed timber bell support beams.

The church contributed an additional almost €85,000 to the project, as the first phase of a larger project.

The church also successfully applied around €36,000 for the restoration of St Anne’s original 300-year-old front doors, which had been covered at some stage by panelling. 

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, and Reverend Meghan Farr priest in charge at Saint Anne's cutting cake of Shandon made by member of the congregation.

This project included the reinstatement of missing timber panels, and the conservation and restoration of the iron strap hinges, using iron recovered from Morrison’s Island quays fenders. 

The work cost around €46,000, with the church covering the balance. The restored original doors were rehung at the church this week.

The Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, said the restoration of the iconic Shandon is a powerful reminder of Cork City Council’s commitment to protecting and celebrating our heritage.

“And this historic area will see more soon,” said O’Sulluivan.

The City Council is working to advance the restoration and regeneration of the Butter Market and Weighmaster’s House as Shandon Exchange.

O’Sullivan said these works will be carried out “thanks to €7m in funding awarded to the City Council under THRIVE-Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme”.

“Shandon Exchange will act as a catalyst for innovation, partnership and community development and will help transform what is already a wonderful part of the city.”