The Church Of Ireland
Press Release

Taoiseach Bertie Ahearn with Dean John Paterson and Dr. Kenneth Milne in the newly restored crypt of Christ Church Cathedral	Some of those involved in producing Christ Church Cathedral - A History. From left: Dr. Ray Refaussé - RCB Library, Michael Adams - Four Courts Press, Dr. Kenneth Milne - Editor, Prof. Roger Stalley - TCD, Dr. Barry Boydell - NUI Maynooth, Dr. Alan Fletcher - UCD, Dr. Raymond Gillespie - NUI Maynooth

Trinity Sunday, 18 June 2000, was a momentous day in the history of the Cathedral and Metropolitan Church of the Holy Trinity, Dublin, better known to one and all as Christ Church Cathedral. On that day Taoiseach Bertie Ahern launched the first-ever academic history of the 972-year-old cathedral and officially reopened the restored crypt, one of the largest medieval crypts in these islands. Later that evening delegates arrived for Ceiliúradh, a week-long Festival of Christian Liturgy to mark the Millennium.

Congratulating Dr. Kenneth Milne, editor of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin: A History, Mr. Ahern said he would enjoy returning to the book again and again and would be quoting from it when he visits Norway in two weeks time. "While it may be hard to explain why it took over 1,000 years to get this story told I will be telling them to visit this living landmark, the community of Christ Church in the heart of Old Dublin and I will tell them with pride that you proudly stand in a Norse Community which is in fact older than either Bergen or Oslo itself."

He added, "The great thing about Dublin is that we don't have to invent any of it."

He believed the book was a well-timed reminder of the city's diversity. "Dublin is and always has been a city of many faiths, many peoples and many cultures. We have failed in the past to see that clearly enough here in Dublin." He hoped the book would be a reminder that respect for difference is the hallmark of a mature Ireland.

Mr. Ahern praised the Dean, the Very John Paterson, the Chapter, the Cathedral Board and the Friends of Christ Church for their support of the project.

Reopening the renovated crypt Mr. Ahern recalled first visiting the crypt as a school boy and later as Lord Mayor of Dublin. He congratulated architect Paul Arnold, Merrion Contracting Company, and Cathal Cregg of Cregg Stone for the excellent way they managed to retain the crypt's medieval character.

Mr Ahern presented a framed print of the cathedral to each of the contributors to the history.

Following the formal ceremony the Taoiseach toured the crypt and viewed the renovations. These include a modern entrance stairway from the cathedral, a new external door, extra lighting, kitchen facilities and a flag-stone floor. Renovated at a cost of £1.3 million the crypt has been transformed from a dark, dank basement into a first-rate facility which may be used for functions and receptions.

On display are many historic items including stones, thought to date back to the crypt's foundation in 1172, discovered during the renovation work. Monuments include one to both Charles 1 and his son, Charles 11. Of particular interest are wooden stocks, which were used to punish offenders. The miscreant sat for hours on a wooden bench with his ankles and wrists thrust through holes in moveable boards.

Throughout the excitement of these events the cathedral's main purpose - the worship of Almighty God - was not forgotten. In the morning there was Sung Eucharist with orchestral participation at which the address was given by the Rt Revd David Stancliffe, Bishop of Salisbury. In the afternoon about 200 people attended Choral Evensong when the preacher was the distinguished Church of Ireland historian, the Revd Canon Dr. Adrian Empey, MRIA. Amongst those present in academic robes, were Dr. Kenneth Milne, Mr Michael Adams, Four Courts Press, and a number of the contributors to the history.

Christ Church Cathedral Dublin: a History, published by The Four Courts Press, is on sale in all good book shops at IR£30 IR. (postage IR£4.95 extra)