Powerful image of late Fr Mark Coyle OFM Cap ‘Under Clerys’ clock’ in 1961

Thanks to the great archives of the Capuchins we have a powerful image of Fr. Mark Coyle OFM Cap. (1928-2010) passing two religious sisters on O’Connell Street in Dublin in 1961.

Fr. Mark Coyle was a chaplain in the Irish Defence Forces and completed several tours of duty in Lebanon where Irish military personnel continue to serve as part of its United Nations peacekeeping mission.

The famous clock over the main entrance to Clerys’ department store is visible in the background.

‘Under Clerys’ clock’ was a well-known meeting place and rendez-vous point for Dubliners for many years.

The full photo captures a unique scene of Dublin life from the perspective of the Donegal native, the late Fr Mark Coyle OFM Cap

As with the people of Dublin, it was often a meeting place for people to meet each other travelling to Dublin or to meet up with a friend or family, who were based in the Capital.

The clock shown in this image was replaced but a more decorative piece in 1990.

Earlier this year, Clerys' clock was restored as part of a major redevelopment of the department store which closed its doors in 2015.

The renovation of the building also involved the restoration of much of Clerys’ iconic features, including the colonnaded façade, internal staircases, columns, and ceilings.

The revamped site (called ‘Clerys’ Quarter) is expected to fully open later this year.

(With thanks to Capuchins Order Archive)