St Georges

The details about St George's bells on these pages are of historical interest only as the church was closed in April 1990.

St George's Church, was designed by the famous architect Francis Johnston who also designed many of Dublin's most notable buildings. These included the chapel in Dublin Castle, the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, the GPO and Nelson's Pillar. However, his talents were not reserved simply for Dublin - he also designed the tower and spire of St Peter's Church in Drogheda. As Mr Johnston was a keen bell ringer, many of his buildings incorporate bells. He went one step further with St Georges's Church though - the bells were his personal gift to the church.

With this clear enthusiasm in mind, it is perhaps no surprise that St George's tower was one of the original towers to join the Association in 1898, and also regular winners of the Lindoff and Murphy cups. One of the tower's most noteworthy ringers was Fred Dukes, who was ringing master of this tower, represented Ireland for a record 52 consecutive Central Council meetings, edited the Irish Bell News and wrote the book Campanology in Ireland.

Sadly, the congregation started to decline as people moved out of the city centre. In 1990 the church was deconsecrated and sold off, the society was wound up and Dublin's only North side ring of bells was removed. Fortunately, for us the story ends on a happy note as the bells have been re-hung in Taney Parish Church, where they are rung on Sundays, practice nights, district practices and other occasions.