Selfie stunt could close Shandon viewing platform
That was the warning from a member of the Vestry of St Anne’s Church — the 12-member group elected by parishioners to manage the affairs of the historic church.
Tim Bracken said he was shocked at the stunt — understood to be the first incident of its kind in the platform’s 150-year history.
“Our concern would be that if this triggers a trend or copycat behaviour, the Vestry would be left with no option but to close the viewing platform,” said Mr Bracken.
“It’s not something we want to do, but we may have no option on health and safety grounds.”
Sisters Susan and Shirley McCarthy were in Susan’s house on nearby Wolfe Tone St at 12.40pm on Saturday when they saw the drama unfold through her kitchen window. They captured the incident on camera phones.
Pics taken yesterday, 2 people taking selfies while standing on the parapet of Shandon! @OpinionLine96 via @mackshir pic.twitter.com/XxDPGNG4F6
— BellsofShandon (@BellsofShandon) February 8, 2015
Their photos show people apparently posing for a selfie on the low narrow wall around the viewing area, 45m above the ground.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing really — I mean, one gust of wind and they were gone,” said Ms McCarthy.
Mr Bracken described those involved in the incidents as “irresponsible idiots”.
“They were abusing the facility,” he said.
“I don’t think we could install railings on the steeple. It’s a protected structure and it would ruin the view. And I don’t think we could have somebody up there full time to police the platform.
“It would be a real shame if the irresponsible actions of a few idiots, a few clowns, could ruin it for everybody else.”
A tower manager accepts payments from visitors wishing to ring Shandon’s bells or climb to the viewing area. The church is without a rector at the moment after Rev Brian O’Rourke was posted to Portlaoise.
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