Carved in stone: the true story of a sculptor

FOR the umpteenth time your paper (July 16) has referred to sculptor Seamus Murphy having been an apprentice at “O’Connor’s, Blackpool” in Cork.

The name of the firm was JA O’Connell & Sons, Monumental Sculptors, Watercourse Road, Cork, with showrooms at Lr Glanmire Road, opposite St Patrick’s Church. The firm was founded by my grandfather, John A O’Connell, who was succeeded by my father, Colmán.

The work carried out by the firm included altars, communion rails, fonts, structural carved stonework, public monuments, headstones, etc.

Seamus Murphy had his yard next door to O’Connell’s and maintained a good relationship with his previous employer.

They frequently worked together and for some of Seamus’s projects O’Connell’s would make the monument to his design and he would carry out the carving of lettering and engraving.

Sean A O’Connell

Firgrove Lawn

Bishopstown

Cork