Michael Moynihan: Old carvings a true benchmark for a proper reading of Cork city

The benchmark stone on the kerb at the base of St Patrick's Hill. (Pictures: Twitter Tony McGrath @SignsTheReading)

A few weeks back there was a bit of a stir when attention was drawn to the loss of a benchmark (which has since been reinstated), a carved wall marking, due to works at the bottom of Patrick’s Hill.

Tony McGrath was the man who spotted the original removal, and as a quantity surveyor with a fascinating blog — readingthesigns.weebly.com — I thought he might educate me on benchmarks. And benchmarks in Cork, in particular, those funny symbols with lines pointing towards them.