In 1979, the architectural firm of Scott, Tallon, Walker were given six weeks to build the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park and run an event which witnessed an attendance of well over one million, the largest gathering of Irish people in history. Retired architect Niall Scott, whose father was the founding partner of the firm, reflects upon working on the project.
“We were given six weeks from start to finish to produce this Mass. The commission came at the end of July and the Pope arrived on September 29. We worked seven days a week, twenty hours a day and project managed everything.
The scale of the thing was absolutely massive. Ronnie Tallon was appointed in charge of it and once he had the design done, it was a race against time. You were never asked how much it would cost, but could it be done in time. We charged no fees. It was our donation towards the event. This was the same with many others.
Ronnie wanted a very strong visual identity. He did the cross and altar while Robin looked after the crowd and facilities. I did all the gates and walks up to the event. There had been a concert in Hyde Park with the Rolling Stones that drew 1/4 million people a few weeks earlier. We used the same sound people. Every contractor’s crane in Dublin was used to hoist the speakers up. We had an array of 60 to 80 foot banners by Pat Scott fluttering in the breeze too.
Decisions were made on the spot. There was no time to write letters. In the middle of preparations, Lord Mountbatten was killed on August 27. This added to security concerns and the prospect of revenge killings. We couldn’t use scaffolding poles for fear of Semtex being planted, so we had to use stakes and ropes for corralling people. You have no idea of the logistics of it. Every corral had a number and colour. When you went through gate you got a number and ticket. There was very clear signage so you knew where to go. Each corral accommodated 5000 people. You had to ensure people could walk past and not stand on your sandwiches. Thankfully, the day was benign; it was a sunny day with a slight breeze.
It was the most challenging and exciting project I was ever involved in.”
Pope Francis will say Mass to 500,000 people in the Phoenix Park on August 26.
Images courtesy of Luke McManus
