The first Coombe Maternity Hospital was built in the Liberties in 1826 for “poor women in childbirth”. On the opening of a new hospital a little further away on Cork Street the earlier building was demolished in 1974. As a memorial to all the babies born here before 1974 the original entrance steps and porch were kept. This elegant remnant also serves as a reminder to the many colourful characters that once walked the streets of Dublin and were ‘honoured’ with appropriate nicknames. These memorable names, often referring to their humble trade, a bodily flaw or a curious habit are inscribed on the steps at the back of the memorial and include such fanciful monickers as Bang Bang, Zozimus, Jembo No Toes, Hairy Lemon, Shell Shock Joe, Damn the Weather, Stab the Rasher, Bugler Dunn, Johnny Forty Coats, Bird Flanagan, The Grindstone Man, the Umbrella Man, Rags, Bones & Bottles, magic Soap Man. And several more. You couldn’t make them up!
