CLAIMS that John’s Cathedral has the ‘highest spire in Ireland” were laid to rest this week by the Diocese of Limerick with confirmation that the landmark structure falls well short of its altitudinous title.
Previously touted as an impressive 308 feet and 3 inches from the base of the tower to the top of the cross, it now turns out that the spectacular city cathedral spire actually stands at 265 feet and 9 inches.
A local historian recently produced original architectural drawings dating back to 1878 as evidence that the spire at St John’s Cathedral was under 260 feet but this was disputed by several sources including the Diocese of Limerick.
However, as a result of the controversy stirred up by the claims, the Diocese subsequently commissioned a new survey.
In a statement issued to the Limerick Post this week, a diocesan spokesperson commented: “Following recent communications to us questioning the veracity of this survey, we commissioned a new survey and it has concluded that the height difference from the top of the cross (highest physical point surveyed) to the average ground level at main entrance is 81 metres (92.65 minus 11.65 metres) or 265 feet, 9 inches.”
The original cross on the spire, which was around 12 feet in height, was removed in 2000 and replaced with a much smaller cross that is around 3 feet high. The height of the spire, including the original cross, was circa 274 feet 9 inches, therefore making St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh the highest spire in Ireland.
“Any future edition of the Diocese of Limerick directory or any other publications from the diocese referencing the height of St John’s Cathedral will take account of the most recent survey results and we will be amending this on our website as well,” the spokesman concluded.
