New Row (on the Poddle)
New Row, previously New Row on the Poddle is located between Blackpitts and the Coombe. The Poddle runs between the back of the buildings on New Row and New Street.
On September 12, 1730, New Row was the site of a violent dispute between two sharpers who had just committed a robbery. Their disagreement over stolen loot ended with one being killed and the other gravely injured. Despite the violence, the robbery’s victim never recovered his stolen purse.
Historic flooding in November 1787 saw the Poddle River overflow, inundating areas from New Row to Meath Street and forcing residents to seek refuge in higher ground. The area also faced severe damage during the storm of June 12, 1822. This hurricane caused widespread destruction, including falling chimneys in New Row and Malpas Street. The storm’s intensity led to the extinguishment of gas lights, resulting in shop closures and significant property damage as even robust buildings struggled to withstand the storm.
On July 20, 1935, Rev. T. Corcoran at the Catholic Truth Society Congress noted the enduring legacy of Catholic lay teachers. Despite historical setbacks, teachers like Catherine Anderson and Catherine Hanley operated illegal schools in New Row, continuing their educational work under harsh conditions.
Association with Poddle
The Poddle runs between the back of the buildings on New Row and New Street and the name of the Road used to be New Row on the Poddle
What the Newspapers Say
- On September 12, 1730, two sharpers, having just robbed someone, fought in New Row by the Poddle River. They disagreed over their stolen loot, leading to a violent confrontation. One sharper was killed instantly, while the other was severely beaten, with his survival in doubt. Despite the old adage suggesting that justice would be served, the victim of the theft never recovered his stolen purse.
- On June 12, 1822, a severe storm, described as a hurricane, struck Dublin, causing widespread damage. In New Row by the Poddle River, and Malpas Street, chimneys were reported to have fallen. While no deaths were confirmed from these specific incidents, the storm’s impact was significant across the city, with chimneys, skylights, and roofs damaged extensively. The wind also extinguished gas lights, leading to shop closures and general disruption. The storm was so intense that even the most robust buildings struggled to withstand the damage. The chaotic conditions left many without light and caused significant property damage.
- On July 20, 1935, at the Catholic Truth Society Congress in Kilkenny, Rev. T. Corcoran highlighted the enduring legacy of Catholic lay teachers in Ireland. He praised the Gaelic system of education, which flourished long before the Renaissance, noting its impact on Irish scholarship and learning. The article also mentioned that, despite historical setbacks from invasions and penal laws, many lay teachers continued their work under difficult conditions. Specifically, it referenced illegal Catholic schools in Dublin, including those in New Row on the Poddle River, where educators like Catherine Anderson and Catherine Hanley maintained their teaching despite persecution.
- On January 27, 1937, a reflection on past storms highlighted severe flooding in Dublin from November 1787. Despite contemporary concerns about construction and weather, the article recalls how historic gales caused rivers like the Bradogue, Dodder, and Poddle to overflow dramatically. The Poddle and its tributaries inundated areas from New Row to Meath Street, forcing residents to seek refuge in higher parts of their homes. The floodwaters even reached Crampton Row and Lower Castle Yard, demonstrating the intense impact of the storms and reminding readers to appreciate current calmer conditions.