1798 Memorial, John Mitchel Place, Newry, Co Down

The 1798 Memorial stands in John Mitchel Place, Newry, and was constructed between 1940 and 1959. It is a rock-faced granite block wall with gabled and oversailing copings between square terminal piers. A cast iron plaque is inset, depicting a Primate seated between two Yew trees and inscribed with the words ‘Jubin Cjnn Tracta.’ A black polished granite plaque, within a Gothic surround of alternating black and grey granite voussoirs, is located towards the base of the wall. This plaque bears white lettering which reads, "In proud and loving memory of the patriots of Cochron and Iowans of Newry and all those from the town and district whose lives were sacrificed in the cause of freedom in 1798. Erected 1948 by the Newry Ninty-eight Commemoration Committee." The memorial commemorates an important time in Irish and local history. According to a 1969 survey, the structure was originally a drinking fountain. An 1899 Ordnance Survey map shows a potato and fowl market in this location, and the wall may have originally formed part of their boundary. Valuation revision books from 1866 to 1930, held at PRONI, provide further detail. The memorial is located within a conservation area and is of little architectural merit but is considered appropriate for protection at that level. The ownership is by Local Government.