Commemorative Service for Sir Patrick Dun in St. Michan’s Church
This year we are marking the tercentenary of the death of Sir Patrick Dun (1643-1713) who was a past RCPI President. During our St. Luke's Symposium we are holding a day of events designed to celebrate his life and work.
Sir Patrick Dun was an ambitious physician and an extremely influential past President. Following his death in 1713 his property and estate was left in trust to the College at his bequest. Money from this trust was used for many good works including the establishment of Dun's Hospital; which, although closed now, would be well known by many Dubliners. Sir Patrick Dun also left his collection of books to the College and this was the foundation of Dun's Library which remains part of RCPI to this day. The library currently contains about 30,000 volumes and is a unique and important resource for research into the history of medicine in Ireland.
On Wednesday the 16th of October we will be holding a commemorative service in the historic St. Michan's Church between 7.00 and 8.00pm. There will be baroque music from the UCD Choral Scholars and music and hymns by the following composers and poets feature on the order of service:
- Joachim Neander (1650 - 1680)
- Thomas Tallis (1505 - 1558)
- Heinrich Schütz (1585 - 1672)
- George Herbert (1593 - 1633)
The service will be conducted by Reverend David MacDonnell, Curate of the Christ Church Cathedral Group of Parishes & Chaplain to St. James' Hospital.
On the night, a memorial plaque dedicated to Sir Patrick Dun will be unveiled in the church, where he is buried.
St. Michan's Church has been situated on Church Street in the heart of Dublin city since 1095. The atmospheric church stands on an ancient Hiberno-Norse site, close to the north Liffey quays and Smithfield. It is home to a beautifully decorated organ and legend has it that Handel practised for the first performance of 'Messiah' on this organ. It also welcomes thousands of tourists every year to visit its famous crypts.
Throughout the day on October 16th we will also be holding a series of lectures in the Heritage Centre. The lectures are also open to the public and all events are free of charge.
Places can be booked on the Heritage Centre Lectures or the commemorative service here, or by contacting college@rcpi or 01 863 9700.