Ever heard of an Irishman who dared to dance among the clouds long before airplanes were even a twinkle in anyone’s eye? This is the Richard Crosbie Statue. It commemorates the first Irishman to make a manned flight.
Richard Crosbie was not your average Dubliner. This statue is a tribute to his redoubtable curiosity. It also honors his determination. The Richard Crosbie Statue stands here in Ranelagh Gardens. This is near the spot where he launched his balloon in 1785.
Imagine Dublin on January 19th, 1785. Over 20000 people gathered here. They watched Richard Crosbie prepare for his daring feat. He was about to ascend in a hydrogen air balloon. His destination was Clontarf on Dublin’s northside.
The Richard Crosbie Statue designed by Rory Breslin captures Crosbie’s youthful curiosity. The bronze sculpture shows many airborne themes. It gives a sense of the showmanship that Crosbie possessed. The statue is adorned with images. These images reflect the extravagance of that day in 1785.
Crosbie stood tall at six feet three inches. Before his own flight, he launched balloons with animals. One balloon even carried a cat. It was spotted off the west coast of Scotland. The cat and balloon were rescued by a ship near the Isle of Man.
His balloon was named Grand Air Balloon and Flying Barge. It was launched from Ranelagh Gardens. Crosbie intended to cross the Irish Sea. He exhibited his Aeronautic Chariot. It was made of wood covered with cloth. He designed and built it himself. The Chariot resembled a boat with rudder and sails.
More than 35000 people witnessed Crosbie’s first flight. The balloon and chariot were beautifully painted. They displayed the arms of Ireland. Minerva and Mercury supported the chariot. There were emblematic figures of the wind. Crosbie’s aerial dress was quite something. He wore a robe of oiled silk lined with white fur. His waistcoat and breeches were white satin quilted. He completed the look with morocco boots and a leopard skin cap.
Darkness fell early. Crosbie decided to land at Clontarf. Later he tried to cross the channel. He defied a ban by the Lord Mayor of Dublin. The population was spending too much time watching the sky instead of working. A severe storm forced him down halfway. Captain Walmitt rescued him.
This memorial statue to Richard Crosbie was unveiled in 2008. Councillor Mary Freehill did the honors. Frank McNally of the Irish Times and Rose Doherty assisted. Dublin City Council funded the statue.
So next time you’re near the Richard Crosbie Statue take a moment. Remember the brave Irishman who looked to the skies. He dared to dream of flight long before it seemed possible.