Cork Clockmaker Philip Stokes to Feature in New RTÉ Documentary Series ‘Masters: Keepers of Tradition’

Cork-based horologist Philip Stokes is set to appear in the fourth episode of RTÉ’s new documentary series Masters: Keepers of Tradition, which highlights Ireland’s remaining practitioners of rare and traditional crafts. The six-part series, inspired by the iconic 1970s RTÉ series Hands, aims to revive public appreciation for artisanal skills by showcasing the personal stories, motivations, and working environments of master craftpeople across the country.

Stokes, one of Ireland’s last practicing horlogists, undertook the restoration of Shandon Bell Tower’s famous “Four Faced Liar” clock—a project described as his most personal commission yet. The nickname refers to the clock’s historical tendency to display slightly different times on each of its four faces, a quirk that has become part of its local charm. The restoration work, which involved removing the clock’s hands and numbers for in-depth repair, was overseen by Keith Starr of Hearthstone in Glanmire and included collaboration with Cork City Council architectural conservation officer Jessie Castle and James Bourke Architects.

The series also features stonemason Julia Gebel from Tipperary, handweaver Beth Moran on Clare Island, basket weaver Joe Hogan from Lough na Fooey, and blacksmith John Hogan, who is working on a project at Westport House in County Mayo. Each episode follows the artisan as they take on a local commission, emphasizing how traditional skills remain relevant and meaningful in contemporary Ireland.

Produced with support from The Heritage Council and Coimisiún na Meán, Masters: Keepers of Tradition seeks to illuminate the current state of Ireland’s craft community while inspiring a new generation to pursue and preserve these endangered skills. The series premiered on RTÉ in April 2026, with Stokes’ episode airing as the fourth instalment.

About the ‘Four Faced Liar’ Clock

The Shandon clock mechanism was installed in 1847 by the former Cork Corporation, making it one of the oldest four-faced clocks in the British Isles. Its nickname, “the Four Faced Liar,” originated from its inconsistent timekeeping across the four dials—a characteristic that has endured as a beloved idiosyncrasy rather than a flaw. The clock has long been an acoustic and visual landmark in Cork city, though its chimes have been silent for over three years due to ongoing restoration efforts.

A total of €250,000 was allocated by Cork City Council earlier in 2025 toward the repair and restoration of the Shandon clock, representing the largest individual share of €700,000 in funding distributed to heritage projects across Cork under the Historic Structures Fund.

Series Vision and Cultural Impact

According to Colm Crowley, Head of RTÉ Cork, the series offers a meaningful alternative to digital saturation by highlighting creativity that is “hands-on, patient, and deeply meaningful.” The goal is to show younger audiences that fulfilment can be found in making, learning, and contributing something lasting to the world—values embodied by artisans like Philip Stokes, whose work bridges generations through precision, patience, and respect for heritage.

By focusing not only on the technical aspects of craft but also on the personal histories, family influences, and physical environments of the makers, Masters: Keepers of Tradition aims to present a holistic portrait of what it means to practice a traditional skill in 21st-century Ireland.