The oft repeated cry that there is no money in the city, that industry is slowly dying out through lack of capital, surely is false. What led me to total the numerous banks in Dublin was the comment of an American business man over here on a visit, who marvelled at the spectacle of the group of banks around College Green. I found the result astounding. Within the confines of the city, and taking the suburbs of Rathmines and Ballsbridge into account as well, I counted a total of 63 banks, and if these can carry on sufficient business to justify their continued service, then Dublin is not what it appears to be. The Royal Bank leads with 17 houses; next comes the National Bank with 13; then the Munster and Leinster, which has eight; the Bank of Ireland, Hibernian and Provincial can claim 7 apiece; the Northern Bank 3, and the National City 1. So, Dublin, the false creature, has its stocking hidden away, and with "more than a bit" in it, while to the world it preserves its secret in humble silence.
The Irish Times, October 5th, 1929.