nine o’clock
He hinted that the people of Ballymoy would be quite satisfied if the statue stood for twenty-four hours . The weather was exceptionally fine and calm . There was no reason -- if the unveiling were carefully done -- why Doyle 's cement should be subjected to any strain whatever . At nine o'clock on the morning of the Lord-Lieutenant 's visit , Dr. O'Grady , with the help of Doyle and two labourers , who had three step-ladders , veiled the statue . They draped it from the head to the bottom of the pedestal in a large sheet of blay calico of a light yellowish colour . This was carefully done , and an elaborate arrangement of string was made , leading out from the statue to the place where the Lord-Lieutenant was to stand . Dr. O'Grady satisfied himself by a series of experiments that the apparatus would work .