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Luke Kelly Statue Moves Into Place Ahead Of Unveiling

Brendan O'Loughlin
Brendan O'Loughlin

12:19 29 Jan 2019


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A Luke Kelly statue is being moved into position ahead of a grand unveiling.

Two statues of the Dubliners music legend will be revealed to the public for the first time on Wednesday.

The statues will sit one on either side of the River Liffey, to honour "one of the most famous sons of Dublin".

The first sculpture was created by John Coll, who also designed the city’s Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan statues.

It features a life-size bronze, seated Luke Kelly singing and playing banjo.

luke kelly statue, luke kelly, head, statue, unveiling

Second Luke Kelly Statue

The second sculpture, a marble portrait head of Luke Kelly, was created by award winning portrait artist Vera Klute.

It will take up residence next to the Royal Canal beside the Convention Centre.

The giant head is over two metres high and was chosen as the winner of a competition in 2014.

luke kelly statue, luke kelly, head,

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring said the statues are a "unique celebration for a very unique man".

"It is only fitting that we celebrate the man, the music and his immeasurable impact on the Irish music scene", he said.

Author of 'Luke Kelly A Memoir', Des Geraghty said Luke's voice "rang out loud and clear in the early 1960s to lift up the heart and soul of a dismal Dublin".

With the unveiling of these new statues, he says Luke Kelly's "voice and passion for justice and liberty will never die".

President Michael D Higgins and the Lord Mayor Nial Ring will help unveil the statues.

Following the unveilings, some of Ireland's best loved singers and musicians will take part in an evening of music.

Those performing in Liberty Hall say their lives have been influenced by Luke Kelly's music.

Follow @98FM on Twitter for the latest Dublin news.


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