The honors will come on the 35th anniversary of the iconic singer’s death
Luke Kelly will be honored by his native Dublin this month with the unveiling of two new statues.
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Organized by Dublin City Council, the two statues, one on each side of the city, will both be unveiled on January 30th, the 35th anniversary of Kelly’s death.
President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins will do the official unveiling of both of the Luke Kelly statues, and Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring will be in attendance.
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Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring said: “Luke’s presence is still felt on the streets of his birthplace Sheriff St and the pubs and haunts of the literati circles around Grafton St/Baggot St where he frequented.”
“This is a unique celebration for a very unique man. To this day he inspires Irish and international artists through his words, songs, and activism. It is only fitting that we celebrate the man, the music and his immeasurable impact on the Irish music scene and wider Irish culture.”
Des Geraghty, family friend and author of ‘Luke Kelly A Memoir,’ said: “The voice of Luke Kelly rang out loud and clear in the early 1960s to lift up the heart and soul of a dismal Dublin city.”
“He captured the latent spirit of the Irish people and gave new hope and inspiration to the poor and oppressed in many a distant land. Like Joe Hill, the great American Union organizer and folk singer, his voice and passion for justice and liberty will never die.”
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The first sculpture, a life-sized bronze statue featuring a seated Luke Kelly created by John Coll, will be unveiled at 2:00 pm on January 30 on South King St.
The second sculpture, a marble portrait head of Luke Kelly created by Vera Klute, will be unveiled at 3:30 pm on January 30 on Royal Canal, Guild St / Sheriff St.
Plans are also underway to host a concert in Liberty Hall Dublin on the evening of January 30, with the official lineup to be announced closer to the date.
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