TWO statues of legendary Irish singer Luke Kelly are to be unveiled in Dublin later this month on the 35th anniversary of his death.
Plans to erect a statue to the former front man and founding member of The Dubliners have been in the works for 15 years.
Now two will be unveiled on the same day, January 30, reports RTÉ.
A life-size bronze statue by sculptor John Coll will be unveiled on South King Street at 2pm.
A marble head by Vera Klute will then be unveiled at 3.30pm near the Royal Canal at the junction of Guild Street and Sheriff Street.
The former piece was donated to the city by late artist Gerry Hunt, while the latter was commissioned by Dublin City Council.
'Immeasurable impact'
President Michael D Higgins will unveil the statues, while a concert in celebration of Kelly is being planned for later in the evening.
Dublin Lord Mayor Nial Ring said the statues would act as a ‘unique celebration for a very unique man’.
"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,” he said.
“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.”
A tribute to Kelly already exists after the Ballybough Bridge was renamed in his honour in 1985.
Dublin City Council first unanimously voted to erect a statue of Kelly in 2004, however the plan fell through due to funding issues.
See More: Dublin, Dublin City Council, Luke Kelly, The Dubliners
