I USED A FUJIFILM GFX100RF TO PHOTOGRAPH THIS STATUE OF LUKE KELLY
THE LUKE KELLY STATUE NEAR ST STEPHEN' GREEN [SOUTH KING STREET 5 AUGUST 2026]
Luke Kelly (1940–1984) remains one of Ireland's most revered cultural icons. As a founding member of The Dubliners in 1962, his distinctive, thunderous tenor voice and fiery passion redefined Irish folk music. Immortalising tracks such as On Raglan Road, Scorn Not His Simplicity, and The Auld Triangle, Kelly was as deeply committed to working-class politics and social activism as he was to his music. His tragic passing from a brain tumour in 1984 at just 43 years old left a profound mark on Dublin's cultural identity.
The South King Street Statue (Near St Stephen's Green)
Located on South King Street—just steps from Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green—stands a life-sized bronze sculpture of Luke Kelly. Sculpted by prominent Irish figurative artist John Coll (who also created Dublin's famous monuments to Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan), the piece depicts Kelly seated, head thrown back in full song, cradling his signature five-string banjo. Positioned near the Gaiety Theatre, it captures the raw, theatrical energy of his live performances.
The Tale of Two Statues
In a unique homage to a single artist, Dublin unveiled two separate statues of Luke Kelly on the exact same day—30 January 2019—marking the 35th anniversary of his death.
The Origin: Dublin City Council had initially held a competition commissioned for artist Vera Klute to design a modern monument. Simultaneously, private donor Gerry Hunt commissioned John Coll for a traditional bronze piece.
The Double Unveiling: Rather than rejecting one, the city chose to place one statue on each side of the River Liffey. President Michael D. Higgins officially unveiled both monuments hours apart.
The Sheriff Street Bust and Unexpected Vandalism
The second statue, designed by Vera Klute, is a striking two-metre marble portrait head featuring wire-like resin hair, situated on Guild Street near Sheriff Street where Luke Kelly grew up.
Much to the dismay and outrage of the local community, this northern inner-city monument became the target of repeated vandalism, being defaced with spray paint over seven times in its first eighteen months. Because Kelly was a working-class hero who hailed directly from the neighbourhood, the attacks shocked Dubliners. Local residents and conservation specialists repeatedly restored the piece, leading to widespread calls for enhanced security and CCTV to protect the tribute.
Luke Kelly (1940–1984) remains one of Ireland's most revered cultural icons. As a founding member of The Dubliners in 1962, his distinctive, thunderous tenor voice and fiery passion redefined Irish folk music. Immortalising tracks such as On Raglan Road, Scorn Not His Simplicity, and The Auld Triangle, Kelly was as deeply committed to working-class politics and social activism as he was to his music. His tragic passing from a brain tumour in 1984 at just 43 years old left a profound mark on Dublin's cultural identity.
The South King Street Statue (Near St Stephen's Green)
Located on South King Street—just steps from Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green—stands a life-sized bronze sculpture of Luke Kelly. Sculpted by prominent Irish figurative artist John Coll (who also created Dublin's famous monuments to Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan), the piece depicts Kelly seated, head thrown back in full song, cradling his signature five-string banjo. Positioned near the Gaiety Theatre, it captures the raw, theatrical energy of his live performances.
The Tale of Two Statues
In a unique homage to a single artist, Dublin unveiled two separate statues of Luke Kelly on the exact same day—30 January 2019—marking the 35th anniversary of his death.
The Origin: Dublin City Council had initially held a competition commissioned for artist Vera Klute to design a modern monument. Simultaneously, private donor Gerry Hunt commissioned John Coll for a traditional bronze piece.
The Double Unveiling: Rather than rejecting one, the city chose to place one statue on each side of the River Liffey. President Michael D. Higgins officially unveiled both monuments hours apart.
The Sheriff Street Bust and Unexpected Vandalism
The second statue, designed by Vera Klute, is a striking two-metre marble portrait head featuring wire-like resin hair, situated on Guild Street near Sheriff Street where Luke Kelly grew up.
Much to the dismay and outrage of the local community, this northern inner-city monument became the target of repeated vandalism, being defaced with spray paint over seven times in its first eighteen months. Because Kelly was a working-class hero who hailed directly from the neighbourhood, the attacks shocked Dubliners. Local residents and conservation specialists repeatedly restored the piece, leading to widespread calls for enhanced security and CCTV to protect the tribute.
LUKE KELLY STATUE