Dublin Castle | PARKS AND GARDENS

PHOTOGRAPHED 11 FEBRUARY 2024

Earlier today I photographed the Patrick Kavanagh sculpture at Wilton Terrace and did not not realise that John Coll was also responsible for this really popular memorial to Veronica Guerin.

This attracts a lot of attention and many visitors place a stone on the plinth and today I noticed that someone had laid a necklace at the base of the bronze bust. In some countries people leave stones on a grave or memorial to mark their visit. The symbol of the stone can bring comfort to family and friends, letting them know their loved one has been visited, grieved and prayed for by others. I like the idea.

Veronica Guerin
1959-1996

Be Not Afraid
Greater justice was her ideal and it was her ultimate achievement.
Her courage and sacrifice saved many from the scourge of drukgs and other crime.
Her death has not been in vain.

Unveiled by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D.
22nd June 2001

Veronica Guerin
Sunday Independent journalist,
was murdered in 26th June 1996.

This monument was jointly erected by
Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Limited and
the National Millennium Committee.
Independent News & Media PLC
sculptor john coll

John Coll is one of Ireland’s most prominent figurative sculptors. He has sculpted many works of national importance including monuments to the poet Patrick Kavanagh and the writer Brendan Behan on the Dublin canals. Other large-scale projects include a monument to Countess Markievicz in Rathcormac, Co Sligo and locally a life-size portrait of the racehorse “Bobby-Jo” in Mountbellew, Co Galway.