A Luke Kelly sculpture is vandalised for the sixth time, while a second statue dedicated to the singer is also damaged.
In 2019, two statues were unveiled in Dublin to mark the 35th anniversary of the death of Irish singer, folk musician and actor Luke Kelly. The statue by multidisciplinary artist Vera Klute is located on the corner of Guild Street and Sheriff Street, close to Kelly's birthplace. The statue on South King Street is by figurative sculptor John Coll.
Vera Klute's sculpture, a 1.8 metre high marble bust with copper wire used to depict Luke Kelly's trademark hair and beard, was controversial when it was first unveiled, but has come to be accepted and admired.
The statue was vandalised for the sixth time overnight. Local people do not think the vandals are from the area. One local woman says,
I don’t believe that’s it’s kids that doing it, I believe it’s adults doing it.
For the first time, the statue to The Dubliners singer on South King Street was also attacked.
Local independent councillor Christy Burke thinks whoever is responsible for the damage is actively seeking attention.
Luke was a man of the people, if it was a politician or a controversial individual, he may not be attracting such publicity.
Gardaí say they are pursuing definite lines of inquiry in relation to previous attacks. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Dublin City Council (DCC) is planning to install CCTV and additional lighting to protect the sculpture. The DCC and An Garda Síochána are appealing for anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 24 June 2020. The reporter is John Kilraine. This report includes footage of Luke Kelly performing 'On Raglan Road' on 'The Humours of Donnybrook' broadcast on 10 January 1979.
