Ireland's most sorely missed folk artist, Luke Kelly, is set to get his own statue in Dublin.

As one of the founding members of the band The Dubliners, Luke Kelly had a central role to play in the folk revival in Ireland. Noted for his distinctive singing style, his memorable ballads, and his sometimes political messages, Kelly is rightly regarded as one of Ireland most important musicians.

Now, Luke Kelly is set to get his own statue in Ireland's capital.

Readers will no doubt remember that plans had already been made to give Luke Kelly his own statue back in 2004, after a unanimous vote from the city council, but this plan fell through whenever it became apparent that the Dublin Docklands Authority could no longer afford to push it.

Despite this, Councillor Christy Burke, himself a close friend of Kelly, continued lobbying for the statue, making appeals to Bono, Enya, and Phil Coulter to help make it happen.

Writing today on his Facebook page, Christy announced: "Some brilliant news not only for Sheriff st area but all the Luke Kelly fans throughout the world,

"After motion I put in with DCC and working with Luke's family, Luke's statue will be erected on the 30th of January Guild st, Time tba.


"This is defiantly one of the proudest moments in my political career and I would sincerely like to thank Luke's family and all my fellow councillors for their support.

"He will surely be very proud today. Luke was a close friend for my years and today has brought a tear to my eye."

As well as this, Burke also added that a mural dedicated to Irish sporting stars and other prominent figures will be displayed in the city.

"Another motion I raised and supported by my fellow councillors, A mural will be erected in the Portland Row area of Kelly Harrington, Troy Parrot, Wes Hoolahan and Barry Keoghan. I'm pleased to say the motion was passed. And what I truly hope comes from this is that the younger generation of the North Inner city can look at the mural and say to themselves, "one day I want my picture on that mural". A big thanks to all my fellow councillors for their support."