
Over a thousand people gathered in Tralee Town Square on Saturday for the unveiling of a life-size sculpture of the famous Tralee-born singer/songwriter Christie Hennessy (1945-2007) by his friend Christy Moore and Christie’s widow Gill Hennessy Ross. Christie’s music filled the air as the crowd congregated. The large gathering included family and friends from Tralee and the UK, celebrities, politicians, a large press corps, fans from all over Ireland and those who had appreciated Christie’s music.
Town Clerk Mike Scannell sketched the background of the project which had overwhelming support from the people of Tralee. Within two months of Christie’s untimely death in December 2007 the Council was working on a ‘fitting tribute to the gifted son of Tralee’. An international sculptural competition was organised and the commission awarded to Nicholas Dimbleby from Devon. He thanked all those who had helped including Hennessy/ Ross family, Mark Leen, Cllr. Johnnie Wall, Kate Kennelly, the Kerry County Arts Officer, Nicholas Dimbleby, Sharon O’Keeffe, Council staff and, in particular, Gerry Riordan, Tralee Town Engineer who had overseen the work from its inception.
Deputy Mayor Cllr. Mairead Fernane welcomed Christie’s family and other visitors including his friend Christy Moore...
Read the full article and view photos of the event on the
Tralee.ie website.