A memorial to well-known, local historian and conservationist, Deirdre Kelly, (who died in February 2000), will be unveiled by Councillor Mary Freehill, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin, at 1pm on Saturday 28th February 2009 at the Ranelagh Triangle, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.
The memorial, which was designed and erected by Dublin City Council, takes the form of a bicycle with a woven basket attached. It was chosen by Deirdre’s late husband Aidan, and is a replica of Deirdre’s own much loved bike. It is a fitting testimonial to her interest, passion and life-long commitment to sustainability and conservation.
The structure of the memorial is unusual in that the bike is set underground. On the pavement, a triangular shaped, stainless steel box, with a glass top, will surround the piece and give every passer-by the opportunity to gaze down into the structure. A few words chosen by Deirdre’s husband, Aidan, will appear beside this piece on a specially designed “half pyramid” stainless steel structure.
Deirdre Kelly campaigned throughout her life for the preservation of City communities, which she feared would be destroyed as a result of commercial development. She defended much of Dublin’s Heritage and was involved in many protests to prevent the demolition of some of the City’s most Historic buildings.
“Deirdre Kelly's enlightened and informed passion as a writer and campaigner has taught us so much about the importance of our villages and sense of place. Her publication "Four Roads to Dublin" which was so meticulously researched leaves a very rich legacy to the people of Ranelagh” said Councillor Mary Freehill.
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For Further Information please contact: Frank Lambe, Dublin City Council, South East Area, Tel. 222 3199 or Dublin City Council Press Office, Tel. 222 2170 / 086 8150010.
Notes to the Editor:
The memorial will include a passage chosen by Deirdre Kelly’s late husband and reads:
“Wherever one walks, one is conscious that these are living streets, steeped not just in their own history but woven into the history of Dublin. Writers and Musicians, Unionists and Nationalists, Scientists, Poets and Artists lived – and still do – in the houses which line the streets”.
Deirdre Kelly, Historian and Friend of Dublin and its people, deceased 16th February 2000.