Dublin City Council in partnership with Dublin Port and the Dockers Society hosted a commemoration event to mark the 50th anniversary of the Réalt na Mara memorial statue at North Bull Wall in Dollymount.
This commemoration event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Caroline Conroy, local Councillors and representatives from Dublin City Council, Dublin Port, and the Dockers Society. A wreath laying ceremony took place at the statue followed by a brief historical talk and light refreshments were served afterwards in the Clontarf Boat and Yacht Club.
The Réalt na Mara, (Star of the Sea) landmark was first commissioned by the Dockers Society and it was funded by donations from the port workers and other people in Dublin at the time. The 21.3-metre bronze memorial to Our Lady, sculpted by Cecil King was officially unveiled on the 24th September 1972.
Over the years, the statue had deteriorated due to decades of exposure to the seaand extreme weather and in February this year on foot of a motion at the North Central Area Committee in the name of Councillor Donna Cooney, Dublin City Council started the process of organising an event to mark the 50 th anniversary of the installation of the Réalt na Mara statue and commenced refurbishment works at the statue.
Bernie Roe, North Central Area Manager, Clontarf & Donaghmede LEA said “The North Central Area Office are immensely proud to be organising this event alongside our colleagues from Dublin Port Co. and the Dockers Society marking the 50th anniversary of Réalt na Mara. The statue is truly a special beacon to many living on the north side of the city who continue to visit it as part of their daily ritual. It symbolises for many memories of a time long past and we are blessed today to have members of the original memorial committee share this special occasion with us.
She added “Dublin City Council is delighted to have been able to restore the foundation stone to its former glory and are currently exploring options to replace the original artistic feature that has been damaged over time. We want to preserve and protect this beautiful structure so that it may be appreciated by many more generations to come.”
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