Large Gathering for Christie Hennessy Unveiling

Over a thousand people gathered in Tralee Town Square on Saturday October 31st 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 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 the 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.  She conveyed good wishes to Mayor Terry O’Brien who is recovering from illness and to Simon Ross, Christie’s brother, who, due to ill health, was unable to attend the ceremony.  The D/Mayor spoke of Christie’s early life in Tralee and his spectacular 35 year music career that followed when he moved to London, his achievement in overcoming dyslexia and his support for the charity “Crossfire”. Yet he never forgot his roots and was at home walking the streets of Tralee as he was on stage at London Palladium.

Speaking on behalf of the Hennessy and Ross family, Gill Ross spoke of her joy at the honour bestowed on her husband with the bronze tribute. His greatest joy was receiving the honorary citizenship of Tralee in 1993 and being known as a 'rockie' (from the Rock Street area). The certificate held pride of place with his platinum disks.  She thanked Tralee Town Council for their initiative, sculptor Nicholas Dimbleby and Christy Moore, a dear friend of Christie and the family, for agreeing to unveil the sculpture.

Christy Moore said that he was honoured to be invited to perform the unveiling. He first met Christie Hennessy in London in 1968 and immediately recognised that they were ‘kindred spirits’. For over 30 years they remained close friends, collaborating and working together.  He was an exceptional singer and songwriter who found inspiration from everyday things.  He was shy and unassuming but a real star.

Tim, Hermione and Amber Ross pay their own musical tribute to their Dad.

Gill Ross, D/Mayor Fernane and sculptor Nicholas Dimbleby. 

Cllr. Johnnie Wall, Town Clerk Mike Scannell, Christy Moore and Town Engineer Gerry Riordan

Cllr. Sammy Locke, Sharon O'Keeffe, Cllr. Norma Foley, Cllr.Grace O'Donnell, Cllr. Gillian Wharton and Mike Scannell.

Cousins Stephen Griffin and Hermione Ross