Memorial in honour of Bagatelle frontman Liam Reilly to be unveiled in Dundalk

Louth County Council has announced that a memorial, celebrating the life and legacy of the late Liam Reilly, renowned singer-songwriter and frontman of Bagatelle, will be unveiled on Friday, 20 February, on Earl Street, Dundalk.

The stainless-steel seat installation, which was conceptualised and designed by local artist, the late Micheál McKeown, features a portrait of Liam, surrounded by the musical notes for ‘Summer in Dublin’, Bagatelle’s iconic 1980 hit.

Born in Dundalk in 1955, Liam joined Bagatelle at the age of 23 and went on to front the band for over 40 years, releasing five albums and several well-known songs, including ‘The Streets Of New York’, ‘Boston Rose’, ‘Flight Of Earls’, and ‘Second Violin’.

In 1990, Liam represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest with his song ‘Somewhere in Europe’, where he finished as joint runner-up. He went on to write Ireland’s entry for the 1991 Eurovision, ‘Could It Be That I’m in Love’, performed by Kim Jackson, which placed equal tenth.

Liam passed away peacefully on January 1, 2021, at the age of 65.

Speaking on behalf of the Reilly family, Liam’s sister, Barbara, said: “The whole family are delighted that Liam is to be honoured, in his hometown, in this way. We have received lovely messages from friends and fans to say that they are so happy for him.

“We would like to thank all the people who were involved in getting this over the line, in particular, Louth County Council’s Arts Officer, Moya Hodgers, and her team. The design was Micheál McKeown’s final piece of work, and there is no doubt his family will be very proud of it.

“It will be a great day to remember Liam, and we are really looking forward to it.  His songs will live on in the minds and hearts of all his fans and other musicians who continue to play his music.”

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “This is a fitting tribute that recognises Liam’s immense contribution to Irish music and his special connection to Dundalk, where his songs continue to resonate with people of all ages. Like so many people who grew up in Dundalk, I remember hearing Bagatelle’s music in our house and around the town. Liam’s songs were a soundtrack to everyday life here. To now honour him in the heart of Dundalk is something very special, not just for the Council but for the whole community.”

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “Bagatelle’s influence and Liam Reilly’s remarkable songwriting talent travelled far beyond Dundalk and County Louth. It left an imprint on people across the country and further afield, and it is a privilege for Louth County Council to mark his legacy in this way.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme