Luke Kelly's niece paid an emotional tribute to her beloved uncle at the unveiling of a statue at the singer's birthplace this afternoon.
The statue on Sheriff Street was the second to be unveiled today to mark the 35th anniversary of the Dubliners legend's death.
President Michael D Higgins unveiled the first statue on South King Street at 2pm before the Sheriff Street statue was unveiled at 3.30pm.
Kelly's niece, Paula McCann, was visibly emotional as she remembered the folk legend and his brother Jimmy, who died last year.
She said: "For the whole family, today is particularly poignant because of the death last summer of our beloved uncle Jimmy, who was known and loved by many here.
"Jimmy liaised and worked with Dublin City Council to make this day possible and we know that Luke and Jimmy are together somewhere in the heavenly choir.
"Up there with Ronnie [Drew], Barney [McKenna] and Ciaran [Bourke]. With Deirdre [Luke's wife], Julia and Luke Snr [Luke's parents] and all the others who have gone before us.
"They are all singing together and looking down on the town they love so well."
Kelly was remembered as a kind and generous man.
Paula continued: "At Christmas time, Luke always brought somebody back to my grandmother's house for dinner.
"Often it was someone he just met on the plane on Christmas Eve. He couldn't stand the idea of a stranger being alone on that day."
She added that her most cherished memories of her uncle were of sitting on the sofa with him watching The Muppet Show.
"His favourite characters were the two grouchy old men in the balcony, Statler and Waldorff.
"Interesting that Luke, the consumate performer, identified with the hecklers in the Muppet audience."
Speaking at the unveilings, President Higgins paid tribute to Kelly's social conscience and his deep affection for the people of Dublin.
He said: "Luke had a unique ability to reimagine and reinterpret the traditional music which was experiencing a revival, and which is identified so strongly with our culture and heritage, as part of themselves expressed at home and abroad.
"He enriched it with his distinctive and unforgettable voice and the passion which permeated everything he did."
Former Lord Mayor of Dublin, councillor Christy Burke, was instrumental in the push to have the statues erected.
He said: “Luke Kelly was a working class man from a working class family and area. His gift was his voice, his talent his music.
"He never forgot his roots. His songs from Joe Hill to the Town I Love So Well said everything.
"Luke’s music is still alive and well, as is Luke’s name. We salute you Luke. Thanks for your music and your gift of singing. Rest now Luke.”
The statue on South King Street was created by John Coll, while the statue on Sheriff Street was created by Vera Klute.
