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Legendary Dubliner Luke Kelly honoured by coin

A collectable €15 silver proof coin honouring the late musician and singer Luke Kelly is the final coin in the ‘modern musician’ series issued by the Central Bank.

The series also featured coins dedicated to the late Rory Gallagher and Phil Lynott.

The coin was officially launched today (24 October) at St. Laurence O’Toole national school in Sheriff Street in Dublin 1, the former school of Luke Kelly.

The coin is limited to 3,000 pieces.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe also attended the launch. It is available to purchase from www.collectorcoins.ie/lukekelly from today at 2pm and retails at €64.99 with a limit of one coin per transaction. 

The coin is struck in .925 sterling silver to proof quality.

The coin features an image of Luke Kelly singing, in tribute to his distinctive voice, together with an impression of a banjo.

The design by Mary Gregoriy was selected following a design competition. Gregoriy has previously designed commemorative coins featuring James Joyce (2013) and W.B. Yeats (2015) for the Central Bank.

Much-loved

Acting deputy governor Mark Cassidy said the Central Bank was delighted to issue this coin to commemorate the late and much-loved Luke Kelly.

“It is especially fitting to be at his former school, St. Laurence O’Toole National School, for this launch and we are immensely grateful to the staff and pupils for welcoming us today for this special occasion,” he said.

“Luke’s impact on and musical contributions to Irish culture were seminal and he continues to be held in warm regard by generations of people in Ireland. This coin celebrates his legacy and provides a fitting tribute to his memory.”