Borstal Boy in canal bust up

QUITE how a commemorative piece of art sculpture would fit into the late writer’s view on positive PR will probably remain uncertain.

However, there were no doubt among the large crowds gathered at Binn’s Bridge in Dublin yesterday about the appropriateness of having a statue of Behan situated along the banks of his beloved Royal Canal.

Hundreds of locals turned out to see Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Dublin’s Lord Mayor Royston Brady unveil a life-size sculpture dedicated to the memory of the colourful and controversial writer.