‘Wobbly’ John B statue to be reset

A STATUE of legendary playwright John B Keane, in his hometown Listowel, has been removed temporarily after it became unsteady during Christmas.

The playwright’s son, John, yesterday said the removal was purely precautionary after the €40,000 bronze image became a “little bit wobbly”.

He said there was no question of vandalism.

“We became concerned for its long-term safety and the safety of members of the public. It was decided to take it down temporarily and the plan is to have it reset shortly,” said Mr Keane, a Kilkenny-based journalist.

“We’re delighted at the way the people of Listowel have treated this monument with such respect. Everyone thinks it’s a fitting monument to my father and I’ve no doubt he would agree himself, even though he was a modest man.”

He thanked Listowel FG town councillor Den Stack and town foreman Pat O’Sullivan for acting promptly to have the life-size statue taken down when it was seen to be unstable.

Unveiled during Listowel Writers’ Week, in May, the statue by Clare sculptor Séamus Connolly bears a remarkably close resemblance to the popular writer.

It depicts him in a familiar pose, waving his hand to people as he walked the streets of Listowel.

The statue is now in safe keeping and the plan is to have it remounted in a more permanent way.

“There were genuine safety concerns and the hope is to have it back up again shortly in conjunction with the Rotary club and town council,” said Mr Keane.