HUNDREDS of fans of the late, great Christie Hennessy flocked to the Square, Tralee on Saturday morning to see the unveiling of the lifesize bronze statue sculpted in his honour.

The memorial, by Devon sculptor Nicholas Dimbleby, was commissioned by Tralee Town Council following an international design competition.

Among those in attendance were Christie's wife Gill, daughters Hermione and Amber, son Tim, brothers Jimmy and Oliver, (Christie's other brother Simon was unable to attend due to illhealth), extended family members from both Tralee and England and Christie's great friend, the legendary Christy Moore.

Town Clerk Michael Scannell opened the proceedings and welcomed all present.

"Christie worked hard for all his achievements and nothing was handed to him on a platter," said Deputy Mayor Mairead Fernane in her address.

Before the unveiling, Christie's widow Gill said a few words.

"I am amazed by the resemblence of the monument to Christie and I am so grateful to the Tralee Town Council and the people of Tralee who have honoured one of their own. Christie had a magicial way of uplifting light and joy into his audience and always smiled throughout the hardest times," said Mrs Hennessy.

"I know he would be so honoured by the momument and I can't do his accent, but he would say something like 'Jez, I made a grand pigeon seat, mind the aul' guitar now lads'," she joked.

"He would never have believed today's event was possible. It would be difficult for him to comprehend the high regard held for him by the people of Tralee," she added.

"He was most gracious and helpful with his songs and was the kindest, warmest, most beautiful man I ever encountered," said Christy Moore.

"When we first met in 1969 I recognised a kindred spirit. We used to talk a lot on the phone over the years. Whenever he'd be in Dublin he'd come to hear me singing and when I'd go to London I'd go to hear him," added Mr Moore.

"Christie was so helpful when I asked to record his song 'Don't Forget Your Shovel', my life changed after that recording and now whenever I tell the audience I'll sing one of Christie's songs they all go mad," he added.

To tumultous applause, both Gill Hennessy and Christy Moore performed the unveiling, while one of Christie's most famous songs, 'Roll Back The Clouds' (which he sang with Hermione) played in the background.

Now Tralee's most famous ' Messenger Boy' will live on forever in his beloved Tralee.

- LORRAINE WALSH