The ultimate tribute to the Blackbird of Slane....

IN the shadow of the portrait by Ciaran Dunlevy, they came to honour the Blackbird for one last time this year - the 100th anniversary of the death of Francis Ledwidge.

A new sculpture was unveiled, created by Liam O’Broin, and a true masterpiece it is. It now rests in the community garden, overlooking the little village Francis loved so much.

There were many great words spoken at the event, especially by members of the Ledwidge family who are delighted that their ancestor has been recalled in such a way this year.

But Cathaoirleach of the area council, Paddy Meade, summed it all up in many ways.

He said the community of Slane had honoured their son in the best way possible in 2017, from the Ledwidge musuem to the tidy towns to volunteers and supporters and sponsors.

They had all come together to make sure that Ledwidge was recalled at a national and international and that Slane truly had a man in its midst that would be remembered, not just for the past 100 years, but for hundreds to come.

‘It has been a great year for Slane and its people,’ he added.

Cllr Wayne Harding, Cllr Tom Kelly, Frank ledwidge, Liam O’Broin, Joe Ledwidge, Gerry O’Connor Cathaoirleach Meath County Council and Arts Officer for County Meath Gerardette Bailey at the unveiling of the francis Ledwidge statue in Slane village. Below, Joe Ledwidge (left) and right, the large crowd at the event.