Kelly’s Mural standing tall in Tallaght village

THE landscape of Tallaght village has a new focal point, with the recent creation of a mural by artist and firefighter Geoff Tracey, depicting two local blacksmiths from Tallaght’s past.

The piece features Jack Kelly and his son Hugh, also known as Cooser Kelly, who were local blacksmiths at Kelly’s Forge in Tallaght village up to the 1970s.

The art piece project was led by Tallaght Community Council (TCC) and has been taking shape on the gable wall at John O’Leary Solicitors in recent days.

Tara De Buitléar from TCC told The Echo: “Kelly’s Forge serviced the many who used horses to transport goods.

“Their forge was located on the Old Bawn Road near Main Street, beside the old bank, now Coric House, and Doyle’s Hall, now PTSB.

“Many passersby today may not know there was once a busy village forge located there.”

Photo by Paddy Barrett

The location of the mural is only a few metres away from the former site of Kelly’s Forge and serves as an intriguing window into the heritage of the area.

Explaining how the project came to fruition, Ms De Buitlear said: “SDCC approved the application for funding in Autumn 2022 and, following a successful 12-week planning application process in 2023, the stage was set for Geoff to begin work in July.

“Geoff completed work on the large mural over four days last week, working around the heavy rain showers.

Local artist and firefighter Geoff Tracey working on the mural

“The mural concept is a very impressive black and white piece, that captures father and son at work in their forge in the 1950s.

“The monochrome palette helps it sit comfortably in the legally protected historic part of the village.

“As street art, the mural is available to everyone to visit and enjoy.

The original reference photos used by Geoff to produce the mural

“So, make sure you drop down to the village to see the spectacular new historical mural soon.”

TCC liaised with the Kelly family on the mural before applying to SDCC, and they are planning to hold a formal event in the coming months to officially unveil the mural and celebrate the history of Kelly’s Forge.

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