Renowned character Bang Bang will be discussed by historian in Ballyfermot Library
By Maurice Garvey
THE life and times of playful Dubliner Thomas ‘Bang Bang’ Dudley (1906 – 1981), will be discussed by a historian in Ballyfermot Library on Tuesday, August 20.
Bang Bang used to travel the buses and trams of the city staging mock shoot-outs with members of the public, who often enjoyed his good-natured antics.
Bang Bang – Thomas Dudley
He would point his Colt.45 – a large brass church door key – at passengers and shout ‘bang bang’ in homage to the old cowboy films he loved.
His life has been immortalised in plays and music, with a Dubliner’s song including the line ‘Bang Bang shoots the buses with his golden key’ two years before his death.
Two years ago, the owners of the Bang Bang café in Phibsboro raised funds for a plaque to honour the Dubliner.
The talk will be delivered by historian Leo McGee, who will recall his memories growing up in the Liberties with tales of the legendary Bang Bang (Ballyfermot Library, August 20 at 6.30pm).
The event forms part of the schedule for National Heritage Week August 17 – 25.
Over the last 16 years, Ballyfermot Heritage Group has hosted a Ballyfermot Heritage Day.
Ballyfermot Heritage Day will take place on Saturday, August 24, in Ballyfermot Library, from 11am to 4.30pm.
Ken Larkin, Ballyfermot Heritage Group said: “We will have members from the Ballyer Trad Hub and special guests dropping in.
“So, we will have lots of music, Irish dancing, old photos of Ballyfermot and its people and the surrounding areas. Videos will also be shown. Drop in and say hello and share your memories over a cup of tea / coffee, you may meet old neighbours and school friends.”
