Irish Tenor, Josef Locke, Derry 2005.

A beautiful artistic memorial sculpture to Josef Locke was unveiled in Derry 22 March 2005.

Taking part in the unveiling ceremony was Nobel Peace Prize recipient John Hume, and Phil Coulter the pianist, and songwriter. Phil Coulter wrote, “My Boy”, a song recorded by Elvis Presley, and the poignant ballad, “The Town I Loved So Well”, a Josef Locke favourite.

The “Derry Journal”, “the Irish News” and many more newspapers first reported my Josef Locke statue idea in June 2003. The BBC, Highland radio, and LMFM Radio invited the writer to talk on-air about the ambitious proposal.

Phil Coulter kindly replied to an e-mail I sent him requesting his support. He was only too willing to see Josef Locke, a fellow Derry man honoured.

Mr Coulter’s encouraging words were reported in the “News of the World” and “the Irish News” July 2004.

The designer of the memorial Terry Quigley, and the Artist sculptor Maurice Harron are to be congratulated for creating a magnificent tribute to the great singer.

The Josef Locke Memorial sculpture is sure to become a very popular tourist attraction in Derry. Josef Locke won the hearts of millions world-wide with his wonderful voice. Millions more will now hear his song.

Maurice Colgan. http://irelandtoo.blogspot.com