Liam Reilly of Bagatelle Honored with Memorial in Dundalk

Hundreds gathered in Dundalk, Ireland, on Friday, February 20, 2026, to unveil a memorial honoring the late Liam Reilly, frontman of the iconic Irish band Bagatelle. The memorial, a stainless-steel bench featuring a portrait of Reilly and musical notes from the band’s hit song “Summer in Dublin,” is installed on Earl Street in his hometown.

A Lasting Tribute to a Musical Legend

Liam Reilly passed away in January 2021 at the age of 65. The unveiling ceremony was attended by members of the Reilly family and Ken Doyle, the last original member of Bagatelle. The bench was designed by local artist, the late Micheál McKeown, marking his final completed function.

Bagatelle’s Legacy and Reilly’s Contributions

Reilly joined Bagatelle at the age of 23 and led the band for over 40 years, releasing five albums. Bagatelle is best known for hits such as “Summer in Dublin,” “Streets of New York,” “Flight of the Earls,” and “Boston Rose.” RTÉ reports that Reilly’s musical influence extended beyond Bagatelle; he represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1990 with “Somewhere in Europe,” achieving a joint-runner-up finish. He also penned Ireland’s 1991 Eurovision entry, “Could it be that I’m in love,” performed by Kim Jackson.

Family and Bandmates Reflect on Reilly’s Impact

Barbara Reilly, Liam’s sister, expressed the family’s delight at the tribute in his hometown, noting the outpouring of support from friends and fans. She highlighted the significance of the memorial being artist Micheál McKeown’s final piece. Ken Doyle described Reilly as a “legend” who never received the full recognition he deserved, expressing joy at the unveiling of the “beautiful bench.” LMFM reported Doyle’s comments.

Community and Council Support

Louth County Council installed a QR code on the bench, providing access to information about Liam Reilly’s life, work, and the artist behind the memorial, Micheál McKeown. Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly, emphasized the memorial’s recognition of Reilly’s contribution to Irish music and his connection to Dundalk. The Chief Executive of Louth County Council stated that Bagatelle and Reilly’s influence extended far beyond the local area, leaving a lasting impact on audiences across Ireland and internationally.

Following the unveiling, Ken Doyle led attendees in a rendition of “Summer in Dublin,” celebrating the enduring legacy of Liam Reilly’s music.