Plaque Unveiled to Honour Traditional Musician John Kelly and his shop, The Horseshoe
Dublin City Council today marked a significant moment in the city’s cultural history with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honouring renowned traditional musician John Kelly and his influential shop, The Horseshoe. The plaque was unveiled at 85 Capel Street by Councillor Clodagh Ní Mhuirí, who was deputising for the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
Born in Carrigaholt, County Clare, John Kelly showed exceptional musical talent from an early age, mastering the concertina and fiddle before moving to Dublin. At the age of 33, he established a hardware shop at 85 Capel Street, which quickly evolved into a vital meeting place for musicians. The Horseshoe became a cultural hub where traditional Irish music flourished, with artists gathering to play, share, and develop their craft.
Over the years, the shop welcomed many of the most influential figures in Irish music, including Willie Clancy, Seán Maguire, and Seán Ó Riada. In an era when Dublin offered few venues for traditional musicians, The Horseshoe provided a crucial space for creativity and collaboration.
John Kelly’s influence extended far beyond performance. He played a key role in nurturing and documenting Irish musical traditions, contributing to the formation and development of organisations such as Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and supported initiatives like the Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy. His efforts helped lay the foundation for the global success of Irish traditional music today.
Speaking at the unveiling, Councillor Ní Mhuirí expressed her personal admiration for John Kelly, describing him as both a master musician and a central figure in the development of Dublin’s traditional music scene. She said, “The Horseshoe was one of the well-springs from which the revival of our music and culture flowed. The unveiling of this plaque ensures that John Kelly’s legacy as a musician and mentor will be permanently recognised in the very space where his influence helped shape the sound of modern Irish traditional music.”
Councillor Ní Mhuirí welcomed members of the Kelly family, including children, grandchildren and extended relatives, some of whom travelled from the United States for the occasion.
Other speakers were Dr Fintan Vallely, musician and writer on traditional music, John Kelly’s son, John and Cllr Mícheál Mac Donncha, proposer of the plaque.
The decision to erect the plaque was made by the Dublin City Council Commemorations & Naming Committee, whose chair, Councillor Donna Cooney, said, “The Commemorative Plaques Scheme allows the City to formally commemorate people who have made a significant contribution to the life of Dublin. We welcome suggestions from the public for people and events to be commemorated. Full details are on the Council website. Today’s unveiling marks the 75th plaque approved under the scheme.”
