A stunning sculpture of one of the most iconic images in GAA history was unveiled at the Croke Park Museum in Croke Park, ahead of next weekend's All Ireland Football Final. The image depicts a scene from the memorable Kerry versus Dublin All Ireland Final of 1979, capturing a full-on tackle between Kerry giants Sean Walsh and Paidí Ó Sé and Dublin legends Brian Mullins and Tommy Drumm.  This action packed image demonstrates the magnificent spirit of Gaelic football and has now been preserved by leading sculptor Paddy Campbell in a limited edition bronze sculpture. In this 1979 final, Dublin made history by contesting a sixth successive All-Ireland football final, four of those finals were against Kerry.  2009 celebrates the 30th anniversary of this famous Kerry versus Dublin clash in which Kerry succeeded 3-13 to 1-08. Newly appointed Westmeath Football manager and ex CEO of the Athletics Council of Ireland, Brendan Hackett, commissioned the highly accomplished sculptor Paddy Campbell to produce the piece which will be on display in the GAA Museum in Croke Park in the week leading up to the All Ireland Final between Cork and Kerry. The sculpture, which is one of an edition of 11, is 1 metre high and 1.5 metres long.  After the All Ireland Final, the sculpture will be available for view at Gormley's Gallery in Dublin city centre. Paddy Campbell is an entrepreneur turned artist and his works are receiving widespread attention at home and abroad.  His most recent commission was to sculpt the bronze portrait of the President of Ireland Mary McAleese for the Office of Public Works and he is currently engaged in a large scale solo exhibition of his sculptures in Fiesole / Florence in Italy. He is a director of Campbell Bewley Group and Bewley's Ltd. Tweet

Most Read Stories