A controversial Dublin banner that was placed on the Ha'penny Bridge in support of the city's GAA teams has been taken down and could stay that way for good following a complaint from the Dublin Civic Trust.
Dublin City Council, who place the banner on the iconic footbridge before and after every final involving one of the capital's inter-county sides, are set to “review the use of the Ha’penny Bridge for this purpose”, according to a statement released to The Irish Times by DCC, meaning its placement could be a thing of the past.
So the Up The Dubs banner on the Ha'penny Bridge is to be taken down. Whatever about its location, one thing I believe is that our town should have flags and banners everywhere celebrating these great teams that bring us so much joy. We should be proud and not afraid to show it! pic.twitter.com/5sMu20Gidi
— AllGAA (@AllGaa_) April 9, 2018
Dublin played Galway in the National Football League Division 1 final on April 1, but the banner remained in place well into last week.
A spokesperson for Dublin City Council released this statement to Balls on the matter:
Since 2011, Dublin City Council have erected a banner on the Ha’penny bridge whenever Dublin are playing in a final. This is in addition to Liffey side flags promoting both finalists team colours. The Banner is normally scheduled to come down directly after the final concerned and it is our understanding that this was taken down over the weekend.
The banner has received a mixed reaction with some calling it gaudy, whereas others believe it brightens up the city while backing their local sports teams.
The Dublin Civic Trust originally objected to its placement on the bridge, saying that no banner should cover the protected structure, which is over 200 years old.
Glad to see see this finally getting legs - these completely inappropriate banners have been going on for years. The Ha'penny Bridge is an iconic historic (and protected) structure and should not be concealed. never mind defaced, with any form of banner or promotional material.
— Dublin Civic Trust (@dubcivictrust) April 4, 2018
Lord Mayor of Dublin Sinn Féin's Mícheál Mac Donncha wants the banner to remain.
I think we should have other priorities than to focus on this. The bridge is in no way damaged or interfered with. The banners are there for a short period and I think most Dublin citizens welcome them. It brightens up the city and marks great achievement.
Many believe it is a blight on what is one of Dublin's most eye-catching landmarks, while the council continues to remove street art from around the city.
Irish Times columnist Una Mullally tweeted her anger over the banner, saying "The hack of DCC going to such lengths to paint over beautiful street art in the city, and then turning around and erecting tacky banners on a landmark."
Get rid of all the gorgeous street art! And put up a hideous banner! That makes sense! (Srsly, who is responsible for Dublin City aesthetics? They have priorities alllllllll wrong) https://t.co/fhtgAfW56y
— James Kavanagh (@JamesKavanagh_) April 4, 2018
Your having a joke having that tacky banner there? They should light the bridge up at night in blue or hang a Dublin Flag over Liberty Hall! Leave the iconic bridge free from banners it's degrading it's significance! ?
— Robbie Kane (@robbiekane74) April 9, 2018
I am a dublin supporter and I think the banner is an eyesore -
— Fergus (@FergusMcNally) April 9, 2018
Not just an old bridge, its a dublin landmark, a popular tourist spot for photos and lovers padlocks. Besides anything else the banner is the shitest thing ive ever seen.
— Dara Ryder (@dararyder) April 9, 2018
There appears to be plenty of people in support of the Dublin banner remaining, however, including those from outside the county.
The #UpTheDubs banner should only come down when Dublin are no longer All-Ireland champions ... in ten years or so.
— Ken Foxe (@kenfoxe) April 9, 2018
If the Up The Dubs banner is there to celebrate Dublin success, surely it should stay up a little bit longer as the Dublin women still have their league to play for? 🤔
— MáireT (@MaireTNC) April 9, 2018
Great to see people taking pride in their County, looks great as well. That having been said, UP THE REBELS!!!!
— Tim (@GiftedTim) April 9, 2018
I'm from Tyrone but totally agree with you that Dubs should celebrate in their own hometown!!
— James (@JamesFalconer13) April 9, 2018
We should celebrate our town’s achievements like every other town. Let’s not be elitist about Dublin. We don’t have to label ourselves ‘tacky’. Una you should come to Croker and shout for the boys and girls in blue! Banners are part of the event!
— Paul Maher (@battlefielddub) April 9, 2018
What do you think: should Dublin City Council remove the banner? Does it brighten up the city or is it just plain tacky?
