Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Flame-haired children and crooning pensioners steal the show at Molly's 'comeback event'

Molly Malone’s had a makeover — and she’s back on show at a new, temporary home on Dublin’s Suffolk Street…

MOLLY MALONE IS back.

The famously brassy lady returned to Dublin city centre at a new location this afternoon — having being plucked unceremoniously from her long-established home at the bottom of Grafton Street back in April.

Very little hoopla had been planned for this afternoon’s unveiling… Just a straightforward photo-op with new tourism minister Paschal Donohoe — who looked relieved that he wasn’t required to wear any comedy headwear for the occasion.

This is, after all, just a temporary home for the country’s most famous fictional fishmonger — she’ll be wheeling her wheelbarrow on Suffolk Street for the next three years or so, to make way for Luas track-laying at her old stomping-ground.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sp Source: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland Source: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

There’s Something About Molly though…

Something about her that seems to provoke a certain giddyness among Dubliners and tourists alike.

And there was a carnival atmosphere in town today, as a crowd of around 150 people stopped to watch Donohue do the honours — sweeping a large, utilitarian plastic covering off the ‘Tart with the Cart’ to reveal Molly 2.0 in all her glory.

Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

She’s had a pretty extensive makeover since we last encountered her, you see.

After all, the poor dear has been been monging fish, rain or shine, at the same spot on College Green since 1988. A visit to the beauticians (or in this case, the metalworks) was well in order in advance of today’s curtain call.

The results were more than impressive, spectators agreed.

“Good as new,” a man in crowd smiled approvingly.

“Smashing” someone else remarked.

As you might expect, however, there was a slightly different tone amongst the cynics of the fourth estate — as it was remarked that who-ever had been given the job of burnishing the bronze seemed to have spent an inordinate amount of time focusing on one particular area.

The Minister might want to watch where he’s looking, a reporter suggested — as photographers snapped away in the vain hope that Donohoe might, in a moment of weakness, inadvertently cast his gaze towards Molly’s ample frontage.

Like Brian Hayes did, last time out…

[Pic: TheJournal.ie]

Thankfully, there were other distractions for the Minister to concern himself with…

Like the arrival on the scene of 5-year-old Dubliner Maya O’Mahony — apparently, straight out of central casting.

Surely this flame-haired whippersnapper must be working for the Department?

“No, absolutely not,” smiled the Minister’s press handler — as the young girl clambered up Molly’s wheelbarrow and plonked herself proudly amongst the cockles and mussels, providing providing the snappers with an unexpected, but welcome, dash of colour.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sp

Source: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

The whole scene was utterly adorable, everyone agreed.

That is --- everyone apart from a certain couple from Killiney, who seemed determined to steal the limelight for themselves...

Video TheJournal.ie / YouTube

Clearly no match for Patricia Dolan and her husband in terms of pure, unadulterated star power --- Donohoe seemed happy to fulfil the rest of his obligations away from the action, as he retreated 30 feet or so down the road to answer reporters' questions on the serious issues of the day. 

Molly will have to face the photographers all by herself from now on...

[TheJournal.ie]

Spare a thought for the poor woman next time you're in the area.

And try and avert your gaze.

Everyone knows what you're up to.

Read: Industrial action threatened as Irish Rail plans to go ahead with pay cuts

Read: Molly Malone is on the move…

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
30 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Craig O Hare
    Favourite Craig O Hare
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 6:38 PM

    Going to buy an awful amount of sprouts

    279
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Moran
    Favourite Tony Moran
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 6:42 PM

    What’s the max amount of cash you can travel with these days without declaring it ?

    105
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Figo murphy
    Favourite Figo murphy
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 6:43 PM

    Have you not got Google?

    106
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dexter Ferguson
    Favourite Dexter Ferguson
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 6:45 PM

    Have you not got any manners Figo?

    419
    See 19 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James St John Smith
    Favourite James St John Smith
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 6:45 PM

    Questions aren’t allowed anymore?

    184
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrea Rock Massey
    Favourite Andrea Rock Massey
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 6:55 PM

    I think it’s 10k

    187
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pinel G
    Favourite Pinel G
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 6:58 PM

    It wouldn’t hurt if the article was to mention the max amount. “Any person entering or leaving the EU via an Irish port or airport must present a completed declaration form to Customs if carrying cash of a value of €10,000 or more”

    139
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Moran
    Favourite Tony Moran
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 6:58 PM

    Thank you Andrea :)

    78
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pickart Solny
    Favourite Pickart Solny
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:09 PM

    Isle of Man is regarded as outside the Community for the purposes of cash control Council Regulation (EC) No 1889/2005 and S.I. No 281/2007 An officer of the Revenue Commissioners may; Question a person entering or leaving the State in connection with compliance of their Regulations (Article 5 (2)(a) S.I. 281/2007. Search the person’s baggage or means of transport Article 5(2)(b) Search the person (Article 5 (3)) Seize undeclared cash worth not less that €10,000 (Article 5 (1)) Offence for failure to declare or completion of an incorrect declaration Article 6, S.I. 281/2007

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john langan
    Favourite john langan
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:12 PM

    When entering and leaving the EU there is a restriction of 7,500 pounds. This follows the entry into force of a new European Regulation aimed at fighting money laundering, and the financing of terrorism. Customs authorities are empowered under the Regulation to take on controls on individuals, their bags and their means of transport and detain cash that has not been declared. Be aware that the USA will need to know if you are taking in any cash or other exchangeable bond, note etc. exceeding to 7,500 pounds.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute marmar
    Favourite marmar
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:17 PM

    10k

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew Hickey
    Favourite Andrew Hickey
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:23 PM

    29 grand. Too bad wha.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john langan
    Favourite john langan
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:23 PM

    10k Sterling €7500

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donal O Neil
    Favourite Donal O Neil
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:37 PM

    So €9999.95 cent is ok ? Or would it be taking the pisssia

    65
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john langan
    Favourite john langan
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:53 PM

    Perfect.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jamie
    Favourite Jamie
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 8:16 PM

    Andrea right for once! Well done.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute theantilooter
    Favourite theantilooter
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 8:40 PM

    9999

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Roche
    Favourite Paul Roche
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 9:09 PM

    This man was not entering of leaving the EU, his flight was Dublin to Brussels.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rónán O'Suilleabháin
    Favourite Rónán O'Suilleabháin
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 9:13 PM

    Actually 10k is the eu limit but Ireland has it’s own lower limit for undeclared cash of €6,348.69, 5k in old money.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rónán O'Suilleabháin
    Favourite Rónán O'Suilleabháin
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 9:17 PM

    To correct myself, that’s the amount over which customs can seize your cash, if they have good reason

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Byrne
    Favourite John Byrne
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 9:18 PM

    Ask David drumm

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pinel G
    Favourite Pinel G
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 9:35 PM

    @Paul You’re right in principle – although you’re still obliged to declare large amounts of cash €10,000 or more to customs even when traveling between other EU countries. EU law still allows individual EU countries to have national cash control measures, provided they’re not excessive, including obligatory declaration. it is not an offence to carry large amounts of money anywhere in europe – as long as you can account for its origin and that its being declared to customs.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Neagh
    Favourite Michael Neagh
    Report
    Apr 10th 2014, 12:21 AM

    ASK the Nigerians tony ,they would tell you down to the last cent

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fin Tastic
    Favourite Fin Tastic
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:11 PM

    In other news, man was illegally stopped, searched, robbed by airport mafia. Mafia declare that man needs to request permission from mob boss to bring his money anywhere. Mafia then place man’s money in mafia bank account.

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul M. Barrett
    Favourite Paul M. Barrett
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:38 PM

    You’d think he would have sense to take three flights over and back to transfer the money legally? It’s pretty cheap to fly to Brussels and there are loads of regular flights, rather than taking a chance like that.

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute graham galvin
    Favourite graham galvin
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:44 PM

    Or just bring two other people with him. 10k a head.

    65
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pinel G
    Favourite Pinel G
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 8:09 PM

    Where there’s a will, there’s a way… buy 3 cheap flights or lose 30 grand. what i dont understand is if you are allowed 10k, and say you have 11 – are they allowed to seize the whole just because you didn’t declare 1thousand more over the limit amount?

    21
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute theantilooter
    Favourite theantilooter
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 8:43 PM

    Yes they are if you had 10050 they could seize whole lot. Not to many genuine people need to bring 10k in cash anywhere. Or would want to. Lots of people get around cash restrictions by bringing high value jewellery and then selling it. They post the documents for jewellery to avoid detection.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute bopter
    Favourite bopter
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 8:43 PM

    Paul – actually you don’t have to go to that effort. I needed to fly to London once with €40k and was worried so I phoned the airport and they said to just tell security before you go through that you have more than €10K cash on you.
    They got me to fill in a form and I was through in no time. Effortless.
    If the money is clean you’ve nothing to worry about.

    58
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Milly
    Favourite Milly
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:03 PM

    Yes you can only have ten grand if you’re leaving but if you stay here you get to fleece the entire country for a lot more than that and legally too, all you need is a superior public service position…small potatoes this one!

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute bopter
    Favourite bopter
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 8:45 PM

    That’s not true, you’re allowed to fly with more than €10k. You just have to tell security before you go through and they fill out a form.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vinny Mulhall
    Favourite Vinny Mulhall
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:00 PM

    If cash is criminal, why do we accept it as payment.

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tarah Ní Bheataigh
    Favourite Tarah Ní Bheataigh
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 6:48 PM

    Why Tony? How much ya got? :p

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Lillis
    Favourite Mark Lillis
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:43 PM

    Is there not free movement of people within the EU?

    They probably had intelligence on him.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alien8
    Favourite Alien8
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 8:54 PM

    I thought you weren’t reporting on Seanie until after the trial?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute phunkyboy
    Favourite phunkyboy
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 11:45 PM

    Just goes to show what a gestapo state you live in when the max is only 10k and anymore you must declare to the nanny state.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kieran brennan
    Favourite Kieran brennan
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 8:36 PM

    If they believe the money is criminal they can take it no matter how much money is found. The ten k limit is for legal money.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Celticspirit321
    Favourite Celticspirit321
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 6:52 PM

    Why didn’t he join Dragon’s Den amd invest his money like a proper entrepreneur

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute richardmccarthy
    Favourite richardmccarthy
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 8:44 PM

    With over 40% dirt tax now on savings that have been already taxed at source here, there must be the temptation to move cash to more tax friendly countrys, 30 grand isnt lotto money but there must be a lot more leaving the country in the form of the proceeds of crime or just people trying to keep the government from grabbing what is rightfully theirs.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute gerry campbell
    Favourite gerry campbell
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 7:24 PM

    Nice to see the money going the opposite direction for a change.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Markonline
    Favourite Markonline
    Report
    Apr 9th 2014, 10:34 PM

    Where does the money end up if it was found to be from the proceeds of crime? Do the state take it or is it burned and written off by central bank?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergus Gaffney
    Favourite Fergus Gaffney
    Report
    Apr 10th 2014, 3:26 AM

    Any information on who this was? Might have been a Quinn fleeing the jurisdiction? or a relative of john Gilligan bring him some of his loot?

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds