No plan finalised for memorial to Harris

One year after the death of actor Richard Harris, there are still no concrete plans to honour him in his native Limerick.

One year after the death of actor Richard Harris, there are still no concrete plans to honour him in his native Limerick.

Harris died in London on October 25th last year at the age of 72, following a battle against Hodgkin's disease.

After his death, several ideas for the erection of a statue or bust of Harris in Limerick city centre were mooted by local politicians.

However, 12 months later, the mayor of Limerick, Mr Dick Sadlier, has confirmed that plans to honour Harris have "not progressed significantly".

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Mr Sadlier is now spear- heading a campaign to have a city theatre named after the famous thespian in the week of the first anniversary of his death.

"A guy like Dickie should not be remembered by some moribund statue or a bust on the street. We should remember him with something alive, that celebrated his lifestyle. In my personal opinion, a theatre would be appropriate," the mayor said.

Mr Sadlier also warned that plans to honour Harris should not be rushed - despite the fact the actor died a year ago this week.

"Of course, something should be done but the dust should be left to settle for a while. Sometimes things can be done in haste," he added.

Three existing performance venues could be considered suitable for the proposed Harris Theatre - the Belltable Arts Centre, the Millennium Theatre at Limerick Institute of Technology and the University Concert Hall at the University of Limerick.

Cllr Sadlier also confirmed that any such plans to honour the late actor would need the full approval of the Harris family.