Dublin remembers 'Bang Bang'

On 3rd Feb 2011, The Lord Mayor Gerry Breen presented Dublin City Archivist, Dr. Mary Clark with a key that belonged to Thomas Dudley (affectionately known as 'Bang Bang'). Thomas Dudley was a big fan of cowboy films and in the 1950s and 60s he travelled all over Dublin staging mock shoot outs with people using a large church key as his 'gun'.

“Bang Bang was a great and entertaining character from Dublin.  Many people remember his energy and his love of fun and humour.  This year marks the 30th anniversary since his death and I think that it is very fitting that his key will now remain in safe keeping in the city he gave so much joy to,” said the Lord Mayor.

Left: Click thumbnail to see larger image.

The key was presented to the Lord Mayor by Gerry Doherty, a great friend of Thomas Dudley who held the key for many years. It will be available to view in the Reading Room of Dublin City Library and Archive, 138-144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, along with an exhibition relating to ‘Bang Bang’

Dublin City Library and Archive is collecting stories about ‘Bang Bang’ to add to our archive. If you have any memories of ‘Bang Bang’, please submit your story via “comments” below or alternatively by email to cityarchives@dublincity.ie.