Bray Celebrates Ken Doyle & Bagatelle

The founding members of the legendary Bagatelle including Bray's very own Ken Doyle were honoured in on Sunday with the unveiling of a commemorative bench.

The pioneering Irish band Bagatelle were honoured with the unveiling of a commemorative bench in Bray over the weekend. 

One of the band's founding members, bassist and Bray native Ken Doyle was present for the ceremony, before he and the band played on the Bray Seafront.

Bagatelle had multiple number one singles in Ireland with the likes of Summer in Dublin, Second Violin and Trump Card as well multiplatinum and gold album sales.

The band's late frontman Liam Reilly was responsible for writing many of the band's popular hits before his death in 2021. Fellow band member John O’Brien also died in 2019.

Wicklow County Council celebrated the official opening of the Bagatelle Bench on Strand Road in Bray on Sunday.

The bench was unveiled by Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District Erika Doyle along with District Manager Jackie Carroll, and members of Bagatelle, in the presence of local residents and fans of the band.

This commemorative bench honours the contribution of Bagatelle to Irish music and celebrates their connection with Bray.

The band, best known for songs such as Summer in Dublin, has left a lasting legacy both locally and nationally.

Cathaoirleach Bray Municipal District Cllr. Erika Doyle said: 

"It is a great honour for Bray to have this permanent tribute to Bagatelle on our beautiful seafront. Their music has been the soundtrack to so many lives, and this bench will ensure that future generations can reflect on their legacy here in Bray."

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, added: 

"Bagatelle’s music has had an enormous cultural impact, and it is fitting that their contribution is recognised in such a public way. Wicklow County Council is proud to support initiatives that celebrate our local heritage and enrich our public spaces."

Bray District Manager Jackie Carroll commented: 

"This project has been very much a community effort and it is wonderful to see the pride and affection that the people of Bray and beyond hold for Bagatelle. The bench will stand as a reminder of their unique place in Irish music."

The ceremony provided an opportunity for the community to gather and reflect on the band’s cultural impact, while also highlighting the importance of honouring local heritage in public spaces.

Bagatelle - Bray Commemoration Bench (Wicklow County Council)