Remembering Bang Bang

DUBLIN is a city famous for its characters. Perhaps one of our most loved street characters was Thomas Dudley, better known as

‘Bang Bang’.

‘Bang Bang’ literally shot to fame in the 1950s,

’60s and

’70s, when he launched a one man

‘shooting’ spree across Dublin, firing on passersby with a giant golden key while shouting:

“Bang bang you’re dead

?.

‘Bang Bang’ later admitted that the many westerns he had watched in cinemas across Dublin had given him the inspiration to begin spreading fun and happiness to all.

A typical day for

‘Bang Bang’ involved hiding in doorways or laneways, jumping out on unsuspecting pedestrians and

‘shooting’ them with his key before jumping onto a passing tram or bus to continue the fun.

‘Bang Bang’ was also well known for disrupting theatre performances by running onto the stage and

‘shooting’ at the characters, much to the delight of both the actors and the audience.

Far from being a nuisance, the people of Dublin quickly warmed to

‘Bang Bang’ and often took part in his harmless fun by

‘shooting’ back or by falling to the ground when shot.

‘Bang Bang’ quickly became a Dublin institution. Although associated with the Liberties, he was a Northsider.

Born in the Rotunda Hospital,

‘Bang Bang’ was an orphan and was raised by nuns at a children’s home in Cabra.

From his own recollections it seems he also spent some time in foster care living in Hill Street and Newmarket before coming to reside in Mill Street in the Coombe, where he would live for 41 years.

‘Bang Bang’ was befriended by the legendary Dublin historian, Ã?amonn Mac Thomáis, who pieced together the story of his life.

In 1973, Mac Thomáis met

‘Bang Bang’ at the Liberties Festival and brought him to St Catherine’s Church in Thomas Street, where he introduced them to the crowd.

Never one to disappoint,

‘Bang Bang’ gave one of his famous performances, taking out his key and shouting:

“Bang, bang, bang, bang you’re dead

?.

He was visibly shocked by the overwhelming response he received from the crowd.

Back outside he turned to Mac Thomáis and said:

“Thank you sir for bringing me in, sir. They all know me sir. They like me too.

?

Mac Thomáis quickly responded:

“Not only do they like you – they love you and whenever they write a history of the Liberties it won’t be complete unless it mentions your name.

?

In later years

‘Bang Bang’ moved from Mill Street to number 50b Bridgefoot Street flats.

With his sight failing he took on the persona of an eccentric gentleman and preferred to be called

‘Lord Dudley’.

Despite his age, however, when the humour took him, he was still capable of his one man

‘shooting’ sprees across Dublin, bringing delight to a new generation.

As a much-loved citizen of Dublin, it is only right that

‘Bang Bang’ has been immortalised in our popular culture.

He has received international fame thanks to

‘The Dubliners’ and their ballad

‘The Mero’ which includes the line:

“Bang Bang shoots the buses, with his golden key

?.

‘Bang Bang’ is also mentioned in countless other songs and stories about Dublin. He died on January 11, 1981 at Clonturk House for the Adult Blind in Drumcondra.

His golden key is now on display in the reading room of the Dublin City Archive on Pearse Street, worn smooth and shining after its many years of loyal service.

‘Bang Bang’ will be forever loved in his native Dublin, and no history of our city will be complete without mention of his name or story.