‘Subject to endless derision’ – Molly Malone statue boarded up for restoration

The iconic Molly Malone statue has stood in the city centre since 1988.

Photos taken of the statue today, October 3, show it boarded up with signs saying cleaning and restoration are taking place.

The statue needs to be restored because of the high number of people touching the statue, particularly around the chest area.

Rubbing the chest of Molly Malone has become a 'good luck ritual', and like other famous statues, such an interaction has caught on with tourists.

Over time, the repeated touching of the area polished the bronze to a noticeable shine, making it even more of a 'thing' to do, but now, it seems to have worn it down to the point of needing to be restored.

The 'ritual' has sparked major debate over the sexualisation of the landmark, with many labelling it a sexist and objectifying act toward a figure based on a possibly fictional working-class woman.

Furthermore, it has been argued that the touching instates an idea that female public art figures are there to be touched or talked about in a physical manner.

Even if Molly Malone is a fictional myth, the statue is part of Ireland’s cultural heritage and should be respected as art, not a prop.

Additionally, many people are concerned that the ritual normalises inappropriate behaviour, especially in the eyes of younger people who observe the tradition.

Earlier this year, busker Tilly Cripwell launched a campaign to elevate the statue after she noticed a large number of people groping the statue.

Tilly Cripwell said: “What was created as a means of symbolic dedication to Molly Malone has found itself subject to endless derision, given what has criminally become a tradition: groping Molly’s breasts.”

Whatever side of the debate you're on, the statue is closed off for the foreseeable future.