Russell Crowe on his way to Kilkee

Despite all objection and concerns raised by the good people of Kilkee, it looks like the erection of a statue of famous Limerick man Richard Harris is to go ahead on Saturday.And boy will it go up in style.

Oscar winning actor, Russell Crowe will be unveiling the bronze statue in a ceremony that will also see him sing a song about his deceased friend that he wrote himself.

It was well known that the two men became good friends during the filming of the blockbuster 1999 movie – Gladiator.

The statue of the Limerick man which is costing €40,000 will depict Harris playing racquet ball - a game at which he excelled, winning a competition four years in a row at the town.

Event organizer and project director ,Manuel di Lucia said today,

“I have had a couple of long conversations with Russell and he is really looking forward to coming over. He loves Ireland and has never been to Kilkee. I expect there to be thousands of people in Kilkee on Saturday."

Crowe is quoted on http://www.murphsplace.com/ as saying,

will be in Kilkee, Ireland, to unveil a statue of Richard Harris on 30th of September. We no doubt will find a place in the town to sing a few songs."

The 43 year old actor will be bringing an “entourage of 15” when he hit’s Kilkee on Saturday. Residents had previously objected to the statue saying it would draw a rowdy crowd to the area.