Dublin to get park named after late Boyzone singer Stephen Gately

The mum of late Boyzone singer Stephen Gately has said she is, "so proud" after plans were revealed to name a park in Dublin after the 'Love Me For A Reason' singer.

Stephen passed away in October 2009 at the age of just 33, but grew up in the area where the park is. The six-hectare Royal Canal Linear Park runs alongside Spencer Dock, with the name change currently pending due to council approval.

The singer's mum, still lives in the street where Stephen grew up and according to Councillor Christy Burke, who proposed the name change, along with Councillor Anthony Flynn, she has given in her blessing.

Cllr Burke said, "Stephen's mother Margaret has given her blessing for the park to be renamed after her son. She said she would love if that happened and would be so proud."

Adding, "It's a move that shows the area never forgets all the talented people from here, past, present and future, such as singer/songwriter Luke Kelly and the (filmmaker) Sheridan brothers.

"I've absolutely no doubt my fellow councillors will back the name change as Stephen had a huge influence on the area."

Originally forming as a group of five in 1993, Stephen Gately was part of Boyzone from the beginning along with Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy and Mikey Graham. The band split in 2000, before reuniting in 2007, following Stephen's death the remaining members continued to make music and tour.

In 2018, the band paid a touching tribute to Stephen with their final album, 'Thank You & Goodnight'.

• Stephen Gately
• Boyzone