New statue of Daniel O’Connell for Leinster House to mark 250 years since birth

Sculpture to be donated by Bank of Ireland, with unveiling expected in September

Portrait of Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator. Photograph: Getty Images
Portrait of Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator. Photograph: Getty Images

Leinster House is to receive a new statue of Daniel O’Connell as part of State-led commemorations marking 250 years since his birth.

It is to be donated by Bank of Ireland, with the unveiling expected in September.

O’Connell, who was born on August 6th, 1775, was the foremost Irish nationalist leader of the 19th century.

The anniversary will also be marked by a special State-led commemorative event, which will form the central part of the commemorations. It is to be held at O’Connell’s home in Derrynane House, Co Kerry.

Speakers from Ireland, the United Kingdom and United States will attend the annual Daniel O’Connell summer school at the end of August in Cahersiveen and Derrynane.

Minister for Culture Patrick O’Donovan will update the Cabinet on Tuesday about the programme of events.

Trinity College Dublin will hold a symposium this month on liberty, democracy and rights, while RTÉ is making a one-hour documentary on O’Connell in partnership with UCC and the University of Notre Dame, which will be distributed to schools and libraries.

Daniel O’Connell, the greatest of all politiciansOpens in new window ]

The Central Bank of Ireland will issue commemorative coins in gold and silver to mark the anniversary, while An Post will also issue commemorative stamps at the end of July.

The Irish Georgian Society will hold a study day consisting of a special event of lectures at City Assembly House in South William Street in Dublin, where O’Connell once led a three day debate on repealing the Act of Union.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs will be organising events across the State’s Embassy network, including in London.

The Irish Embassy will host an event in September at London’s Reform Club, where O’Connell was once a member.

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Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times