The Daniel O’Connell Summer School takes place on Friday 31st August in the Library Cahersiveen and on Saturday 1st September in Derrynane House, Caherdaniel.

A highlight of the School programme is a wide-ranging interview with Michéal Martin TD, the leader of Fianna Fáil, with the questions posed by journalist and broadcaster, Olivia O’Leary.

Professor Maurice Bric, Director of the School, said that he was delighted to welcome Michéal Martin and Olivia O’Leary to the School. ”I look forward to a lively and probing conversation between these two eminent public figures”, he said.

This year the School will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1918 election and votes for women and the 80th anniversary of the coming into force of Bunreacht na hEireann. Professor Yvonne Galligan, Queen’s University Belfast, Professor John Coakley, Queen’s University and Dr Martin Mansergh, former Minister of State and adviser on Fianna Fáil policy on Northern Ireland will address the impact on the country of these important events.

The School will continue to explore themes linked to the world and legacy of Daniel O’Connell. Dr Meidhbhín Ní Úrdail of the Department of Irish, UCD will speak about the great poem, Caoineadh Airt Úi Laoghaire, written by Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill, Daniel O’Connell’s aunt. Gerry Brockie, former School Principal will talk about the building of the chapel in O’Connell’s home at Derrynane House and the Daniel O’Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen. Dr Micheal Laffan, Associate Professor, UCD will present a paper on the significance of Daniel O’Connell’s funeral in 1847.

Sean Kelly, MEP and former President of the GAA will speak on the theme of sport and politics as the guest of St Mary’s GAA Club in Cahersiveen.

The School will end on a high note! The renowned baritone from Cahersiveen, Gavin Ring will talk about Thomas O’Byrne Butler, who wrote the only opera in Irish to be performed at Carnegie Hall and will give a recital of his work in Derrynane House.

Mary O’Connor, chair of the Organising Committee, said how much she was looking forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s School. “We promise a stimulating programme and a warm welcome to everyone attending the School”, she said.

For further information on the School and the programme contact:

Professor Maurice Bric – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mary O’Connor – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.