Patrick M.Geoghegan - Keynote Lecture: Daniel O'Connell and The Campaign for Civil Rights

To mark the 250th anniversary of Daniel O’Connell’s birth, we are delighted to share the keynote lecture Daniel O'Connell and the Campaign for Civil Rights, now available to watch online.

This lecture was a highlight of the Culture Date with Dublin 8 2025 festival, which celebrated the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most influential figures through a series of special events.

Delivered by Professor Patrick Geoghegan, a History lecturer and Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub at Trinity College Dublin, the talk explores how O’Connell led a powerful and peaceful mass movement for civil rights in the 1820s, culminating in Catholic Emancipation. It also highlights O’Connell’s fearless opposition to slavery—an advocacy that earned him global recognition as a defender of justice and democracy. His stirring speeches in Dublin left a deep impression on abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who later described O’Connell as “the greatest orator of the age.”

Professor Geoghegan, also the presenter of the award-winning Talking History radio show on Newstalk, is a leading authority on O’Connell and the author of two acclaimed biographies—King Dan and Liberator. In July, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of O’Connell’s birth, he organised a major symposium at Trinity College Dublin, bringing together scholars and the public to explore O’Connell’s enduring impact.

Watch the keynote lecture now and discover how Daniel O’Connell’s message still resonates in the ongoing global fight for equality and human rights.

Please note there is a technical hitch with our audio midway through for a few moments, we apologise for any inconvenience.

Special thanks to the Hyatt Centric, The Liberties for hosting our event and to Bridge Interpretation for sponsoring this event in ISL.