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

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Daniel O'Connell, but how much do we really know about the achievements of the Liberator? This lecture will explore how O'Connell became famous around the world after inspiring the Irish people in his great campaign for civil rights in the 1820s. Refusing to use violent methods, O'Connell led a mass democratic movement culminating in the passing of emancipation in 1829. After that, he worked to Repeal the Act of Union, speaking directly to the Irish people in a series of monster meetings. The champion of freedom, O'Connell also campaigned fearlessly against slavery and became a hero for the abolitionists in the United States. This lecture will explore the genius of O'Connell in the 19th century and the lessons we can learn from a study of his life.

Patrick M. Geoghegan
Professor Patrick Geoghegan teaches History at Trinity College Dublin and is the presenter of the award-winning Talking History on Newstalk radio. The author of two acclaimed biographies of Daniel O'Connell, King Dan and Liberator, he is the organiser of a symposium taking place on the life and legacy of O'Connell this July in Trinity to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth.

This event is available with Irish sign language for the deaf, sponsored by Bridge Interpreting.

This event is taking place with thanks to The Hyatt Centric, The Liberties, Dublin.