Events for Daniel O’Connell's Commemorative Programme officially unveiled by Clare Council

Clare County Council has announced details of the Daniel O’Connell Commemorative Programme to mark the 250th anniversary of his birth, with events taking place on August 9 and 10 in Ennis. 

This significant anniversary will be acknowledged and remembered as part of a national celebration of 'The Liberator’s' birth.

As well as commemorating his birth date, Clare County Council will join with the local community to celebrate the leader's close ties with the county through a series of lectures, talks and displays, including lectures by Patrick Geoghegan of Newstalk’s 'Talking History' and Maurice Bric.

Among the highlights of the weekend is a specially commissioned show produced and directed by Diarmuid de Faoite entitled 'O’Connell, the Liberator.'

This vibrant, dramatic and musical event depicting O’Connell’s life will take place in glór on Saturday, August 9, with musical direction by Geraldine Cotter, and will feature a host of outstanding performers from County Clare and beyond.

Paying tribute to the local community as well as council staff in the Ennis Municipal District, Clare Libraries, Clare Museum and Clare Arts Office for their work in organising the commemoration, Clare County Council Senior Engineer, Sean Lenihan said it was important to recognise the important role Daniel O’Connell played in Clare’s history as well as nationally and internationally.

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“This internationally recognised Irish man was elected MP for Clare in 1828, and has been synonymous with the county ever since. It is important we recognise him here in Clare as part of the national celebration of his birth. The events in Ennis will ensure every generation has the opportunity to get involved – from the children saving their thoughts into a time capsule, to our historians sharing their findings in insightful documentaries and our artists celebrating his legacy with a one-off celebration in glór,” he said.

Meanwhile on Sunday, August 10, Ennis schoolchildren will bury a time capsule in O’Connell Square, which is scheduled to be dug up in 50 years’ time.

The burying of the capsule will be part of a special ceremony at O’Connell Monument in Ennis including a wreath laying by Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy and Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Mary Howard.

From Wednesday, August 6 until August 20, exhibitions of O’Connell memorabilia from the Newpark House Collection will be on display at the Clare Museum and the De Valera Library, both in Ennis, alongside memorabilia held by the Clare Museum.

Full details of all events can be found at https://clarelibraries.ie/projects/daniel-oconnell/

The Clare events are supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.