'Ireland of today could learn from Liberator'

THE IRELAND of today could learn from Daniel O’Connell, his great-great-grandson said at a commemoration ceremony in Dublin yesterday.

Speaking after the Daniel O’Connell Inaugural Commemoration in Glasnevin Cemetery, Geoffrey O’Connell said his ancestor was far ahead of his time when he said “if it is not morally correct, it is not politically correct”.

“This is something we have to absorb now and take into us,” Mr O’Connell said.

The inaugural commemoration marked the 163rd anniversary of the death of O’Connell in Genoa in May 1847. Born in 1775, “the Liberator” is best remembered for his part in Catholic Emancipation and his struggle for the repeal of the Act of Union, but he also made a significant contribution to other human rights issues, including the fight against slavery.

Yesterday’s commemoration was held at the entrance to the O’Connell Mausoleum in the cemetery, which is topped with the well-known round tower.

Both were recently refurbished by the Office of Public Works in conjunction with Glasnevin Trust, as part of the refurbishment of Glasnevin Cemetery.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Emer Costello and Mayor of Kerry Bobby O’Connell laid wreaths at the entrance to the mausoleum. Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Pat Carey also laid a wreath on behalf of the Government.

John Green, chairman of Glasnevin Trust, spoke about the high esteem in which O’Connell was held by his contemporaries. He said when O’Connell died, the tributes paid to him were quite extraordinary.

His favourite quote was from historian and diarist Charles Breville who said “history will speak of O’Connell as one of the most remarkable men who ever existed; he will fill great space in its pages, his position was unique. There never has been before, there never will be again anything at all resembling him”.

Karl Warren, representing O’Connell Schools in Dublin, said O’Connell’s commitment to parliamentary democracy marked him as one of the leading figures in the struggle for human rights and democracy in Europe.

Prayers were said by Msgr Dermot Clarke, present on behalf of the Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin.

A minute's silence was observed before piper Paul McNally of the Dublin Fire Brigade played She moves through the fair.