McAleese to unveil plaque to Davitt in UK

President Mary McAleese will visit Britain next month to mark the centenary of the death of Land League founder Michael Davitt…

President Mary McAleese will visit Britain next month to mark the centenary of the death of Land League founder Michael Davitt.

Mrs McAleese will unveil a plaque and attend an exhibition in honour of Davitt in Haslingden, Lancashire where he lived with his family from 1853-1867.

A spokeswoman said the President will also be guest of honour at a civic reception hosted by the Irish Democratic League Club.

Mrs McAleese will also use her two-day trip to visit Jesuit public school, Stoneyhurst College as well as Irish communities and voluntary groups in nearby Sheffield and Leeds.

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The President's visit on April 12th and 13th was approved by the Cabinet this week.

Michael Davitt was born near Foxford, Co Mayo during the Famine but moved to Lancashire in 1853 when his family was evicted from their farm.

Davitt began working in a cotton mill at the age of ten but lost his right arm after an accident with a spinning machine.

The Land League was founded in 1879 with Charles Stewart Parnell as president and Davitt as secretary.

In 1882 Davitt was elected an MP for Co Meath and later for West Mayo. He died in Elphis Hospital, Dublin on May 30th, 1906 from septic poisoning.

A museum now commemorates Davitt's life and works in his birthplace in Straide, Co Mayo.

The bridge from Achill Island to the mainland is also named after him.

PA