O’Connell remembered at Glasnevin Cemetery

TRIBUTES were paid to Daniel O’Connell earlier this month at the ninth annual commemorative wreath laying ceremony held at Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum.

The event to mark the 172nd anniversary of O’Connell’s death was attended by Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP, Dublin Lord Mayor, Nial Ring, Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe and other dignitaries. 

“It’s an honour to be here today to commemorate the colossal figure in Irish history that is Daniel O’Connell,” said Minister Donohoe.

“It’s hugely important that we continue to remember his outstanding contribution to the people of this country. He was an incredibly influential figure, and a man of integrity who had the ability to overturn a constitution by constitutional means.

“Verbally ferocious, but a pacifist by all other means, his significance in Irish history is insurmountable and his peaceful methods for change remain highly relevant today”.

Chairman of the Glasnevin Trust, John Green said O’Connell had left an incredible legacy.

“It’s wonderful to host this commemorative ceremony in his honour here at Glasnevin Cemetery,” he added.

“O’Connell was not only a peaceful force for change here in this country, but also a catalyst for peaceful revolution overseas. He will never be forgotten and we must continue to learn and be inspired by his nonviolent but tenacious leadership.”

The O’Connell commemoration is one of the many remembrance events that are celebrated at Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum each year.

With thousands of Irish war heroes and political leaders buried there, it is at the heart of many landmark remembrance ceremonies taking place in Ireland.