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Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, today, Sunday 18th May 2014, officiated on behalf of the Government at the The Annual Commemoration of Daniel O’Connell in Glasnevin Cemetery. The ceremony was organised to commemorate the 167th anniversary of the death of ‘the Liberator’ Daniel O’Connell.

Along with Minister Deenihan, the commemorative arrangements included the Lord Mayor of Dublin Oisín Quinn, members of the O'Connell family and pupils of the O’Connell Schools.

The commemoration marked the 167th anniversary of the death of Daniel O’Connell in Genoa in May 1847. The O’Connell Monument and Round Tower have been refurbished in recent years as part of the continuing restoration and refurbishment of Glasnevin Cemetery. Work is continuing in replacing the stairway to the top of the O’Connell Tower and is expected to be complete later this year or early 2015.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Deenihan said:

“Daniel O’Connell was distinguished in his age for his dedication to the advancement of society, his recognition of the universality of human rights and his unshakeable commitment to his principles. This commitment, allied to the passion and energy he invested in all his work, brought him international acclaim and ensured his lasting legacy. It is fitting that we continue to pay tribute to this legacy.”

The commemoration was followed by the O’Connell Memorial Lecture which was delivered by Ambassador Dan Mulhall in the Milestone Gallery at Glasnevin Cemetery museum, titled “The International O’Connell: Parliamentarian, Reformer, Liberal.”