Impromptu event in Limerick city marks birthday of one of Irish history’s greatest figures

AN IMPROMPTU gathering took place under the Daniel O’Connell monument to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of ‘The Liberator’.

Mary Immaculate College professor, Dr Paul O’Brien and some friends decided over a few pints that they couldn’t let the birthday of the reforming politician pass without organising an event.

On Wednesday, August 6, while events were taking around the country, a number of people gathered under the monument bearing O’Connell’s name - atop the street bearing his name - to remember one of the most influential figures in Irish history.

Put together with just a days’ notice, the event saw speeches from Dr O’Brien, Dr Matthew Potter, curator of the Limerick Museum, ecclesiastical decorator Randel Hodkinson and Dr Paddy Waldron, who told of a little-known family link between jockey and MEP Nina Carberry.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Gathering in Limerick to mark Daniel O'Connell's 250th birthday

On top of this, Pamela Kearney read a previously unpublished entry from a diary of a Limerick girl, who met O’Connell, dated 1838.

The short evening event was rounded off by a temperance flute piece, delivered by Dr Derek Mulcahy, the bandmaster of the St Mary’s Fife and Drum Band.

It was the first of two events held locally to mark the 250th anniversary of Daniel O’Connell’s birthday. On Saturday, a walking tour of the historic city centre also reflected the impact he had on Limerick.