de Valera historian to give 1916 lecture

Pic: The Patrick Finn Lectures

Pic: The Patrick Finn Lectures

2016 is a very big year for Ireland, being the centenary celebrations of the 1916 Rising. Now there is an opportunity for people to gain more extensive knowledge of this vital event in Irish history.

On Thursday 10 March, Professor Ronan Fanning will be giving a lecture on the Rising, in particular the role played by Éamon de Valera. He is well-versed in this particular subject, having written the book Éamon de Valera: A Will To Power, which was published last October.

The book presents an unbiased view of de Valera, showing both the positive and negative perspectives on his career in office. It explores the divisive nature of the man, highlighting the disastrous repercussions of his refusal of the Anglo-Irish Treaty while also identifying him as the man responsible for a sovereign and independent Ireland.

Fanning is the Professor Emeritus of Modern History at University College Dublin and is a regular columnist of history, politics and current affairs in the Sunday Independent. He is also on the board of Directory of Irish Biography and the Documents on Irish Foreign Policy at the Irish Royal Academy.

Admission to the lecture is free. It will take place at St. Mary’s Church on Haddington Road at 7.15 p.m on Thursday 10 March.

By Kevin Carney