Daniel O'Connell, Irish Nationalist Leader

 

 

O'Connell Monument, Ennis, County Clare.

This evening, I am reporting on Daniel O'Connell, a famous figure from the 19th century who became a lawyer, politician and banker whose underlying objective was Catholic emancipation. Dublin's famous O'Connell Street is named after the said Daniel.

Key milestones in O'Connell's life and career.

  • Born 1775 near Carhen, County Kerry, the eldest of ten children. 
  • Benefited form education in Ireland and France.
  • Qualified as a lawyer in 1796 and entered King's Inn, Dublin.His skills were noted and he quickly rose to a sought-after barrister.
  • Established bodied for Catholic emancipation in 1811 and 1823.
  • Won County Clare seat in U.K. parliament in 1828 and eventually took it up in 1830 following relaxation of anti-Catholic discrimination in Parliament.
  • Between 1834 and 1841 actively campaigned to end the union between U.K. and Ireland.This culminated in his imprisonment.
  • Campaigned for mobilisation of the working classes and rights of civilly disadvantaged groups such as Jews and dissenters.Also campaigned against abuses arising from British colonialism around the world,
  • In 1835 was involved in the establishment of the National Bank of Ireland and became its governor.This bank grew to become a significant force in the Irish economy.with anti-discrimination business policies.
  • Married Mary O'Connell in 1802, a union which produced 11 children.
  • Died in Genoa, Italy in 1847. His body was returned to Ireland and buried at Glasnevin cemetery, Dublin.There are monuments to his memory in Ennis, County Clare and Dublin.


 O'Connell Monument, Dublin

 

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