History Day at Dromana House: Prophecy & Politics, O’Connell’s Ireland

Daniel O’Connell in Caricature

Prof. Maurice Bric

This lecture will focus on O’Connell’s unfolding campaigns for Catholic Emancipation and Reform as these were seen by contemporary caricaturists. Often acerbic, these caricatures were intended not only to poke fun at O’Connell but to distort his image in the most unflattering way and thus, by extension, the integrity of his causes. As such, the lecture will be a narrative of the life and times of O’Connell as seen through these often vibrant and colourful pens of a type of artist and propagandist who was as much part of the story of Catholic Emancipation as the Catholic Association itself.

*****

The Real Banner County – Waterford Politics, 1824-1832

Julian Walton

The period from the coming of age of Henry Villiers Stuart in 1824 to the passing of the Great Reform Act in 1832 was an exciting one for the voters of County Waterford, who were summoned to the polls no fewer than six times in five years. This year marks the bicentenary of the dramatic election of 1826, in which Stuart, who stood in favour of Catholic Emancipation and was supported by Daniel O’Connell, defeated the sitting MP, Lord George Beresford. In local tradition, the Beresfords are seen as the villains and Stuart as a hero. This lecture presents a more nuanced interpretation, using recently published works and some hitherto unknown correspondence.

*****

• Light afternoon tea & cake will follow the talks
• Booking essential here via Eventbrite, numbers limited
• Further details email: info@dromanahouse.com or tel. 086 8186305