The First Dáil
by Dr. Séan O Duibhir

January 2019 marked the centenary of the inaugural meeting of the first Dáil Éireann. Dr. Séan Ó Duibhir, will discuss the practical, and symbolic, features of the Irish State’s ‘foundation moment’. This lecture will also consider aspects often overlooked within popular history: such as the preparations for the Dáil’s first meeting in the Mansion House on 21 January 1919; the nature and importance of the four documents adopted by the (limited number of) delegates present; and the rationale behind the decision to largely model Ireland’s ‘revolutionary’ parliament on that of the ‘old enemy’ at Westminster.

The lecture will take place at the Harbour Hotel, New Docks, Galway on Monday 11th of March at 8pm.

The Dáil Éireann in session in August 1921

The Dáil Éireann in session in August 1921