President Higgins delivered the inaugural Douglas Hyde Lecture 2018.
Click on the 'Speech' tab to read the President's address.
Douglas Hyde was the first President of Ireland, serving from 1938 to 1945, the first president of Conradh na Gaeilge (the Gaelic League) and the first Professor of Modern Irish in UCD from 1909.
The lecture took place place in ‘Bliain na Gaeilge’, a year dedicated to the celebration of the Irish language.
President Higgins has highlighted the Presidency of Dr. Hyde on many occasions, stressing the contribution Dr. Hyde has made to the shaping of the office of President of Ireland, as well as Dr Hyde's legacy in preserving and promoting the Irish language.
President Higgins has said before that "The Office of Uachtarán na hÉireann is an important part of our constitutional architecture, history and heritage, and the important role played by our previous Presidents in shaping and developing is widely recognised.”
President Higgins has honoured Dr Hyde by dedicating a tree in the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin to Ireland's first President.
See also
· President and Sabina Higgins visit Douglas Hyde interpretative centre.
· President celebrates 80th anniversary of inauguration of Douglas Hyde.
· President hosts 'Gaeilge sa Ghairdín' garden party.
· President gives keynote address at Comhdáil Chonradh na Gaeilge.
