Remarks by President McAleese on the public opening of the refurbished crypt of Daniel O’Connell
Remarks by President McAleese on the occasion of the official opening to the public of the refurbished crypt of Daniel O’Connell
Is mór an pléisiúir dom bheith i bhur measc inniu ag an ocáid seo agus tá me buíoch díbh as an chuireadh a thug sibh dom teacht anseo.
“My heart to Rome, my body to Ireland and my soul to heaven” – The Liberator, Daniel O’Connell’s last wishes, written in gold in the crypt of Glasnevin’s Round Tower where his remains were finally laid to rest in 1869. 140 years later, we gather to mark the opening of the crypt to the public as part of the continuing refurbishment of Glasnevin Cemetery in advance of the centenary of the 1916 Rising.
In these days as Ireland’s Peace Process consolidates, it seems so right to call to memory again the unique contribution to the growth of democracy and human rights both at home and around the world by the great Daniel O' Connell. Frederick Douglas the staunch advocate of the end of slavery in America said after hearing O’Connell speak that his powers of oratory and persuasion were “like a summer thunder-shower upon a dusty road.” He was the consummate parliamentarian and egalitarian democrat in a world of elites and empires where many were enslaved and whether they were Irish Catholics, African Americans, native Americans or Russian Jews, O’Connell was their advocate, their Liberator too. In a hostile 19th century British Parliament and society, he stood his ground in defence of those whose human rights were denied. In an angry and frustrated Ireland he stood his ground in defence of peaceful politics and passionately opposed the use of violence. He hoped a day would one day come when Ireland would be at peace and her people free. He died not seeing such a day but having laid the groundwork for the eventual achievement of such an Ireland.
The restored crypt is a fitting tribute to his memory and an appropriate place for those of us who owe him so much to come in respectful pilgrimage. O’Connell was not just a major figure in Irish politics, but in the transformation of British politics and world politics. His relentless advocacy helped ignite the push for human rights and democracy that would eventually transform the politics and political structures of twentieth century. It is a work still far from complete and still in need of champions who will find in the story of O’Connell the leadership and inspiration that he still exemplifies.
Daniel O’Connell is in distinguished company in Glasnevin Cemetery for many of those who heroically invested their lives in the service of Ireland’s freedom and democratization are also buried here. Their resourcefulness and courage in the face of what seemed like overwhelming odds and their self-sacrificing focus on Ireland’s long-term future challenge us in our time to remember the kind of Ireland they died for, that reconciled Ireland of equal opportunity, free from sectarianism, racism or gender bias, whose citizens were good neighbours to one another, worked conscientiously for the common good at home and abroad and who cherished all Ireland’s children equally.
This refurbishment of such an important national institution which is the sacred custodian not just of memory but of shared national ambition and shared national vision allows us not just to revisit the memories of those who died but also their vision for that still remains ours too.
Considerable inroads have been made into the ambitious refurbishment and renovation programme of the entire cemetery. As with all such undertakings it required substantial and difficult infrastructural work before the more visible beauty and craftsmanship could be fully showcased. Now the cemetery shines again, not returned to simply its former glory but brought to a whole new level of contemporary innovation and accessibility especially with the development of the new visitor centre.
The Glasnevin Trust has provided us with a very fine tribute to the history of Ireland contained within these walls and a wonderful facility for the many visitors from Ireland and from around the world who are drawn here by what it represents and who it represents.
I would like to commend all those involved in the programme of work – the grounds manager, Philip Ryan; Martin Galligan, the project manager on the restoration programme, the Board and CEO of Glasnevin Trust – in particular George McCullough, CEO and the Chairman John Greene; John Watson, Chairman of the Heritage Subcommittee and all the wonderful hard working crews who work on the ground here in Glasnevin. I would also like to thank Dennis Carr of the OPW and of course the Chairman of the OPW, Clare McGrath for their ongoing commitment to this project. I look forward to the day when the works are fully complete and the full resonance of the history and culture in this wonderful facility can be appreciated by all.
Comhghairdeas libh arís 's go raibh maith agaibh go léir.