1919-2019: de Valera in Boston & 100 Years of Ireland-U.S. Relations

On June 29, 1919, Eamon de Valera, future Taoiseach and future President of Ireland, addressed a crowd of 50,000 people at Fenway Park to make his case for Irish independence, marking an inflection point in the relationship between the United States and Ireland. In recognition of this anniversary, the Irish Consulate of Boston and the Kennedy Institute will welcome leaders, historians and expert commentators to reflect on the significance of de Valera’s visit to Boston in 1919, and the evolution of relations between Ireland and the U.S. in the 20th century to the relationship and politics today.

This program will feature a keynote by noted de Valera biographer, RTE journalist David McCullagh, sharing the history of de Valera’s visit to Fenway Park in 1919 and reflecting on his career as a rebel to a statesman. Following the keynote, a panel will discuss the significance of de Valera’s visit and the evolution of relations between the U.S. and Ireland from the 20th century to today. Moderated by Kevin Cullen of The Boston Globe, the panel will feature:

• David McCullagh, Ph.D., journalist, RTE and author, De Valera: Rise 1882-1932 and De Valera: Rule 1932-1975
• Daniel Mulhall, Ireland’s Ambassador to the U.S.
• Damien Murray, Ph.D., Professor of History, Elms College
• Catherine Shannon, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Westfield State University

This program is free with registration kindly requested in advance. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., and the speaking program will begin at 6:00 p.m.