Trinity’s School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultural Studies welcomed President Catherine Connolly for a celebration to mark 250 years of modern languages in the university.
President Connolly was joined in the Dining Hall by staff, students, and alumni to commemorate the establishment in 1776 of Chairs in French, German, Spanish, and Italian.
In her address, President Connolly reflected on the value of language learning as a way of connecting with other cultures and people. She explained that, at a time when language is often being reduced and debased, “reclaiming the beauty of languages, in all their diversity, is an act of resistance, and a crucial first step in celebrating and championing our wonderfully diverse humanity."
Speaking after President Connolly, Linda reflected on the enduring outward looking values held by Trinity in its pioneering decision to establish the Chairs of modern languages.
The audience also heard from the 1776 Chair of French, Prof. Michael Cronin, who spoke on the significance of modern languages in shaping Ireland’s cultural, intellectual, and international engagement.
This celebration was part of a programme of events by the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultural Studies this year to mark the 250 milestone. The event was preceded on the evening by the 2026 Hely-Hutchinson Memorial Lectures, honouring Provost John Hely-Hutchinson who was instrumental in the establishment of the Chairs of modern languages during his Provostship (1774 – 1794).
Read more on the Trinity website.
Read President Catherine Connolly’s speech from the evening.
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