This week, Linda opened the O’Connell Summer School in Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry. 

In her address, she underlined the importance of universities to a healthy democracy.  

“Daniel O’Connell dedicated himself to the values of civil rights, equality, inclusivity and democracy. It is striking that 250 years after his birth, these values still cannot be taken for granted in much of the world. In fact, increasingly, they are in retreat in parts of the world that once embraced them.  

“This is a time of profound challenge. Globally, we are witnessing a concurrent devaluing of higher education, an obfuscation of truth, and a limiting of voice and diversity. While we are fortunate to live in a country that values academic freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of association, we must never take these values for granted. These principles are at the heart of a healthy, democratic society.  

“In the current global climate, the mission of the university has never been clearer: to provide a pluralist education, enriched by diverse backgrounds and perspectives. And universities have never been more vital to cultivating the critical thinking needed in a healthy democracy.”  

The Summer School in Kerry was part of a series of commemorations to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of The Liberator.  


Linda and Prof. Maurice Bric, Director of the Daniel O'Connell Summer School.

In July, the Trinity Long Room Hub hosted a two-day conference, organised by Prof. Patrick Geoghegan and opened by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, focusing on the contemporary relevance of O’Connell’s values.  

The conference included the launch of two striking commemorative stamps by An Post depicting O’Connell after his release from prison and addressing one of his famous monster rallies.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Provost Linda Doyle, David McRedmond (An Post), and Prof. Patrick Geoghegan standing for a photo. They are holding two large stamps depicting illustrations of Daniel O'Connell speaking to crowds of people.
Left-right: Taoiseach Micheál Martin; Provost Dr Linda Doyle; David McRedmond, CEO of An Post; Prof. Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub.