The Irish Abolitionist: Daniel O'Connell

Daniel O’Connell is remembered as the Liberator of Irish Catholics, but he also played a significant role in the movement to end slavery.

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Daniel O'Connell defending the rights of his countrymen in the courts of Dublin, February 4, 1844.

Photo by Library of Congress

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In 1875, centenary celebrations for O’Connell took place throughout the world. Some of the largest were located in the United States. In Boston, valedictory tributes to O’Connell were made by the three leading American abolitionists: William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillip and John Greenleaf Whittier. They each honored O’Connell as the most important abolitionist of the age.

In Ireland and Britain, Daniel O’Connell is remembered as the Liberator of Irish Catholics, but he also played a significant role in liberating slaves both in the British Empire and in North America. Moreover, his inclusive, egalitarian and humanitarian approach truly made him both a friend and champion of the slave.

In the words of Frederick Douglass, “The fire of freedom was burning in his mighty heart.”
 
 

Read the introduction from Kinealy's latest book, Daniel O'Connell and the Anti-Slavery Movement, HERE

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