DORCHESTER — A packed house turned out on Monday night, July 1, 2019 for the Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s program to celebrate former Irish Prime Minister Éamon de Valera and a century of this country’s work with Ireland in “1919-2019: de Valera in Boston and 100 Years of Ireland-U.S. Relations.”

The speaking program included: a keynote by noted de Valera biographer, RTE journalist David McCullagh, who shared the history of de Valera’s visit to Fenway Park in 1919 and reflected on de Valera’s career as a rebel to a statesman. Following the keynote, a panel moderated by Kevin Cullen of The Boston Globe discussed the significance of de Valera’s visit and the evolution of relations between the U.S. and Ireland from the 20th century to today. Panelists included: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 United States; Damien Murray, Ph.D., Professor of History, Elms College in Chicopee; and Catherine Shannon, Ph.D., Professor Emerita, Westfield State University.

Also attending the talk were Boston Police Commissioner Willie Gross, New England Council President and CEO Jim Brett, and former City Councilor Peggy Davis-Mullens, who is the new executive director of the Irish Pastoral Centre.

All photos by Bill Brett