RTÉ broadcaster to give lecture on de Valera

Broadcaster David McCullagh will deliver a Decade of Centenaries lecture to Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society on Wednesday November 14 at 8pm in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.

The lecture will explore the role played by former Easter Rising leader, Taoiseach and President, Éamon de Valera, during the revolutionary period (1916-21).

Dr McCullagh, as well as being a presenter on RTÉ’s ‘Prime Time’ and other current affairs programmes, is also an historian who holds a PhD in politics from University College, Dublin.

A biographer of the former Fine Gael Taoiseach, John A. Costello, his most recent books are on de Valera, and he will be signing copies of volume two of his biography of ‘Dev’ after the lecture.

De Valera is arguably the most successful politician in Ireland since independence. Born in America and reared in humble circumstances in Bruree, Co Limerick, he went on to dominate Irish life for much of the 20th century.

Dr McCullagh will explore the formative influences on his life and the controversies which arose during the revolutionary period and the Treaty debates. The lecture is supported by Westmeath County Council’s Decade of Centenaries initiative. All are welcome.