President de Valera

Eamon de Valera Installed as President

Excerpt from the inauguration of Eamon de Valera as President of Ireland at a ceremony in Dublin Castle on 25 June 1959: speaking in Irish, the Chief Justice issues the prescribed declaration of acceptance for the office, which de Valera repeats.

Opening Night of Television

President Eamon de Valera is the first person to appear on Irish television when it begins broadcasting in 1961. He is 79 years old, and his sight is failing, but he has now dominated Irish politics for over 30 years. He gives a cautious welcome to the arrival of television in Ireland, expressing his hope that the new media will provide sources of recreation and pleasure, but also information, instruction and knowledge. However, he also admits to being somewhat afraid as, "Never before was there in the hands of men an instrument so powerful to influence the thoughts and actions of the multitude."

President Welcomes President

On 26 June 1963, New York-born President Eamon de Valera welcomes to Ireland the American President John F. Kennedy, who is the descendant of Irish emigrants.

De Valera Addresses Joint Session of Congress

President de Valera addresses a joint session of Congress during a state visit to the USA and Canada. In the course of his 20-minute speech, he traces the history of the Irish struggle and pays a high tribute to the United States in the continuing fight for freedom throughout the world. De Valera recalls the welcome that the late President Kennedy was given in Ireland "... because he was regarded by our people as the symbol of this great nation, because he was the President elected of this great people".

At Casement's Grave

President de Valera gives a televised speech at the Glasnevin graveside of Roger Casement, who has just been given a full state funeral following the return of his remains to Ireland in 1965. He remarks that,

"It required courage to do what Casement did, and his name would be honoured, not merely here, but by oppressed peoples everywhere, even if he had done nothing for the freedom of our own country."

New Year Message 1967

In his new year message, the President speaks of the virtues of living in Ireland and the need for people to work harder so that Ireland can compete with the larger countries of the world. Due to the continuing threat of nuclear weapons, he conveys the Pope's request that the first day of each new year be consecrated to praying "...that God would save us from another world war and give us unbroken peace."

An Caogú Cuimhneachán den Chéad Dáil

TDs, senators and members of the first Dáil and of the Diplomatic Corps gather in Dublin's Mansion House to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Dáil. President de Valera addresses the gathering. His speech is briefly interrupted by veteran Republican Joseph Clarke, who protests about the jailing of Denis Dennehy, a member of the Dublin Housing Action Committee, for squatting in a house in Mountjoy Square. The President goes on to pay tribute to those members of the first Dáil who are still alive, and he reminds the serving TDs and senators of their responsibility to the people of Ireland.

Diamond Wedding Anniversary

On the occasion of their diamond wedding anniversary, President de Valera and his wife Sinéad are presented with a framed poster of an early election campaign by members of Fianna Fáil.

President Eamon de Valera Retires

Large, cheering crowds, consisting mainly of Fianna Fáil supporters from all over the country, gather at the gates of Áras an Uachtaráin to say farewell to Eamon de Valera at the end of his 14 years as President. He is given another enthusiastic reception at Boland's Mill, where he fought during the 1916 Rising. Fianna Fáil leader Jack Lynch addresses the crowd and pays tribute to de Valera for his long service to the state. Speaking in Irish, de Valera says that he once thought he would never see a united Ireland, but he now thinks that he will some day.