Kerry County Council officially honoured the descendants and family of Daniel O’Connell at a Civic Reception ceremony held at The Old Abbey in Caherciveen on Wednesday afternoon.

The event followed the State-led commemoration held at Derrynane House earlier in the day and provided a moment of remembrance and reflection with the family and descendants of Daniel O’Connell on the occasion of the 250^th anniversary of his birth in Caherciveen on 6^th August 1775.

The Civic Reception, the highest honour Kerry County Council can bestow, was presented in the form of an official scroll to Michael O’Connell, representing the O’Connell family, custodians of the family home at Cahran. An official scroll was also presented to Daniel O’Connell, as representative of the descendants of O’Connell.

The ceremony was addressed by Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Michael Foley, Cathaoirleach of the Kenmare Municipal District, Cllr. Norma Moriarty, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan and Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Also in attendance were Members of Kerry County Council, Minister Norma Foley, Minister for State Kevin Moran, Minister for State Michael Healy-Rae, Elected Representatives, Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Fearghal Reidy, Members of the Executive of Kerry County Council and Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne.

Taoiseach Michéal Martin and Minister O’Donovan laid wreaths at the O’Connell grave before the Taoiseach then unveiled a commemorative Blue Plaque at the 18^th century Penal Chapel where O’Connell was baptised.

The Civic Reception formed part of three days of events at the O’Connell 250 to celebrate the legacy of Daniel O’Connell since his birth 250 years ago in Caherciveen.