Great Irish Voices: Over 400 Years of Irish Oratory
by Gerard Reid
Category: History

Amongst the multitude of speeches, sermons and addresses annually delivered by Irish men and women, only a few are permanently preserved. The remainder are forgotten. The main objective of this compilation is to bring together a selection of speeches, sermons and addresses from some of Irelandís greatest statesmen and women over the last 1,000 years. They are arranged in chronological order, with an introduction giving the background to each one. Brief biographical notes are also given on each speaker at the back of the book. The orations chosen are always interesting in themselves and many of them prove enlightening views of historical events. For example, Irelandís stance, both North and South during World War Two can be readily seen by reading Eamon de Valeraís, Lord Craigavonís and James Dillonís speeches at the time. The great speakers of the Irish past are represented with Grattan, Burke, OíConnell and Parnell each given considerable attention. The great Irish lawyers are also well represented with John Philpot Curranís speech at Archibald Hamilton Rowanís trial being the most notable. However, no compilation of Irish speeches would be complete without church sermons, Jonathan Swiftís being the highlight amongst them.