Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (12 May 2015) visited Derrynane House in Co. Kerry to present a portrait of Daniel O'Connell.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: "It gives me great pleasure to be here at the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell in Derrynane. Together with Fáilte Ireland, my office, the OPW, recently completed an extensive programme of renovation and visitor improvements to enhance the visitor experience at this important historic site. I am therefore delighted to present this fine portrait of "the Liberator".

The portrait was painted by John O'Connell and was originally presented to the Mayor of Clonmel. In 1846, Charles Bianconi became Mayor of Clonmel and given the close relationship between O'Connell and Bianconi and based on O'Connell's appearance in the portrait, it is very likely that Bianconi is the Mayor in question. It depicts O'Connell in his final years and will be on display in the newly created reception area. Other notable portraits on display in Derrynane House include the iconic portrait by Patrick Joseph Haverty.

The Minister concluded: "This wonderful portrait is a great addition to the collection here in Derrynane House. As it shows an older Daniel O'Connell, we can trace the story of his remarkable life through all the paintings on display throughout the house. With over 23,000 visitors in 2014, the newly enhanced visitor experience will, no doubt, greatly contribute to these numbers for the 2015 season and beyond".

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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister Harris please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer – mobile 087 947 5552, landline 01 647 6128 or 046 942 6128 or email colette.davis@opw.ie

Follow OPW @opwireland

Notes to Editors:

Portrait of Daniel O'Connell (1775-1847), Oil on Canvas, by John O'Connell shows O'Connell seated in three quarter length pose looking directly at the viewer.

Derrynane House and gardens is a Discovery Point on Fáilte Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way route. Located 3.5km from Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry.Services include an audio-visual theatre, tea-rooms, parking and toilet facilities. Information on fees and opening times available on www.heritageireland.ie