East Melbourne in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania
Daniel O'Connell
The Liberator
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 11, 2026
1. Daniel O'Connell Marker
The Liberator
1775 - 1847
The leading Irish Statesman and Catholic Parliamentarian of his day, O'Connell was the founder of the Catholic Association, a mass movement which promoted universal human rights and social justice. Exclusively by political means and non-violent action, he led the struggle to pass the emancipation act of 1829 by which the British Parliament finally repealed the remnant of the terrible penal laws against Catholics and re-established the basis for their civil and their religious rights throughout the British Empire.
This statue, the work of Thomas Brock A.R.A., was accepted in trust by Archbishop Carr for the citizens of Melbourne, on 14th May 1891.
This plaque was unveiled by
the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese,
on 6th September 1998
to reaffirm the historic links between
Australia and Ireland
Erected 1998 by The Government of Ireland.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.
Location. 37° 48.592′ S, 144° 58.558′ E. Marker
this page online
Regionally, it is in Oceania, in Australasia, in the Pacific Ocean, in South Pacific, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dame Nellie Melba (within shouting distance of this marker); Victorian Artists' Society (within shouting distance of this marker); New Temple Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Daniel Mannix (within shouting distance of this marker); Aubrey Bowen Wing, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Eastern Hill Fire Station (about 180 meters away); Great Petition (about 180 meters away); Great Petition Sculpture (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 11, 2026
2. Daniel O'Connell Marker in front of Statue
Also see . . . Daniel O’Connell - Irish leader. Britannica
On May 12, 1823, O’Connell and Richard Lalor Sheil (1791–1851) founded the Catholic Association, which quickly attracted the support of the Irish priesthood and of lawyers and other educated Catholic laymen and which eventually comprised so many members that the government could not suppress it. In 1826, when it was reorganized as the New Catholic Association, it caused the defeat of several parliamentary candidates sponsored by large landowners. In County Clare in July 1828, O’Connell himself, although (as a Catholic) ineligible to sit in the House of Commons, defeated a man who tried to support both the British government and Catholic emancipation. This result impressed on the British prime minister, Arthur Wellesley, 1st duke of Wellington, the need for making a major concession to the Irish Catholics. Following the passage of the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829, O’Connell, after going through the formality of an uncontested reelection, took his seat at Westminster.(Submitted on May 13, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 11, 2026
3. St. Patrick's Cathedral
Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 13, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
