Waterford in County Waterford, Munster, Ireland — Irish South-West ((Éire) North Atlantic Ocean)
Seán Ó hEathirn
⎯⎯⎯
John J Hearne
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 16, 2026
1. Seán Ó hEathirn / John J Hearne Marker
Seán Ó hEathirn 1893–1969
Cruthaitheoir Bhunreacht na hÉireann 1937
Ard-Choimisinéir na hÉireann chuig Ceanada 1939–1949
Céad Ambasadóir na hÉireann chuig na Stáit Aontaithe 1950–1960
John J Hearne 1893–1969
Architect of the 1937 Irish Constitution
Irish High Commissioner to Canada 1939–1949
First Irish Ambassador to the United States 1950–1960
Sculptor Elizabeth O’Kane, 2017
Erected 2017.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.
Location. 52° 15.58′ N, 7° 6.472′ W. Marker is in Waterford, Munster, in County Waterford. It can be reached from the intersection of Cathedral Square and Henrietta Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Cathedral Square, Waterford, Munster, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Ancient East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, on the Island of Ireland, on the Celtic Fringe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cearnóg an Bhunreachta / Constitution Square (here, next to this marker); The Bishop’s Palace (a few steps from this marker); The Marriage That Changed History (a few steps from this marker); The Widows’ Apartments (a few steps from this marker); “No Pasaran” (a few steps from this marker); Strongbow and Aoife (a few steps from this marker); Christ Church Cathedral (a few steps from this marker); In ómós do na Gael / Irish Service Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waterford.
Also see . . . Hearne, John Joseph (Dictionary of Irish Biography).
As the drafting of the new constitution continued over the next eighteen months, most of the work devolved on Hearne. In the previous few years, through his involvement in some of the legal measures implementing de Valera's policy of dismantling the Anglo–Irish treaty of 1922 and the Free State constitution, Hearne won de Valera's respect, so that by the time the final draft of(Submitted on June 22, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)what became the 1937 constitution was published, Hearne became recognised as the main architect of the document. Indeed, some of the principal articles on such topics as fundamental rights and principles of social policy reveal unmistakable signs of Hearne's florid style – understandably so, since he was the only member of de Valera's team with previous experience of legislative drafting.Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 16, 20262. Seán Ó hEathirn / John J Hearne MonumentThe monument to John J. Hearne is located in Constitution Square, which was named in part for his work in 1937.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 16, 2026
3. Seán Ó hEathirn / John J Hearne Sculpture
A close-up of the bust of John J. Hearne.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
