Kylekiproe in Portlaoise in County Laois, Leinster, Ireland — Mid-East (and Dublin)
James Fintan Lalor
1807–1849
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026
1. James Fintan Lalor Marker
“This island is ours, and have it we will, if the leaders be true to the people, and the people be true to themselves”
East Panel:
“Let laws and institutions say what they will, this fact will be stronger than all laws, and prevail against them — the fact those who own your land will make your laws, and command your liberties, and your lives”
West Panel:
“The principle I state and mean to stand upon is that the entire ownership of Ireland, moral and material, up to the sun and down to the centre, is vested of right in the people of Ireland”
Plaque:
James Fintan Lalor was a member of an illustrious family.
His father Pat Lalor was an M.P. for Queens County and a strong supporter of Daniel O’Connell. Pat Lalor also played a leading role in the “Tithe Wars” of the 1830s.
James Fintan Lalor’s brother, Peter, was the [unreadable] at the Eureka Stockade in Australia in 1854 and was a prominent Irish Australian politician.
James Fintan’s brother Richard was an Irish M.P. in the 1880s supporting Parnell and the Irish party.
This monument was unveiled by Tanaiste Brian Cowen on the 15th of December 2007.
Erected 2007.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Wars, Non-US. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. 53° 1.933′ N, 7° 18.08′ W. Marker is in Portlaoise, Leinster, in County Laois. It is in Kylekiproe. It is at the intersection of James Fintan Lalor Avenue and Abbeyleix Road, on the left when traveling west on James Fintan Lalor Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 James Fintan Lalor Avenue, Portlaoise, Leinster, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Regionally, 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,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Portlaoise Heritage Trail / Slí Oidhreachta Port Laoise (a few steps from this marker); Main Street / Príomhshráid (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); St Peter's Church (about 240 meters away); Portlaoise Courthouse (about 240 meters away); Old County Gaol (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Old St Peter’s Church (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Portlaoise Vocational School (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Dún Phort Laoise / The Fort of Portlaoise (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Portlaoise.
Also see . . .
1. Lalor, James Fintan (Mary E. Daly, Dictionary of Irish Biography).
Lalor was very much a fringe figure in the complex political events of the famine years. Arthur Griffith described him as ‘rather in the [Young Ireland] movement than of the movement’. He failed to win any significant support for his views; indeed there(Submitted on July 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)appears to be a pattern of personal disputes, disagreement, and frustration with possible allies. Most of his political engagement took the form of letters from Tinnakill, and it would appear that he had difficulty collaborating with others, perhaps because of the isolated nature of his life, his personal disfigurement, and his personality.Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 20262. James Fintan Lalor MarkerA quotation inscribed on a plinth next to the statue.
2. Landmark Portlaoise statue in "horrible" state (Laois Nationalist, Sept 12, 2025).
A stained statue of a famous Laois patriot was described as “horrible” at a council meeting...Cast in bronze by Mayo-based artist Rory Breslin, the sculpture depicts Lalor as having stepped down from his plinth to be among his people. The unveiling ceremony marked the culmination of months of work by Laois Co Council’s Arts Office and the James Fintan Lalor Commemorative Committee.(Submitted on July 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 17, 2026
3. James Fintan Lalor Plaque
A badly weathered plaque on the ground contains family information.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
