A significant moment in Waterford’s political history will be commemorated this weekend as historians, academics and members of the public gather in Dungarvan to mark the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Waterford Parliamentary Election.

The free seminar, organised by Waterford City and County Council, takes place at the Park Hotel on Saturday, June 27th, and will explore an election widely regarded as a turning point in the campaign for Catholic Emancipation.

The 1826 election saw campaigners led by Daniel O’Connell throw their support behind Henry Villiers Stuart, who challenged the long-established influence of Lord George Beresford. Historians say the result demonstrated the growing political power of ordinary voters, particularly forty-shilling freeholders, and helped lay the foundations for the eventual achievement of Catholic Emancipation.

Speakers at Saturday’s event include historian Julian Walton, Dr Patrick Geoghegan, Barbara Grubb of Dromana House, and Ms Justice Marie Baker, Chairperson of An Coimisiún Toghcháin. Topics will range from the significance of the 1826 election and the role of the Irish language in campaigning to the continuing importance of voting in modern democracy.

Waterford County Museum is also hosting a special exhibition featuring documents relating to County Waterford elections, alongside a newly restored portrait of Patrick Power MP of Bellevue, who was elected in 1835 with the backing of Daniel O’Connell. The exhibition is open during normal museum opening hours over the next two weeks.

The seminar is free to attend, although advance booking is required through Eventbrite. It forms part of Waterford City and County Council’s Commemorations Programme, supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.