John Hume: His Vision and Legacy for Ireland

On April 28, 2018, The Éire Society of Boston co-sponsored a very special, day-long symposium entitled “John Hume: His Vision & Legacy for Ireland”. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the symposium was organized by Professor Sean Farren, a close colleague of Mr. Hume,  and eminent historian, Catherine Shannon. The event was hosted by the Center for Irish Programs at Boston College .

The symposium consisted in five panel discussions with Irish and American commentators and engaged with, among others, the following topics:

Healing divisions within Northern Ireland: powersharing and partnership; Civil rights and human rights campaign efforts by Mr. Hume; The framework for building “An agreed Ireland,” with the European Community and United States dimensions as backdrop.

There was also launched by Daniel Mulhall, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, a reflective and exquisitely timely new book “John Hume: In his own words.“ The formal launch was followed by insightful comments from the editor, Professor Farren, and by heart-stirring reflections from Mr. Hume's son, Aidan.

The symposium was followed by a delightful reception at the Burns Library at Boston College, where there was also a mindful exhibit of memorabilia from Mr. Hume’s life and some of his more inspirational writings.