One can does not talk about 20th century Ireland without considering Eamon DeValera. No one was more controversial, and no one had a greater effect in shaping Ireland in his own image than “Dev”. Without question, during his time in power, DeValera was one of the greatest politicians on the world stage. With power, however, also comes controversy. In this lecture, Professor Matthews will discuss DeValera from his early life to his rise to power in Sinn Féin, his refusal to accept the Treaty, his role in the Civil War, and Ireland post WWII.

WILLIAM J. MATTHEWS received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Connecticut and has been a professor with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for over 30 years. Dr. Matthews holds dual American/Irish citizenship and has studied many areas of Irish history, including the Irish Uprising and Civil War. We warmly welcome Dr. Matthews back for this, his sixth speaking engagement with the Museum of Newport Irish History.