Join Flor MacCarthy as she discusses Saoirse, the boat that sailed into Dún Laoghaire Harbour - and into the history books - 100 years ago, as the first boat to carry the Irish flag around the world. Skippered by Limerickman Conor O'Brien, the 42 ft ketch named after the new Irish Free State completed an epic two-year circumnavigation and returned home to a welcome from 10,000 people in Dún Laoghaire on 20 June 1925. An Oxford-educated architect and writer, O’Brien was also a nationalist and former gunrunner. He is credited with heralding-in the era of ocean-going sailing aboard smaller craft.  

Flor MacCarthy is a journalist and author. Her bestselling book, The Presidents’ Letters, was shortlisted for Best Irish-Published Book 2021. She presents political debates on Oireachtas TV from Leinster House and the European Parliament and is a former news reporter and television presenter with RTÉ. 

• This event will be held in The Studio Theatre of dlr LexIcon
• Booking is needed to attend

• To book, please email dlrlexiconlib@dlrcoco.ie or Tel (01) 204 7219