John McGuiggan discusses Lavery’s ‘High Treason: The Appeal of Roger Casement’ at the Consulate

The Consulate of Ireland was honoured to host a lecture by Barrister of Law John McGuiggan on Sir John Lavery’s painting ‘High Treason – The Appeal of Sir Roger Casement’ on 11 August.

Consul General Hanniffy welcomes John McGuiggan to the Consulate

Mr McGuiggan provided a fascinating insight into some of main characters depicted in Sir Lavery’s famous painting, including Mr Justice Darling, commissioner of the painting; Judge Atkin, one of the most famous judges in the common law world; and prosecution junior counsel Mr. Bodkin, later appointed Director of Public Prosecutions, in which role he banned the publication of James Joyce’s Ulysses.

Mr McGuiggan also told of the role of Casement’s lawyer, Mr Gavan Duffy, in the trial. Faced with a decision of remaining a partner at his London law firm, or representing Roger Casement, Mr Duffy chose the latter. He went on to become President of the High Court of Ireland in 1946.

John McGuiggan discusses the characters depicted in Lavery’s painting

Speaking at the event, Consul General Hanniffy noted the value of recognising not only Casement’s role in Ireland, but his important work as a defender of the human rights of native populations in Africa and South America, work which has a resonance for Ireland’s foreign policy today.

Following the lecture, guests were invited to view a brand new exhibition on the theme of Casement in Kerry: A Revolutionary Journey which will be displayed at the Consulate for the month of August.

Sir John Lavery’s painting of Casement’s appeal is currently on display at Dublin’s Hugh Lane Gallery.

Further details of Mr McGuiggan’s presentation are available here.