Re-gaining Independence: Polish and Irish ways 29 September 2018, University College Cork, Aula Maxima

 The conference “Regaining Independence: Polish and Irish ways” is a celebration of the centenary of the reshaping of Modern Europe. This unique event seeks to commemorate and critically reflect on the road to national independence in Poland and Ireland and brings together leading scholars from Poland and UCC.

For much of modern history, Poles, in a similar fashion to the Irish, have asked themselves how their respective countries could be restored to their former independent condition. Moreover, an assessment of the type of country to which both the Irish and the Poles aspired to, will be centre stage.

Poles, like the Irish, regained their freedom because they lived among ancient wrongs and glories. The legacy of conquest and displacement played a central role in the national consciousness of both nations. Subsequently, it took some time to build socially cohesive societies.