Kilkenny interests support unusual commemoration as James Hoban societies team up

A significant event took place at Leinster House this past week week as the James Hoban Societies of the US and Ireland came together to present a preview portfolio of the House with Three Lives visualisations they have sponsored to Dáil Éireann Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghail and Seanad Cathaoirleach Mark Daly. 

The societies, headed by Judge Irvin Condon and local solicitor Laurie Grace respectively, promote the life and work of Desart-born James Hoban, architect and builder of The White House, whose design is widely accepted as having been influenced by that of the Dublin building.

The visualisations illustrate the three phases Leinster House's existence - as private residence (1745-1815), headquarters of the Royal Dublin Society (1815-1922), and seat of national parliament (1922-).

They will form part of a Decade of Centenaries exhibit at the Irish Architectural Archive in September, to be followed by a commemorative conference at the same venue in October, also sponsored by the James Hoban Societies.