In 1924, after many years of debate and persistent lobbying, Dublin’s primary street was officially renamed to O’Connell Street. This transition, like all of its kind, symbolised the shift in the societal and cultural consciousness of the city. Over time, such adaptations lead to renaming of lanes, squares and significant buildings – representative of changing issues of newer generations. It is common for these names to embody an intriguing historical blend of long-lost nobles, nationalist revolutionaries and provocative artists, all faded from memory yet maintaining their historical weight.
The recent decision to rename the former Berkeley Library of Dublin’s Trinity College to Eavan Boland Library contributes to this tradition. Such reform ignited debates, particularly relating to the erasure of the name of George Berkeley, an 18th-century philosopher. His support for slavery and ownership of slaves caused an increase in the understanding of colonialism and race-based slavery’s history, leading to discussions. Critics argue that his name removal imposes modern principles onto a complex past, and some even categorise it as an attempt by social activists to erase elements of Western history.
However, such concerns diminish considering that the library wasn’t given Berkeley’s name until 1978, meaning it’s not a centuries-old title in need of protection. As such, the choice of Boland, instead of Berkeley, seems far more suitable for the modernistic architecture of the building, which also signifies the university’s transformation.
Regarding the gender inequality prevalent in the state’s public domain, women continue to be markedly underrepresented despite societal transitions. Historian Catriona Crowe acknowledges that one of Boland’s most significant contributions was enabling women to evolve from being the inspiration behind poetry to becoming the creators themselves. Therefore, renaming the library to honour Eavan Boland aligns perfectly with her legacy.