On the 24th January 1837, Daniel O’Connell, visited Sligo with much fanfare. The road from Ballina to Sligo was crowded with thousands of people who had travelled for miles to catch a glimpse.
At 3pm the Sligo Trades (Coopers, Butchers, Shoemakers, Carpenters, Plasterers, Tailors, Slaters and Masons, Broguemakers, Nailors, Carmen, Porters, Bakers and Sawyers) went in a procession through the town with their banners and a band. The road from Ballisodare was impassable in parts from the crowds gathered. There was an estimated 30,000 people gathered to hear him speak in the town.