Lucas Lecture 2025 – Keynote by Patrick Downes

Lionheart is pleased to announce that our Managing Partner, Patrick Downes, has been invited to deliver the 2025 Lucas Lecture keynote in the Princess Grace Library in Monaco.

The Lucas Lecture is held annually to honour acts of valour by members of the Irish diaspora who served with distinction in foreign armed forces. Named after Admiral Charles Lucas, an Irishman and the first recipient of the Victoria Cross, the lecture series was founded in memory of the heroism shown by first responders during 9/11.

This year’s theme is:

Valour Without Borders: Irish Honour on the Global Battlefield

From the trenches of the Crimea to modern-day Afghanistan, Patrick will explore how Irish soldiers have left their imprint on world history through courage, sacrifice, and distinguished service. The talk will trace honours such as the Victoria Cross, the Medal of Honor, and the Légion d’honneur, awarded to Irish-born and Irish-descended figures across centuries of conflict.

The 2025 lecture will be hosted at the Princess Grace Irish Library, Monaco, on Tuesday, 21st October at 7pm. Following the keynote, there will be a short Q&A and a drinks reception.

This is the first time the Lucas Lecture is being presented in Monaco, following its tradition at the Royal Dublin Society in Dublin, where it has been addressed by Ambassadors and senior military figures.