Dictionary of Irish Biography

The involvement of St Patrick’s College staff, past and present, in the monumental Dictionary of Irish Biography (9 volumes, Cambridge University Press, 2009) should not pass by unnoticed.  This vast cornucopia of information, containing entries on more than nine thousand subjects spanning two millennia, will transform Irish scholarship; at the very least it will inform and enliven essays and lectures alike as both staff and students come to appreciate its value.  Viewed from the vantage point of St Patrick’s College, pride of place belongs to Fr Donal Cregan, (President of St Patrick’s 1957-1976), who is the subject of a biography by Tom Kelleghan (volume 2 pp 987-8).  In addition, five members of the History Department of St Patrick’s have assisted to make the Dictionary possible.  Significant contributions include that of Department Head Professor James Kelly, who was an active senior consulting editor.  The contributions of Dr Brian Hanley (notably Moss Twomey, Sean Russell, Frank Ryan); Dr Daire Keogh (Edmund Rice, Archbishop Troy and Bishop Hussey) and Dr Carla King (R.A. Anderson) reflect their specific expertise, and capture the range of contributions by members of the History Department, St Patrick’s College, to a major Irish scholarly achievement of the modern era.

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: Monday February 22 2010