0505 - Contemporary Ireland

Course Description

Henry McNally, MA, Fordham, Irish historian recipient of the Eoin McKiernan Award

Embark on new venture in the study of Irish History. Previous “courses” have generally ended with the conclusion of the Irish Civil War and establishment of the “Free State,” perhaps with additional brief mention of an Irish Constitution and declaration of a Republic in 1949.

Using the end of the Civil War as a starting point, we’ll examine events in

an increasingly free, independent and changing Ireland across the hundred years that followed. Topics will include: De Valera’s rise to power; Ireland’s flirtation with Communism; The Irish Constitution, World War II, Neutrality, and post war trauma. The period of 1950-2024 will be looked at through a timetable of major events with particular attention to themes, including Industrialization, Ireland on international stage, the European Common Market, foreign investment, economic struggles, scandals and politics. A focus on the diminishing role of religion and the interactions between church and state will also be included. Ireland today, by all accounts, is a secure, happy and thriving country: this course will consider just how this was accomplished. 5 SESSIONS