An award-winning historian and entrepreneur. Currently a PhD researcher in UCD’s School of History; joint-winner of the 2023 ESHSI New Researchers Prize. Research focuses on the commercial dynamics of Mohill, Co Leitrim as an example of a small, rural town in post-Famine Ireland.
A history and heritage consultant, with experience developing innovative and multi-dimensional strategies and events. Founder and director of the Young Historian programme to help TY students uncover local history and learn the skills of historical research. The PhD is a new stage in a career that includes being a facilitator, strategist, technology entrepreneur, non-executive director and management consultant.
Hosts own history website; author of ‘By Hereditary Virtues: a history of Lough Rynn’ – called ‘the classic local history’ by Prof M.L. O’Rourke. Co-wrote and edited ‘Cherishing Heritage Preserving Community’, on the history of the Upper Leeson Street area, Dublin as well as a 57-stop heritage trail of the Upper Leeson Street area, (hosted on GuidiGo).
Areas of expertise
Wide ranging experience with a proprietary process for developing heritage strategies; track record in developing high impact and sustainable heritage and historical events, including film, booklets, information boards, exhibitions, public history, lectures, websites and heritage trails (see http://mohill.com)
Historical knowledge in the social and economic development of small rural towns in post-Famine Ireland, including small town commerce and shopkeeping; land acquisition and tenure; workhouses in the local economy; government taxation and public works.
By Hereditary Virtues: a history of Lough Rynn (2020): a history of South Leitrim, with particular reference to the Famine and its aftermath, and the life of Lord Leitrim.
Cherishing Heritage Preserving Community (2018). Edited, co-authored and published a history of the Upper Leeson Street area, Dublin, with twenty essays on the experience and challenges of preserving and adapting the architecture, environment and community of the Upper Leeson Street Area, Dublin.Â
Reviews
By Hereditary Virtues: a history of Lough Rynn (2020):
‘The classic local history, a scholarly mosaic of political, social and cultural life. . . [a] rigorous and thoroughly researched study’; Professor Michael L. O’Rourke, TCD.
A ‘beautifully-presented, well-researched scholarly work’; Brendan Kennelly.
Cherishing Heritage Preserving Community
‘It is a well-considered, well-designed and well-written book . . the editor Fiona Slevin, deserve[s] high praise’; Dr Joseph Brady, UCD.
