Biography
Originally from Dublin, I received a BA and MA (Major Thesis)from UCD and a PhD from the Australian National University. I have lived and worked in Limerick since 1998. I am a full member of the National Union of Journalists (Freelance Branch, Dublin). I am a Director of the Irish Manuscripts Commission and was appointed to the Universities Ireland Decade of Commemoration Committee.
Research Interests
The history of Irish republicanism worldwide, 1791-1998. My early research and writing focussed on the United Irishmen in Ireland, Australia, Britain, France and North America. I am now working on a number of linked projects featuring the Irish Republican Army from 1948 to 1998. The first major book arising from this new work will deal with the 'Border' or 'Resistance Campaign' of 1956-62. I am currently completing a short volume on the Great Irish Famine.
Teaching Interests
In the Spring Semester of 2014 I am teaching three modules in full: HI5012; HI4148 and HI4102. This encompasses international strategic history; the history of early colonial Australia and the history of the modern Irish Troubles (1898-1948).
Professional Activities
Committee
- 2006 Irish Manuscripts Commission,
- 1998 Editorial Board, Irish Academic Press,
Association
- 1998 Feature writer, National Union of Journalists
- Member of Board of Directors, Irish Manuscript Commission
Outreach
- Member of Irish Universities Committee on the Decade of Commemorations
Publications
Books
Special Category, The IRA in English prisons, 1968-1978
Ruan O'Donnell
(2012)
Special Category, The IRA in English prisons, 1968-1978
Dublin and Portland :
Irish Academic Press
The Impact of 1916, Among the Nations
O'Donnell, R
(2008)
The Impact of 1916, Among the Nations
Ruan O'Donnell(Ed.)
Dublin :
Irish Academic Press
Dublin
A pocket history of the Irish Famine
O'Donnell, R
(2008)
A pocket history of the Irish Famine
(Ed.)
Dublin :
O'Brien Press
Dublin
From Vinegar Hill to Edentubber, The Wexford IRA and the Border Campaign
O'Donnell, R
(2007)
From Vinegar Hill to Edentubber, The Wexford IRA and the Border Campaign
(Ed.)
Wexford :
Cairde na Laochra
Wexford
Book Chapters
The Provisional IRA: History, politics and memory
Ruan O'Donnell
(2014)
The Provisional IRA: History, politics and memory
In Remembering the Troubles;
Notre Dame and Ireland :
Notre Dame Press/ Another
'The Australian press and the IRA Border Campaign, 1956-61'
O'Donnell, R
(2008)
'The Australian press and the IRA Border Campaign, 1956-61'
In Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, History, Politics and Culture;
Dublin :
Irish Academic Press
pp. 224-239
Dublin
'The military committee of the United Irishmen, 1798-1803'
O'Donnell, R
(2008)
'The military committee of the United Irishmen, 1798-1803'
In Unrespectable Radicals? Popular politics and the Age of Reform;
Aldershot, England :
pp. 125-146
Aldershot, England
Edited Books
(2013)
In The Irish Volunteers, 1913-1915;
Ruan O'Donnell and Michael OhAodha(Ed.)
Dublin and Portland :
Irish Academic Press/ Merrion Press
(2011)
In On the run, The story of an Irish Freedom Fighter;
Ruan O'Donnell and Micheal O hAodha(Ed.)
Dublin and Cork :
Mercier Press
Peer Reviewed Journals
'John Foster, an uncommon man'
O'Donnell, R
(2007)
'John Foster, an uncommon man'
In Irish Arts Review;
pp. 92-97
'The Liberator: Images of Daniel O'Connell'
O'Donnell, R
(2006)
'The Liberator: Images of Daniel O'Connell'
In Irish Arts Review;
pp. 92-97
Conference Publications
1798: A Bicentenary Perspective
ODonnell, R
(2003)
1798: A Bicentenary Perspective
pp. 607-619
Forewords
Foreword to 'On The Run'
Colm O'Geara
(2012)
Foreword to 'On The Run'
Other Items Published
Introduction
O'Donnell, R
(2009)
Introduction
Brian O Conchubair(Ed.)
Dublin :
Mercier Press
pp. 15-28
Dublin
Operation Harvest, Sliabh Beagh Hotel, Knockatallon, Monaghan, 6 October 2006
O'Donnell, R
(2006)
Operation Harvest, Sliabh Beagh Hotel, Knockatallon, Monaghan, 6 October 2006
Foreward to Rory Sweetman, 'Bishop in the Dock, The sedition trial of James Liston in New Zealand'
O'Donnell, R
(2006)
Foreward to Rory Sweetman, 'Bishop in the Dock, The sedition trial of James Liston in New Zealand'