Donncha Ó Curráin (b. 1942), Part 2

Donncha Ó Curráin recalls his studies at UCC from 1962 to 1964. He had a passionate interest in old Irish manuscripts and he describes his travels to Europe to for their study. He speaks about the early Irish church, the scholars and the great books in antiquity, including a book on the travels of St. Brendan which he describes in detail. His work at universities in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia is recalled, as is his work in Oxford and Cambridge during his academic career. He became a member of the academic staff at UCC in 1972 and he was appointed Professor of Medieval History. He offers his views on the Cork college and recalls his tenure there. His disappointment at the fact that he was the final person to hold the Chair of Medieval History at UCC is expressed. He has published works on Irish names and on Ireland before the Normans and is at present working on a book in Latin to be entitled “A Key to the Writings of Ireland”.