Fulbright Commission in Ireland Annual Report 2024
This page: Photo by Brandy - Title tbc
Cover page: Fulbright Scholar Brian Magiure in contact with host in preparation for his Fulbright Award
Cover Image: Fulbright Awardees Dr Jane O’Hanlon, Dr Kevin Mc Dermot, Dr Natalie McEvoy and Dr Michael Daly.
Photo by Robbie Reynolds.
DR DARA FITZGERALD
Executive Director, Fulbright Commission in Ireland
Continued from page 3.
A big impact for the year, in terms of developing future programs and maintaining award impacts became most evident in the total number of awardees that could be funded. The Commission had developed and used a fund over many years which was being used to supplement existing funding to both increase awardee numbers and better fund each awardee. Irish and U.S. Stakeholder funding did not increase materially from 2018. Prescribed Monthly Management Rates also did not increase from 2019, although the Commission significantly increased many awardee stipends beyond the rates over the period and a few were further supplemented through an Opportunity Fund. FY24 saw the depletion of available additional funds, coupled with increased stipend costs and a drop off in application for sponsored awards. This led to an almost 40% drop in the number of Fulbright awards being offered; bringing it back to numbers last seen in 2014. Other non-Fulbright awards such as the Summer Gaeltacht and U.S. Institution awards were not adversely impacted.
“The
Commission and the programs that it manages are always focused on meritbased selection, encouraging talent from all across Ireland and the U.S.”
At its heart it is a cultural exchange program that operates through educational exchange with professionals, scholars and post-graduate students from Ireland and the United States. The phrase “I am Fulbright” feeds evidence to underpin the success of the Irish Commission and Fulbright program; and the broader impact that is derived.”
“As we closed out the year, we were truly in a position to admire the talent that had joined and supported our programs over the period.”
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Dr Dara Fitzgerald.
BOARD MEMBERS
U.S. MEMBERS
Professor Diane Negra (Chair Emerita) Fulbright U.S. Alumna, Professor of Film Studies and Screen Culture, UCD
Ms Ingrid Specht
Deputy Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy in Dublin
Ms Thea Gilien
Director, Programmes and Experiential Learning Abroad, Boston College Ireland
Ms Kellee Farmer
Counselor for Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Dublin
IRISH MEMBERS
Professor Derek O’Keeffe Consultant Physician, University Hospital Galway Professor of Medical Device Technology, University of Galway
Professor Sarah Culloty Head of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science at UCC
Professor Paul Donnelly (Chair) Fulbright Irish Alumnus, Professor of Management and Organisation Studies, TU Dublin
Ms Marianne Doyle (Deputy Chair) Head of Internal Communications with An Garda Síochána
Board Members pictured (L-R): Professor Diane Negra, Ms Ingrid Specht, Ms Thea Gilien, Ms Kellee Farmer, Professor Derek O’Keeffe, Professor Sarah Culloty, Professor Paul Donnelly and Ms Marianne Doyle.
Professor Paul Donnelly was appointed Chair of the Board in December 2023. Ms Marianne Doyle was appointed Deputy Chair.
FULBRIGHT IRELAND PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD 2023
Fulbright Board Chair Paul Donnelly, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin, Fulbright Board Chair Emerita Diane Negra, Fulbright Commission Executive Director Dara Fitzgerald pictured with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Photos by Conor McCabe.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire D. Cronin at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
Fulbright Commission in Ireland Executive Director Dara Fitzgerald, Fulbright Board Chair Emerita Diane Negra & Fulbright Board
Chair Paul Donnelly pictured with Dr. Anthony Fauci at Dublin Castle. Photos by Conor McCabe.
U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin & Dr. Fauci 2023-24 Fulbright U.S. Awardees & Dr. Fauci
Prof. Brian MacCraith & Dr. Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci
“Faigheann
cos ar siúl rud nach bhfaigheann cos ina cónaí.”
The most important aspect of doing something successfully is to lift one’s foot and start the journey.
Seanfhocail - Irish proverb
1899
Hours of Irish taught at 7 U.S. institutions
772
U.S. students studied the Irish Language
294
U.S. students sat Irish language exams
FULBRIGHT IRISH AWARDEES 2023-24
FULBRIGHT IRISH STUDENTS
Susan Boyle
Technological University Dublin to Smithsonian Institution
Sponsor: Creative Ireland
Conall Geoghegan Moore
Maynooth University to University of California, Santa Cruz
Luke Gibbons
Trinity College Dublin to Harvard University
Sponsor: EPA
Aine McBride At Large to Bard College
Terence McSweeney
University of Oulu to University of California, Santa Cruz
Lukas O’Brien
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland to Yale University
Andrew Ó hEachteirn University of Oxford to Stanford University
Jessica O’Neill
Trinity College Dublin to Harvard University
Daniel O’Reilly
University College Dublin to University of Rochester
Eoin Oude Essink
Technological University Dublin to Purdue University
Sponsor: Enterprise Ireland
FULBRIGHT IRISH FLTAS
Abaigéal Drummy University of Limerick to University of Montana
Niamh Hetherington
Dublin City University to University of Montana
Annie Mary Jowett
Queen’s University Belfast to College of Our Lady of the Elms
Conor McBride
Dublin City University to University of WisconsinMilwaukee
Caoimhe Ní Chonghaile
Dublin City University to University of Connecticut
Shauna Ní Dhochartaigh University of Galway to University of Notre Dame
Eibhlín NicCormaic
Queen’s University Belfast to Davidson College
Seán Ó Coistealbha At Large to Catholic University of America
Niall Park
Queen’s University Belfast to University of Notre Dame
FULBRIGHT IRISH SCHOLARS
James Britton University of Galway to Salk Institute for Biological Studies Sponsor: NUI
Brian Hand Munster Technological University to Stanford University Sponsor: EPA
William Kinsella University College Dublin to Columbia University
Olwyn Mahon
University of Limerick to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Kevin Mc Dermott At Large to National Writing Project in Berkeley Sponsor: Creative Ireland
Juliette O’Connell
Trinity College Dublin to University of Kentucky Sponsor: HRB
Natalie McEvoy
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Sponsor: NUI
Gavin Murphy
Trinity College Dublin to Harvard University
Corina Naughton
University College Dublin to University of California, SD. Sponsor: HRB
Ailbhe Nic Giolla Chomhaill University of Limerick to Indiana University Bloomington
Jane O’Hanlon
Poetry Ireland to Poets House New York
Kevin Rafter
Dublin City University to Boston College
Gerard Walls
Queen’s University Belfast to Washington University in St. Louis
Sponsor: HRB
Thomas Walsh
Maynooth University to Northwestern University
Pádraic Whyte
Trinity College Dublin to University of Hawaii
TECHIMPACT SCHOLARS
Joe Coulter
691 Initiative Belfast to Belmont University
Michael Daly
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland to Stanford University
FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR-INRESIDENCE
Tom Felle
University of Galway to East Los Angeles College
FULBRIGHT U.S. AWARDEES 2023-24
FULBRIGHT U.S. STUDENTS
Maeve Breathnach
University of Georgia to DCU
Sponsor: Dublin City University
Ellen Bresnick
At Large to Trinity College Dublin
Julia Burke
University of Massachusetts-Amherst to Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Sponsor: RCSI
Allison Carey
New York University to Hugh Lane Gallery
Sponsor: Hugh Lane Gallery
Sudili Fernando
Baylor University, TX to Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Sponsor: RCSI
Rebecca Frankel
Brandeis University to UCC
Anne Graf
North Carolina State University to Technological University of the Shannon
Bernadette John
Austin Peay State University to Royal Irish Academy of Music
Erin Kong
Arizona State University to University of Limerick
Talia Mermin
Brown University to Trinity College Dublin
Elisha Myers
Florida Atlantic University to TCD
Renee Paulraj
University of Maryland to DCU
Sponsor: Dublin City University
Timothy Poisson
Dartmouth College, NH to Trinity College Dublin
Spoorthy Reddy
University of Colorado at Boulder to University of Limerick
Emma Tavangari
UC Berkeley to University College Dublin Sponsor: UCD
FULBRIGHT U.S. SCHOLARS
Anjali Chaudhry
Dominican University to UCC Sponsor: University College Cork
Marlene Covell
University of Connecticut to University of Galway
Yildirim Dilek
University of Miami to University College Cork
A. Reghan Foley
National Institutes of Health to University College Cork
Sponsor: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Ashley Fulmer
Georgia State University to Dublin City University
Ryan Irwin
University at Albany - SUNY to University College Dublin
Sponsor: University College Dublin
Paul Kosempel
University of Denver to Technological University Dublin
Sponsor: Technological University Dublin
Olysha Magruder
Johns Hopkins University to Dublin City University
Mariah Maloney
SUNY Brockport to University of Limerick
Olena Mazurenko
Indiana University to Trinity College Dublin
Courtenay Barrett Morsi
Michigan State University to University College Cork
Sponsor: UCC
Jean Ristaino
North Carolina State University to Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Joseph Ryan
Clemson University to Trinity College Dublin
Jo-Michael Scheibe
University of Southern California to Irish Institute of Music & Song
Robert Wallace
University of Texas to AMBER Centre & Tyndall National Institute
Sponsor: AMBER
FULBRIGHT-GLOBAL SCHOLAR
Kimberley Lakes
University of California, Riverside to UCD
FULBRIGHT U.S. SECIALISTS
John Markey
Oblate School Of Theology to South East Technological University
Kristin Leahey
Boston University to Abbey Theatre
Martin Lipa
Merck & Co. to Technological University
Dublin
MAEVE BREATHNACH
Maeve Breathnach is a Fulbright - DCU Taught Master’s Program Awardee. She attended Dublin City University on her Fulbright Award.
“As the daughter of a Dubliner, I have always had a personal interest in Ireland. In the summer of 2022, I realized that I had an academic one as well. While volunteering at English classes with DCU’s Irish Refugee Integration Network, I knew one day I wanted to return. As the first University of Sanctuary in Ireland, I was intrigued by DCU’s efforts in driving forward a culture of welcome for displaced persons in higher education. As someone pursuing a career in immigration law and policy, I also was drawn to study in Ireland because of its evolving relationship to migration at large. Since Ireland recently has transitioned from a net sending-country to a net receiving-country, it has uniquely benefitted from both emigration and immigration in recent times. Thanks to the Fulbright Program, I was able to return and earn a MA in Refugee Integration, studying under the professors and lecturers who led the initiatives that inspired me.
One of my most meaningful experiences was co-administering DCU’s Migrant English Language, Literacy, and Intercultural Education (MELLIE) Project. This arts-based integration project joined together the greater DCU community and asylum seekers living in direct provision. I made friendships with people from all over the world. Studying and working with forcibly displaced people in Ireland gave me the unique opportunity to internalize my perspective on both migration policy and cross-cultural connections.
Fulbright gave me many memories from dancing at a céilí to meeting Dr. Fauci at Dublin Castle. I was especially honored to hear from the inspirational women who worked on the Good Friday Agreement at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence. Their resilience and dedication to public service is something I hope to emulate in my own career.
“Living in Dublin for a year was transformative.”
I grew up coming to Dublin in the summer to visit my grandparents and extended family, so it was interesting to form an independent identity and life here. From expanding my cúpla focal in Irish courses to traveling to my grandparents’ hometowns, I gained a deeper understanding of my heritage and myself. I travelled throughout Ireland armed with an OPW Heritage card. I visited many places I’d never been to while meeting kind people interested in sharing Irish culture with the American Breathnach.
Now back in the U.S., I am pursuing my JD at Georgetown University Law Center. The lessons I learned at DCU from my modules focused on the experiences of forced displacement and direct service will continue to shape my approach to advocacy and justice.”
ALLISON CAREY
Allison Carey is a Fulbright - Hugh Lane Gallery Curatorial Awardee. She completed her Fulbright Award at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin.
“Through the Hugh Lane Gallery Curatorial Fulbright Award, I curated an exhibition with local teens, uncovering unseen perspectives through the Hugh Lane Gallery’s collection, and forming new, cross-cultural connections in doing so.
In order to accomplish this, I collaborated with the Hugh Lane Gallery’s Head of Education and Collections in designing a Transition Year program called Young Visionaries. Over the course of this three-month program, I met weekly with eleven sixteen-year-olds, selected from a competitive open call for applications, in exploring what it means to be a curator, or maker of meaning in an institution. During collaborations with the Gallery’s staff, visits to artists’ studios across Dublin, and meetings with curators, the students and I re-examined the meaning and potential of curatorial practice and museums at large. These experiences and conversations prepared us to generate our own exhibition, based on Hugh Lane Gallery’s impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
I expected narrowing down one exhibition idea between eleven diverse visionaries and over 2000 works in Hugh Lane Gallery’s collection to be incredibly difficult. However, these fears quickly subsided when, during our first brainstorming discussion, an exhibition theme was quickly and unanimously decided upon: the future. The future, the group explained, is a notion that
consistently occupies their thoughts. It is all at once a dreamland of opportunity, where goals can be accomplished, as well as a place of ambiguity and uncertainty – both on a personal and communal level. The group decided to utilize artwork spanning 100 years in presenting the narrative of growing up, reaching the present moment, and considering what is to come. By doing so, we illuminated the anxieties of Ireland’s young generation, while also reflecting on larger national and global obstacles.
The exhibition was unveiled in July 2024, with a ceremony that included speeches and musical performances by the students, along with the screening of a film that documented our process. Once open to the public, the most touching aspect of the exhibition quickly became the blank wall left for community members to contribute their own visions of the future with paper and pens. The wall soon overflowed with notes, drawings, and dialogue across people and places, visually manifesting Senator John William Fulbright’s intention of turning “nations into people.”
Outside of my American bubble, with the support of the small but mighty collection and staff at the Hugh Lane Gallery, and in Dublin — a modern city with a rich history – I uncovered insight into how curatorial practice can function as tool of cross-cultural exchange. I returned to New York City prepared to be a curator in the broadest sense: a visionary.”
“Visionary (noun): a person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like.”
YILDIRIM DILEK
Dr Dilek is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geology and Environmental Earth Science at Miami University in the USA. He was a Fulbright U.S. Scholar in the School of Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) at University College Cork, Ireland, in 2024.
“As an Earth scientist doing research in many mountain belts and oceans around the world, I never had a chance to explore the beautiful landscape and geology of Ireland before 2024. So, when I decided to apply for a Fulbright fellowship in 2023, Ireland was on top of my list where I wished to study its geological evolution and its natural and cultural landscape. My Fulbright fellowship gave me ample opportunities to accomplish this goal.
I had collaborated on an exciting research paper with a faculty member in BEES prior to 2023. This positive experience and the truly interdisciplinary nature of the research done by the faculty, research associates, and students there prompted me to look closely into its academic programs. While in BEES, I met a large number of researchers both in the school and from other academic programs during the weekly seminars and learned interesting information about a wide spectrum of subjects, which I might not have heard otherwise. I participated in a number of class field trips with the 3rd year geology students in southern Ireland, and was invited to attend the independent research project presentations by the 4th year geology students in the early spring. Both activities allowed me to interact with the UCC students and to learn about their college experience.
My Fulbright research project involves a structural, geochemical, and geochronological investigation of the ancient oceanic lithosphere (~490 million years old) exposed in South Mayo, Clare Island, and on the southern shoreline of Clew Bay to better understand their tectonic development and their genetic relationships with their counterparts in the southeastern USA and in northern Canada. The structural data and rock samples I collected in Ireland are now being analyzed in different laboratories in the USA and in China. I am collaborating on this project with my Fulbright host at BEES, and we plan on publishing our results in high–impact international journals during the next several years. I will continue my collaboration with the UCC scientists as an adjunct faculty member in the School of BEES in the years ahead.
Visiting museums, art galleries, cathedrals and churches, as well as traveling across much of the urban and rural Ireland during my Fulbright opened my mind to the rich Irish culture, history, and society. Having spent considerable amount of time outdoors on the island, I now understand how the natural and cultural landscape of Ireland has influenced many famous artists, musicians, poets, and philosophers in this country for hundreds of years. The Irish people are incredibly welcoming and friendly, generous with their time and help, and extremely proud of their history.”
“Many personal and professional friendships I developed during my Fulbright in Ireland have enriched my life profoundly, for which I am eternally grateful.”
LUKE GIBBONS
Luke Gibbons is a Fulbright-EPA Awardee. He completed his Fulbright Award at Harvard University.
“Through my Fulbright I sought to deepen my research into directors’ duties and climate change at Harvard Law School. My aim was to incorporate U.S. perspectives into policy recommendations as part of my PhD funded by Research Ireland at Trinity College Dublin. What I received was far more transformative, including access to world leaders, academic mentorship, lifechanging personal development, an immersive cultural experience and the opportunity to establish a crosscontinental network.
Harvard’s unparalleled faculty, particularly Professor Guhan Subramanian, offered mentorship that allowed me to translate theoretical frameworks into actionable real-world recommendations. Beyond faculty expertise, Harvard’s interdisciplinary climate programs provided a platform to refine my ideas. More broadly, the U.S. offered a unique perspective on corporate governance and climate policy, highlighting the importance of aligning public and private sector priorities. Engaging with policymakers such as Hillary Rodham Clinton at Columbia, and Jacinda Ardern and Chelsea Clinton at Harvard emphasised the necessity of multi-stakeholder approaches to global challenges. Access to such leaders, along with resources like Harvard’s extensive legal library, allowed me to develop comprehensive solutions to transatlantic governance issues that can benefit Irish and European policy-making. This crosspollination of ideas also deepened my understanding of diplomacy’s role in shaping sustainable futures. This inspired me to apply to the European Academy of Young Diplomats where I
attained the Casimir Pulaski Foundation Scholarship.
My time outside the classroom was equally impactful. During my Fulbright, I founded the Ireland America Young Professionals Network (IAYPN), which now boasts 1,000 members. This network strengthens transatlantic ties, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation, which earned me recognition in the Top 40 Under 40 Irish in America 2024. Fulbright also has an ongoing impact on my personal life. Within my first weeks of living in Boston, I met my partner, Zachary, who has since become a cornerstone of my life. Spending time with Zachary’s family has offered me a deeper understanding of American traditions. From Thanksgiving to family road trips, these personal experiences have been as enriching as the academic opportunities that Fulbright provides.
My Fulbright has led to exciting milestones, including appointments as a Climate Reality Leader by Al Gore and to the Climate Leadership Alliance by former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. These roles have allowed me to contribute to climate leadership. I was named in the Top 30 Under 30 Environmental Educators in the World by the North American Association of Environmental Education, as All Ireland Young Sustainability Changemaker of the Year and as Young Mayo Person of the Year.
“To me Fulbright represents more than an academic scholarship, it was a transformative journey that expanded my perspectives.”
It strengthened my resolve to pursue solutions to pressing challenges and has had a lasting impact on my life. Fulbright is a catalyst for change. It enabled me to bridge divides, not just in research, but in fostering collaboration between Ireland, Europe and the United States. It was and continues to be the most formative experience of my life thus far.”
KEVIN RAFTER
Prof. Kevin Rafter is Full Professor of Political Communication at Dublin City University. He was a Fulbright Scholar at Boston College.
“Boston at the start of 2024 was experiencing freezing temperatures as is normal for the north-east of the U.S. at that time of the year. On the day I arrived as a Fulbright Scholar the dial registered -10°C (14°F). Several weeks later the city was placed under a ‘weather emergency’ but there was no disruption as the expected snow storm blew north of Boston. With only a handful of days with light snowflakes I had the most unlikely of Massachusetts winter weather experiences.
The bitter colds days – matched by gorgeous deep blue skies – gave way to springtime when flowers, almost overnight, appeared throughout the city; and then the warmth of often stifling summer days. I hadn’t really considered the weather before arriving in the US. It meant, however, that over several months I got to enjoy Boston College’s Chestnut Hill campus in all it different guises.
I selected Boston College (BC) for my Fulbright location because of the strong reputation of its Irish Studies Centre. My application received a warm endorsement from Professor Guy Beiner, BC’s Chair in Irish Studies, and his colleague Professor Robert Savage.
I especially enjoyed being part of the community at Connolly House, where Irish Studies is based at BC. The weekly research seminars were a wonderful opportunity to meet visiting scholars from different disciplinary domains and
also to talk with BC staff and students about their work.
Irish Studies is a hybrid world that draws in scholars from literature, music, history and beyond. As a political scientist, primarily interested in the media and politics of contemporary Ireland, I am in a numerical minority. But it was fascinating to listen to lectures on topics as diverse as the trees of Ireland and funding the Irish Revolution.
During my initial weeks I worked to complete an existing book project before turning to my Fulbright area on Ireland in the 1980s. For me, being a Fulbright Scholar meant time. I was able to read and write without interruption. Having the luxury – the privilege – of this research space was the real Fulbright benefit.
I quickly found a place in the Burns Library at BC but also worked from the Boston Public Library; both atmospheric places that are highly conducive to work. These were productive months, and I returned home with a body of work to mine further.
I retain very fond memories of living in an apartment in a Brownstone building in the South End neighbourhood and engaging fully with city’s vibrant culture life. The Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship in the final weeks of my time as a Fulbright Scholar. It seemed as is if the city’s entire population attended the victory parade.”
“It was one of those glorious summer days that is now a permanent reminder of my Fulbright experience.”
JOSEPH RYAN
Joe Ryan is a Fulbright U.S. Scholar. He completed his Fulbright Award at Trinity College Dublin.
“As a special educator I have devoted much of my career advocating for the rights of those members of society who have found themselves disadvantaged, marginalized, and at-risk for failure in school and society. Perhaps no group has experienced more challenges integrating into society that those with intellectual disabilities. Fortunately, over the last half century society’s views on the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities has changed dramatically. Perhaps one of the most recent and impactful changes in educating students with intellectual disabilities has been the creation of postsecondary education (PSE) programs within traditional colleges, which provides students training on employment, social skills, and independent living to improve their life outcomes.
Serving as a Fulbright scholar enabled me to work with a number of faculty and staff at Trinity and other colleges across Ireland who share a common goal of providing inclusive higher education for individuals with intellectual disabilities. During my time as a Fulbrighter I collaborated with a host of amazing colleagues exchanging best practices, sharing resources and enhancing our respective curricula. This partnership also facilitated joint research initiatives, enabling us to work together on projects related to inclusive education, disability studies and transitioning students into employment or further education. These combined expertise and resources have led to valuable insights, advancements in the field and improvements in the educational outcomes for these students.
One major accomplishment has been publishing a book with Routledge press that will be released this spring titled How to Create an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program: A Framework for Supporting Students with Intellectual Disabilities on College Campuses. The final chapter of the book was written by my colleagues Professor Michael Shevlin and Jenny Banks from the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID). Their work provides an international perspective on PSE programs and how inclusive education has emerged as a central objective in educational policies globally. The goal of the book is to provide colleges with a practical framework for developing a successful PSE program for students with intellectual disabilities, which has become one of the fastest-growing areas in higher education.
Being a Fulbrighter also helped me establish a study abroad experience for my ClemsonLIFE (Learning is for Everyone) PSE students to participate in Trinity College’s summer school program. These inclusive experiences will help make all institutions of higher education more diverse places of learning for our entire student body.”
“As I reflect back upon my time as a Fulbright scholar, I can honestly state that it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic career, providing my family with countless memories we will forever cherish.”
FULBRIGHT IRELAND CAMPUS AMBASSADORS
The Fulbright Ireland Campus Ambassador Program was established in 2016 with the aim of providing on-campus support for Fulbright applicants and partners across the country and giving the Fulbright Program wider visibility. There are currently 21 Alumni serving as Ambassadors across Higher Education Institutions in Ireland. Pictured above from left to right:
Technological University of the Shannon: Dr Luke Geever
South East Technological University: Trina Rea
Munster Technological University: Dr Michael D. Murphy
Dublin City University: Elizabeth Matthews
Dundalk Institue of Technology: Dr Caroline Sheedy
Atlantic Technological University: Rita Melia
Technological University of the Shannon: Dr Daragh Naughton
Marino Institute of Education: Jennifer O’Sullivan
Mary Immaculate College: Vicky Brady
Maynooth University: John Brown
National College of Art and Design: Dr Rachel O’Dwyer
University of Galway: Prof. Sharon Glynn
Queen’s University Belfast: Síobhra Aiken
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland: Dr Helen French
Technological University Dublin: Anne Marie Shier
Trinity College Dublin: Dr Catherine Leen
Ulster University: Ellen Corbett
University College Cork: Sheena McHugh
University College Dublin: Dr John Gilmore
University of Limerick:
Prof. Conor Ryan
Discovery Programme, Centre of Archaeology and Innovation Ireland: David Stone
FULBRIGHT NEWS
FULBRIGHT U.S. AWARDEE ORIENTATION
The 2023-24 Fulbright U.S. Awardee Orientation took place at University College Cork (UCC) on 22 March 2024. This was a unique opportunity for the Fulbright Commission to collaborate with UCC on campus. The session included presentations by Fulbright Executive Director Dr Dara FitzGerald, Board Member Prof. Sarah Culloty and Campus Ambassador Sheena McHugh. Talks were given by UCC President John O’Halloran and UCC staff members, followed by a tour of the Crawford Observatory and discussions over coffee and cake.
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION 2024
The Fulbright Commission in Ireland Team and Board Members attended the 4th July Independence Day celebrations at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in the Phoenix Park. Events included The Dropkick Murphys, Abbaesque and Michael Flatley and a special performance of Lord of the Dance.
CELEBRATING THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT EVENT
The United States Ambassador to Ireland Claire D. Cronin hosted an event celebrating the role of women in the Good Friday Agreement and 100 years of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Ireland on 10 April 2024. Fulbright awardees and alumni attended the event at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in the Phoenix Park.
NEW FULBRIGHT-HERITAGE COUNCIL AWARD
The Fulbright Commission and the Heritage Council partnered in September to announce a new Fulbright-Heritage Council Professional Award open to professionals in the cultural heritage sector as part of the 2025-26 Fublright Irish Awards.
FULBRIGHT ALUMNI PROJECT FUND
Each year the Commission awards five €1000 grants to support alumni projects and events. Dr Oran Kennedy, Dr Catherine Leen, Prof. Laura Clark, Dr Kenneth Ward and Prof. Ingrid Hess received Alumni Project Fund awards in 2024.
PARTNERS & FRIENDS
FULBRIGHT IRELAND TEAM
Dr Dara Fitzgerald, Executive Director
Annual Expenditure €M
Paula Melvin, Senior Awards Manager (Maternity Leave)
Aoife Drinan, Communications Officer
Sara West, Awards Program Officer
Dr Ciara O’Hagan, Awards Program Officer (Maternity Leave Cover)
Cecilia Rolfo, Administrative Officer
Damir Mirtalibov, Database Intern
Pictured (L-R):
Sara West
Cecilia Rolfo
Ciara O’Hagan
Damir Mirtalibov
Aoife Drinan
Dara Fitzgerald
Fulbright Commission in Ireland 85 Merrion Square South Dublin 2, Ireland
“The exchange program is not a panacea but an avenue of hope – possibly our best hope and conceivably our only hope – for the survival and future progress of humanity.”
