Bursary for Nenagh’s John
The Royal Irish Academy is pleased to announce funding for eleven research projects under this year's Commemorations Bursary Scheme, which is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
The aim of the Commemorations Bursary Scheme, established in 2024, is to encourage new research and history studies (local, national and regional) as a means of recognising the significant contribution of local historians in furthering fields of study relating to the commemoration of events associated with the early years of the state, as well as other significant historical anniversaries, events and themes.
Following on from the success of the previous two years of the scheme, this year's scheme will support projects in communities across Ireland that explore a broad range of themes and research areas.
Together, these projects recognise and promote the importance of commemorating significant events from our shared past.
Under this year’s scheme, Tipperary native John Flannery received a grant for his project entitled ‘Tipperary 1921-26, Anarchy, Agrarianism and Civil War’. John’s study examines Co Tipperary between July 1921 and December 1926, a turbulent period marked by violence, intimidation and agrarian unrest.
While much of the violence has traditionally been associated with the Civil War, the research shows that many incidents were driven by local rivalries, sectarianism and disputes over land, continuing long after the conflict had ended.
His research explores the murders of four unarmed members of the newly established Garda Síochána, more than 2,500 compensation claims submitted to the Irish Grants Commission for deaths, injuries and property damage, the experiences of women subjected to intimidation and displacement, the challenges of nation-building in the new State, the emergence of Fianna Fáil and constitutional politics as an alternative to violence, and the demographic changes revealed by the 1926 census. Ultimately, it assesses how these factors shaped daily life in Tipperary and tempered the sense of hope that might otherwise have accompanied Ireland’s newfound independence.
Minister Patrick O’Donovan said: “As Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport I am pleased to support the Royal Irish Academy's Commemorations Bursary Scheme. Commemoration is not only about looking back but about creating opportunities for new understanding.
These bursaries support innovative research that can uncover fresh perspectives on Ireland's past and help connect communities with the stories that continue to shape our society today.
I want to thank the Royal Irish Academy for their continued dedication which ensures that local historians, both amateur and professional, are acknowledged and supported in furthering the fields of study for commemorative events and themes.”
All Commemoration Bursary projects will be completed by summer 2027, and further updates on their progress and outputs will be publicised in the forthcoming year.