Patrick Geoghegan is Professor in History at Trinity’s Department of History where he is a leading scholar of eighteenth and nineteenth century Ireland.
His work on the Irish Act of Union and its aftermath, the rebellion of Robert Emmet, and the political and legal career of Daniel O'Connell, culminating in five monographs, has been recognised both nationally and internationally, and has helped reshape perspectives on the changing relationship between constitutional nationalism and republicanism.
Geoghegan is also the presenter of the award-winning 'Talking History' on Newstalk radio, where he has brought the discipline of history to a wide popular audience.
Commenting on his appointment as Director, Professor Geoghegan said:
“I am honoured to be appointed the new Director of the Trinity Long Room hub, taking over from Eve Patten who has done such an incredible job over the past five years. At its best, the Trinity Long Room Hub is a shining beacon of the transformative power of Arts and Humanities research - shaping ideas, fostering collaboration, and amplifying Trinity’s global impact.
I look forward to working with the brilliant team in the Hub and will ensure the institute continues to be respected and valued nationally and internationally for its contributions to research and debate.”
Professor Eve Patten ends her term having recently marked the 10th anniversary of the Hub’s Behind the Headlines series, spearheaded the annual Trinity Arts and Humanities Research Festival --now entering its third edition-- and brought a number of other research initiatives to fruition, including the Ireland’s Border Cultures Project, the Trinity Long Room Hub’s policy initiative, the Makexe-Robinson Chair, the Rooney writer fellowship and most recently a newly funded music fellowship programme.
Congratulating Professor Geoghegan, Professor Patten said:
“I want to extend my congratulations and best wishes to Patrick. I am confident he will lead the Trinity Long Room Hub to new highs and continue to support a thriving community of arts and humanities scholars who are key to the Hub’s continued success.
It has been a privilege over the past five years to work with my Trinity Arts and Humanities colleagues, who have given their time and expertise so generously to various initiatives at the Hub. I have particularly enjoyed collaborating with the institute’s outstanding early career researchers who have brought inspiration and imagination to our weekly coffee mornings, and have valued my engagement with a succession of brilliant visiting research fellows. Serving as Director of the Hub has been challenging in the very best way, and a thoroughly joyful experience, one that I know Patrick will relish.”
Rick Rylance, Chair of the Trinity Long Room Hub governance board said:
“This is a great appointment and I’m delighted Patrick will take the helm. At a time when strong voices for the humanities and interdisciplinary work are needed, he will prove an eloquent, engaged, and imaginative Director. The Hub has been blessed with a succession of fine leaders, and he will continue the outstanding work of Eve Patten and her predecessors as the Hub begins its exciting next phase.”
Professor Carmel O’Sullivan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences said:
“I am delighted to congratulate Professor Patrick Geoghegan on his appointment as Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub. A distinguished historian, broadcaster, and academic leader, Professor Geoghegan brings a deep commitment to public engagement and a wealth of experience in education, research, and cultural advocacy, ideally positioning him to champion the Hub’s mission of supporting cutting-edge Arts and Humanities research that addresses the major questions facing society in Ireland and beyond.
Known for his warmth, energy, and infectious enthusiasm, Patrick is a passionate advocate for the power of the arts and humanities to inspire, connect, and transform. He takes up the role following the outstanding leadership of Eve Patten, whose incredible legacy provides a strong foundation for this next chapter in the life of the Hub.”
The Dean of Research Professor Sinéad Ryan commented:
“Warm congratulations to Professor Patrick Geoghegan on his appointment to the role of Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub. The Trinity Long Room Hub serves the university’s arts and humanities research community, enabling both the deep work of reflection and scholarship and the interaction of scholarship with the world around it. I look forward to this next phase of the Hub’s important work.”