Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

Friday 15 February 2019 2:33pm

Tiernan-banner-2
Professor Sonja Tiernan

Dubliner Professor Sonja Tiernan says the growing relationship between New Zealand and Ireland means her appointment as the Eamon Cleary Chair in Irish Studies could not have come at a better time.

“I am excited and honoured to take on this role at such a prestigious university at a key time for relations between Ireland and New Zealand. Reciprocal embassies have only recently been opened displaying an exciting commitment to forging further co-operation between our two countries,” she says.

Tiernan, who was previously Associate Professor and History and Politics Head of Department at Liverpool Hope University, will start at Otago in June 2019.

Her appointment comes after an extensive international search to replace inaugural Chair Professor Peter Kuch, who was appointed in 2006 and retired in late January 2019.

Kuch-226-2-
Inaugural Chair Professor Peter Kuch, who retired earlier this year.

"Exciting prospects" for teaching and research

Tiernan says teaching and conducting research in a New Zealand setting are “exciting prospects”, but she is also dedicated to further growing Irish Studies at Otago so that its influence – and relevance – is evident in the community, and in cultural and political discussions at a national level.

“The growth of Irish Studies may originally stem from the Irish diaspora which has influenced, and continue to influence, societies across the world.

“More recent waves of emigration from Ireland saw the discipline grow beyond early expectations and now Irish Studies is an attractive path of study for scholars of all nationalities. Irish Studies Centres and programmes are emerging and expanding in Ireland, as well as much further afield. The University of Otago, as the national leader for Irish Studies in New Zealand, is best-placed to develop an exciting curriculum and research base.”

"Broad understandings" offered by Irish Studies

Because of its cross-disciplinary approach, Irish Studies also offers broad understandings of contemporary issues of global importance such as “colonisation, famine, rebellion, civil war, nationalism, economic booms and recession, waves of emigration, sectarianism, civil rights, gender equality, and ultimately reflects a country capable of rapid change,” she says.

“Most recently, academics and political commentators have noted the obvious parallels between the ongoing refugee crisis and the Great Irish Famine, An Gorta Mór, of the nineteenth century. In addressing the crisis in 2015 the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, asked ‘have we forgotten … that there is a reason the number of O’Neills and Murphys in the US exceeds by far those living in Ireland?’.”

Tiernan’s previous research covers a broad range of topics, but at Otago she would also like to explore the history, connection and influence Ireland and Irish people have had on New Zealand.

“I was so impressed with Toitū Otago Settlers Museum when I visited in November last year, and I would relish the opportunity to add to the story of Irish settlers from the Gold Rush up to contemporary times,” she says.


From Dun Laoghaire to Dunedin

Tiernan was born and grew up in the port town of Dun Laoghaire in the Republic’s capital city, Dublin, where her parents and many family members still live.

She says the picturesque coastal area is not unlike the spectacular coast surrounding Dunedin, and Dun Laoghaire – the setting for the opening scene of James Joyce’s celebrated novel Ulysses – is similarly steeped in a rich and colourful history and culture.

“My partner and I greatly enjoy the outdoors and the opportunity to pursue hill walking and kayaking in such a stunning location as the Otago region is very appealing. We are also excited about the prospect of exploring the islands of New Zealand on road trips.”

Otago’s reputation as a research-led institution and a centre for teaching excellence also appeals, and she is looking forward to being part of its academic community and engaging with a “vibrant mix of international scholars and students.”

Tony-Ballantyne-226
Professor Tony Ballantyne

“I am most looking forward to building on the work of Professor Peter Kuch to further expand the Irish Studies programme and expand community links,” she says.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Humanities Professor Tony Ballantyne is delighted that Professor Tiernan is taking up the role.

“Professor Tiernan will be a great ambassador for Irish Studies and she will build new bridges between New Zealand and Ireland as the Eamon Cleary Chair. She brings a great set of connections to the role as well as having an innate ability to connect with people. I am also very excited about the possibilities that will come from the inter-disciplinary nature of her work, which weaves together history, literature and gender studies,” he says.

The Eamon Cleary Chair in Irish Studies was established thanks to a generous endowment from Eamon Cleary, an Irish businessman who had a home and interests in New Zealand, prior to his death in 2012. The Trust continues to support the position at Otago.

Back to top