In summer 2011, the Center welcomed Irish Visiting Scholar Eddie Kelleher from Clonmel, County Tipperary. Prof. Kelleher is a great asset to the Center for Irish Studies. He holds a master’s degree in Irish language and literature as well as a bachelor’s degree in Irish and history from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, which is UST’s Irish study abroad exchange partner. He also has a graduate diploma in education from Dublin City University.  He taught at the prestigious Blackrock College in Dublin as well as at the University of Limerick and Mary Immaculate College.

Prof. Kelleher was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to teach at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota. His research interests include 18th and 19th Century Irish Gaelic literature and second language teaching methodologies.

He teaches four courses of Irish language, from Elementary Irish I and II to Intermediate Irish I and II. In fall 2012, he will teach Irish Gaelic Literature in Translation. Prof. Kelleher serves as the advisor to the Irish Club/Club na hÉireann and leads students in cultural events highlighting Ireland.