About our Authors

Part 1 Academic Articles

Dr. Emma Carroll has a background in event management and holds a PhD that explores attendees’ perceptions of events during turbulent times through a semiotic lens. Her research examines how events communicate meaning in periods of uncertainty and how audiences interpret these shifts, offering valuable insights into the evolving role of events in society. As an Assistant Lecturer at the Technical University of the Shannon, Dr. Carroll lectures in marketing, entrepreneurship, and project planning. Her teaching is grounded in applied learning, with a strong emphasis on industry-based assessments that equip students with the skills to navigate complex professional environments. She integrates real-world projects and the latest research into her teaching, ensuring students engage meaningfully with both theory and practice. Beyond her teaching, Dr. Carroll is actively involved in research, with a particular focus on creative and sustainable approaches to event management and marketing.

Dr. Patricia Kennedy has had an illustrious career in Adult and Community Education, serving as the VTOS Co-ordinator at Kilmallock Road Campus, LCETB, where she played a pivotal role in supporting adult learners. Following her impactful work in the community education sector, Dr. Kennedy joined the School of Education at the University of Limerick, where she now teaches Contemporary Understandings of Education: Philosophical Perspectives as part of the Initial Teacher Education program. With extensive experience in both practice and theory, Dr. Kennedy is dedicated to advancing the field of adult and community education. Her work is driven by a commitment to fostering inclusive educational opportunities that support the diverse needs of learners, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr. Kennedy’s extensive professional journey has been marked by a deep commitment to transforming educational experiences for adult learners and community members. Her contributions have not only advanced practical methodologies in community education but have also enriched academic discourses, making her a distinguished voice in the field.

In her current role, Dr. Kennedy continues to bridge theory and practice, fostering an environment where both educators and learners are encouraged to explore new perspectives and embrace innovative approaches to education.

Dr Michael Toomey is a lecturer in International Relations. Prior to joining University of Glasgow in January 2022, he had held teaching positions at Rutgers University, Wenzhou-Kean University, University of Limerick, University of Reading, and Aberystwyth University. In addition, he has worked as an external consultant for Freedom House, having contributed to the 2016 and 2017 Freedom in the World and Freedom of the Press reports. Having recently completed work on a book project entitled "European Union Enlargement and Democratisation: The Normative Disconnect in Hungary and Czechia" (forthcoming with Edinburgh University Press), Michael's current research interests revolve around three broader themes. He has an ongoing interest in the use of narratives of cultural trauma in populist political messaging, having previously published research related to this in Global Studies Quarterly and New Perspectives. He is currently working on a second project on the 21st Century globalisation of racism, political extremism, and the far-right. Finally, he has an ongoing interest in the pedagogy of politics and international relations, and particularly on the use of simulations in politics and international relations teaching, having previously published research in International Studies Perspectives and on several T&L blogs. Finally, Michael is particularly interested in the scholarship and dissemination of best practice in social sciences teaching. He is a founding member and co-convenor of the School of Social and Political Science Innovative Pedagogy Hub, and organises an annual workshop on Best Practices in Social Sciences Teaching.

Catherine Daly is a PhD candidate in the School of Education at the University of Limerick. Her research focuses on the emotional dimensions of educational leadership, with a particular interest in how emotional intelligence and emotional labour shape leadership effectiveness in post-primary schools. Drawing on qualitative methodologies, Catherine’s work explores themes of empathy, authenticity, and trust-building within leadership practice, advocating for the integration of emotional competencies into professional development frameworks. Her scholarship aims to inform policy and practice that foster inclusive, resilient, and high-performing school cultures.

Part 2 Spotlight

Limerick Traveller Network (LTN) is a Traveller led initiative set up to give a voice to the Traveller community in Limerick city. It is based on a Network of most of Limerick city’s Traveller specific sites and housing areas of residency. LTN is represented by 14 Traveller women. Of the roughly 150 Traveller families living in Limerick, 130 have consented to representation in the Limerick Traveller Network.

This report analyses the educational challenges faced by Travellers in Limerick city, offering both quantitative and qualitative insights into their experiences. It highlight the systemic factors contributing to educational disadvantage and introduces a community-led, participatory approach that empowers Traveller voices in research and advocacy to shape solutions for their educational needs.

Mountjoy Prison and Maynooth University  Partnership (MJMU) have a formal partnership aiming to boost education access and prisoner reintegration through projects like Unlocking Potential, which helps develop fairer admissions for ex-offenders, and the Story Exchange, which builds empathy between students and prisoners using narrative. This pioneering collaboration seeks to break cycles of re-offending by providing life-changing third-level education opportunities, leveraging MU's Access Programme to support offenders' journeys into higher education and beyond.

The Story Exchange Project is the first initiative from the Mountjoy Prison and Maynooth University Partnership in partnership with Gaisce - The President’s Award. Young people incarcerated in Mountjoy Prison’s Progression Unit and young people in Maynooth University, were brought together in Mountjoy Prison over the course of 6 months to work towards a Gaisce award. This report describes what happened.