Fergal Keane appointed Professorial Fellow

Fergal Keane, here with University of Liverpool Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Howard Newby, received an honorary degree in 2011

Award-winning Irish writer, broadcaster and honorary graduate, Fergal Keane, has been appointed a Professorial Fellow at the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Irish Studies.

Fergal Keane is a writer, journalist and broadcaster who has reported from some of the world’s most dangerous war zones. He joined the BBC as Northern Ireland correspondent in 1989, and went on to receive numerous honours including a BAFTA, the Orwell Prize for political writing, and an OBE for services to journalism. He is currently Special Correspondent with BBC News covering international affairs. 

 “With his compassion for the victims of conflict, his commitment to furthering reconciliation and his deep understanding of Ireland, his appointment will enrich the Institute’s teaching and research programmes” 

In 2011 Fergal presented the five part BBC series “The Story of Ireland”, charting the history of Ireland and her people from earliest days to the present.

Professor Marianne Elliott, Director of the Institute of Irish Studies, said:  “The Institute of Irish Studies is honoured to welcome such a distinguished and admired figure as Fergal Keane onto its staff.

“With his compassion for the victims of conflict, his commitment to furthering reconciliation and his deep understanding of Ireland, his appointment will enrich the Institute’s teaching and research programmes.  He will be contributing in particular to our programmes on understanding conflict and a number of events will be organised for Fergal to communicate with both the public and with students.  This is a very exciting development for both the Institute and the University.”

Fergal Keane commented: “I am honoured to accept this Professorial Fellowship. As I continue my reporting for BBC News from areas such as the Middle East and Asia, and on historical and current affairs documentaries closer to home, I will be sharing insights from conflicts present and past.”

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