Staff at the Institute of Irish Studies are saddened to hear of the passing of Professor John McGurk.
Professor McGurk was a distinguished scholar with a research focus on the relationship between England and Ireland in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, and held positions at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool Hope University and the University of Ulster.
While at Liverpool, John helped found the Institute of Irish Studies, and gave the first lectures in modern Irish history at the Institute following its establishment in 1988. His publications include The Elizabethan Conquest of Ireland: the 1590s Crisis (Manchester University Press, 1997), Sir Henry Docwra, 1564-631: Derry’s second founder (Four Courts Press, 2005) and The Tudor Monarchies 1485-1603 (Cambridge Perspectives in History, 2010).
Professor Peter Shirlow, Director of the Institute of Irish Studies said: “John was one of the original advocates for an Institute of Irish Studies in Liverpool. Without his determination and passion we would not exist today – that is a remarkable legacy that has supported students and the community for decades.”
John passed away on 9 August and his funeral took place on Wednesday 16 August.
In lieu of flowers, John’s family have asked if donations could be made to the Irish Red Cross Rescue Services. You can make a donation online here: https://www.redcross.ie/rescue-services/.