NOTICE: Professor Maurice Harmon

The IASIL executive committee would like to extend its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Professor Maurice Harmon. A founding member of IASIL, or IASAIL as it was then called, Professor Harmon was a familiar figure at IASIL/IASAIL conferences and a firm supporter of the society’s activities. He served as chairperson from 1979-82 and organised the 1982 annual conference, The Irish Writer and the City, at University College Dublin. In 1970, shortly after the formation of the society, he set up the Irish University Review, which has since established itself as the leading journal in Irish Studies. Professor Harmon wrote about the launch of the IUR in the special open access Golden Jubilee issue in 2020. (CLICK HERE).

Professor Harmon was born in Dublin in 1930, and received his education in UCD, undertaking a PhD on Sean O’Faolain. He worked in the USA before returning to UCD as a Lecturer in Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama in 1965. The School of English, Drama and Film at UCD have published a warm tribute to their friend and colleague (CLICK HERE).

Speaking about Professor Harmon, IASIL Chair Dr Christina Morin said:

Professor Harman has been absolutely integral to the growth and encouragement of an international community of Irish Studies scholars, and he will be sorely missed by all those who benefited from his support and collegiality. On behalf of IASIL, I would like to pay tribute to Professor Harman’s dedication to Irish Studies during his career and express my sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

Prof Margaret Kelleher, Chair of Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama, UCD and former Chairperson, IASIL, wrote of Professor Harman:

My deep condolences to the family, friends and fellow colleagues of Professor Maurice Harmon. From his founding of the Irish University Review to his work as Chairperson of IASIL (1979-1982) and organisation of the 1982 conference in Dublin, Maurice was a tireless champion of this organisation.  He and his wife Maura were loyal and enthusiastic attenders at IASIL conferences worldwide; I know that many members are, as I am now, remembering with great fondness evenings and trips in their company. Solas na bhflaitheas dá anam uasal.

To read more on the history of IASIL in the first 50 years please see the IASIL Chronicle (CLICK HERE)

An online book of condolence is available on RIP.ie (CLICK HERE)