October 2016 - Irish Chiefs and Clans Prize in History 2016
Prize in History' 2016: Presentation
The annual Irish Chiefs and Clans 'Prize in History' 2016 was presented at a function in Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin. The recipient, Simon Egan of Castlegreggory, Co Kerry, is a former student in University College Cork. His essay titled ‘James IV, the O’Donnells of Tyrconnell and the road to Flodden’ was adjudged the winning entry by Dr Katharine Simms, History Department, Trinity College Dublin.
The attendance at the prize presentation included Gearoid O'Ceallaigh, Chairman Clans of Ireland, David The O'Morchoe, representing the Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains, Dr Katharine Simms, History Department, Trinity College Dublin and competition adjudicator, Dr Michael Egan, Chief of the Egan Clan, as well as members of the Board of Clans of Ireland.
Entries for this prestigious competition came from various parts of Ireland and the adjudicators was tasked with a difficult decision. The Essay had to be on a topic dealing with any aspect of the political, social or cultural history of Gaelic Ireland (within the date-range AD 400 to 1690), such as Irish kingship, lordship, land-holding, genealogy, family history etc. The competition is organized by the Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains and Clans of Ireland, in association with the History Department of Trinity College, Dublin. It was first established by the Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains in 2003 and Clans of Ireland got involved in 2013 as joint sponsors.
Speaking at the event, Gearoid O'Ceallaigh welcomed those present for the occasion. He warmly congratulated the winner and praised the quality of his entry, stating that it was "outstanding amongst it's peers".
OThe prize winner, Simon Egan is a past pupil of Castlegregory National Primary School and Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai in Tralee, Co. Kerry. He continued his education in UCC where he did a BA in History and Modern Irish, acquiring a First Class Honours Degree in both subjects. In 2011 I began his doctoral studies in Cork under the supervision of Dr David Edwards. His doctoral thesis explores the resurgence of Gaelic power in Ireland and Scotland during the later Middle Ages, c.1350-1513, charting how developments within the Gaelic world could influence the course of 'British' politics.
Ends
Caption for photo:
No Repro Fee Image: Irish Chiefs and Clans 'Prize in History' 2016: Presentation of the 'Prize in History' jointly sponsored by the Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains and Clans of Ireland, in association with the History Department of Trinity College, Dublin, to Simon Egan, Castlegreggory, Co Kerry. L-R, Gearoid O'Ceallaigh, Chairman Clans of Ireland, David The O'Morchoe, representing the Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains, Dr Katharine Simms, History Department, Trinity College Dublin and competition adjudicator, Simon Egan, competition winner and Dr Michael Egan, Chief of the Egan Clan and member of the Board of Clans of Ireland. Pic:Dan McGrath.
