A lifelong passion in history culminated with the awarding of an MA in Irish Regional History for Carlow local, John Kelly last week. A dedicated civil servant, John has long been passionate about history since his teenage years. After years of active participation in historical societies, John decided to formalise his knowledge and achieve a Master’s degree, fulfilling a long-held ambition.
Early Roots: a lifelong passion in history
John’s journey into history began in secondary school, where he volunteered at the Carlow County Museum. After graduating with a National Certificate in Applied Physics from Carlow RTC in 1987, he went on to serve as President of the Carlow RTC Students Union. During this time, he led a project cataloguing the Minute Books of the Carlow Board of Guardians, which resulted in a detailed report on the Carlow Workhouse.
“I’ve always had a deep interest in Carlow’s history,” he said. “Volunteering at the museum and later working on various historical projects really sparked my passion.”
He launched his career in the civil service while actively pursuing his passion for history. More than a decade ago, he became a member of the Carlow Historical and Archaeology Society, contributing research articles to its journal, Carloviana. His involvement expanded to include participation in local history conferences, and he now serves as the editor of Carloviana. He also represents the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the Decade of Centenaries committee.
Pathway to Carlow College
After starting a career in the civil service, John continued to pursue his interest in history. He joined the Carlow Historical and Archaeology Society over a decade ago, contributing research papers to its journal Carloviana. He also became involved in local history conferences and currently serves as the editor of Carloviana. In addition, he represents the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the Decade of Centenaries committee.
When Carlow College introduced the MA in Regional History, he saw the perfect opportunity to gain a formal qualification. “The course offered the ideal balance between furthering my historical knowledge and fitting around my career and personal life,” he explained.
Highlights of the MA Journey: Collaborative Learning and Groundbreaking Research
Throughout the programme, John was impressed by the collaborative atmosphere among students and lecturers. “The lecturers had a wealth of knowledge, and the discussions were always engaging, which helped shape my thesis,” he said. One of the standout modules for him was the Oral History module, which included practical, team-based work. “It was a great chance to work closely with my peers while learning new research methods.”
Another highlight was the historical site tour, which allowed students to connect outside the classroom. “It was a fun and informal way to reflect on our studies while getting to know fellow students better.”
His thesis, “John Toler: The Law, Politics, and Union”, explored the career of John Toler, a controversial figure in eighteenth-century Ireland. Toler, who became Lord Norbury in 1800, played a key role in the Act of Union and was known for his harsh judicial decisions, particularly after the 1798 Rebellion. His research focused on Toler’s career up to 1800, a period less studied in historical circles.
“I enjoyed diving into the newspapers of the time and discovering more about the social issues and public concerns of the era,” he said. “The thesis gave me a much clearer picture of the significant events and changes in Ireland at the time, such as the rebellion, the Union, and the early movements for Catholic Emancipation.
Future Plans
While John’s role in the civil service isn’t directly related to his historical studies, he sees the MA as the first step towards his future goals. “I’d like to pursue a PhD and eventually publish books on my research,” he said. “I also hope to teach history one day.” John has found postgraduate study be a rewarding academic journey that has strengthened his passion for history and set him on a path towards new academic and professional goals.
