100+ Years of the Irish State

Long before independence, Ireland’s identity as the land of ‘saints and scholars’ with a literary and artistic legacy was well formed. Over centuries, this has undergone extensive social, religious, historical, political, creative, economic, and educational change. A small island nation, Ireland has embraced opportunity with empathy, passion, and pride but, especially in the last three decades, equally learned to confront and negotiate the more complex and even darker aspects of its identity and past. This Colloquium/Conference opens a conversation that allows for a diverse range of disciplines to reflect on how these senses of identity have evolved and invites debate around research that is human centred in the humanities, science and business sectors. The challenges that were faced as new relationships across divides where broken down with new delivery, practices and innovation are of interest in the shared destiny of the island. The spirit of the Irish people with their unique geography, spirituality, and identity has had a colonial history in a European context. The culture and desire for new knowledge has brought Ireland as a place across the world and exerts an influence well beyond its borders. Under the four thematic headings this call for abstracts considers 100+ Years of the Irish State through:

• Higher Education & the Irish State

• A culture of sustainability & collaboration

• Identity, religion, culture & new knowledge

• Imagination & new beginnings

Venue: SETU Luke Wadding Library, Special Collections Room.

Important Dates:

• 3-4.30pm Tuesday 30th of April ’24 iKon - Creativity & Imagination -industry representatives discuss creative expression in light of AI and popular narratives and trends.

• 3-4.30pm Wednesday 1st May’ 24 ikon – Sustainability – What does that really mean? This presentation reflects on working with Higher Education students on a sustainable project funded with N-TUTORR funding. The process and the outcomes will be the focus of the presentation and discussion in light of Higher Education Challenges. Speakers Dr Elaine Mullen & Dr David Ryan.

• 10am -4.45pm Thursday 2nd May ’24 100+ Years of the Irish State (1922-2024) | Identity, Creativity, Culture, Sustainability Colloquium day conference.

Refreshments will be available at all scheduled talks/presentations over the three days.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

SETU Luke Wadding Library, Cork Road, Waterford, Ireland