Watch back the Thursday, 7th March event at Maynooth University:
The Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute, the Department of Sociology Maynooth and Atlantic Technological University are delighted to bring you a festival of three events to celebrate Micheál Mac Gréil S.J and his lifes work.
Over the course of his career as a sociologist and a Jesuit priest, Rev Dr. Micheál Mac Greil, who died in January 2023, shone a bright light into the corners of Irish society where intolerance and lack of compassion for others prevailed. He called out inequalities and injustices wherever he encountered them. His moral compass remained resolute throughout his long and productive life working assiduously to build a more solidaristic, empathic and fairer Ireland. Micheál was a leading member of the Department of Sociology at Maynooth University from 1971 to 1996, where he was known as a gifted teacher and an outstanding researcher. A pioneering advocate of empirical social science research, his path breaking sociological inquiries into prejudice and tolerance in Irish society spanned several decades.
Program of events - note all events require registration;
| Thurs, March 7th 10-12 Maynooth University: |
As part of Social Justice Week, a seminar focusing on “Prejudice and Tolerance in Ireland” with Professor Jane Gray, Professor Emeritus Tony Fahey, Martin Collins, Pavee Point and Niamh McDonald, the Hope and Courage Collective). Jane Gray is Professor of Sociology at Maynooth University (MU) and a recent recipient of the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Research award. Jane will speak about Micheal’s pioneering approach to social scientific inquiry. Tony Fahey is Professor Emeritus of Social Policy UCD. A graduate and former member of the Department of Sociology at MU, Tony previously held a senior research position at the ESRI. Tony will recall his former teacher and colleague, Michea,l and will explore Micheal’s role in the context of the Catholic social justice movement in Ireland since the 1960s. Martin Collins is a founding member of Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, of which he is Co-Director. He has represented Pavee Point, Irish Travellers and Roma both nationally and internationally. Martin will address Micheál’s relationship with Travellers, the impact of prejudice and tolerance on Travellers, mobilisation and politicisation of Travellers in Ireland, and the situation of Travellers today. Niamh McDonald is a graduate of Maynooth University and is the Director of the Hope and Courage Collective. Niamh will speak about how prejudice and intolerance manifest in Irish society today in the context of emergent fascist/far-right groups. In particular, she will focus on the creation of a narrative of “the other” that includes people seeking asylum, Irish people of colour, Irish minoritized groups, LGBTQIA+ etc. The motivation underlying this process of othering is to grow hate and division in society. The seminar will be chaired by Mary P. Corcoran, Professor of Sociology, Maynooth University. Refreshments will be available from 9:30 am. |
| Friday, March 8th 10-12 ATU, Mayo Campus, Castlebar: |
Prof Mary P. Corcoran, MU, Reflection: “Remembering Micheál: colleague, academic and social justice activist” followed by panel discussion chaired by Dr. Deirdre Garvey, ATU. Panel members: Dr Mark Garavan and Dr Eoghan Murphy ATU, TBC Mayo Intercultural Action/LEADER and Prof Emeritus Paddy Duffy, MU |
| Saturday, March 9th 11-1 Westport, Co. Mayo |
Locally organised event to honour Micheál Mac Gréil . Mass @ 10am in St Marys Church, followed by Éamon Ó Cuív TD- Reflection at the Town Hall, Sean Staunton room. Inputs from: Colm O’ Raghallaigh (Western Railway Corridor); Catherine O’Grady Power (Westport Tourism) ; Michael Smyth (Forsa-Trade Unions); Neil Sheridan (Mayo County Council) among others. Charlie Keating to sing a song in memory of Mícheál, Poem by Ger Reidy. Pass by Mícheál’s house, Loughloon and on to his grave to pay respects. |