The Éamon Phoenix Foundation has announced the appointment of Diarmaid Ferriter, one of Ireland’s most respected historians and public intellectuals, as its new patron.
Professor Ferriter, Professor of Modern Irish History at University College Dublin, succeeds Dr Martin Mansergh and will support the Foundation’s mission to promote mutual understanding and reconciliation through the professional study of history.
The Foundation was established in memory of the late historian Dr Éamon Phoenix and is dedicated to preserving and developing his legacy, including the expansion of its online archive and educational initiatives linked to Ireland’s contested past.
Welcoming the appointment, Alice Phoenix, Chair of Trustees and widow of Dr Éamon Phoenix, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Diarmaid has agreed to become patron of the Éamon Phoenix Foundation.
“He is a historian of the highest standing, admired not only for his scholarship but for his ability to communicate complex and sensitive history with clarity, balance and humanity.
“Éamon held Diarmaid’s work in the greatest respect, and there is a deep alignment between their shared belief that history, when rigorously and honestly approached, can foster understanding rather than division. The trustees and I are immensely grateful for his support.”
Professor Ferriter, pictured above delivering the inaugural Dr Éamon Phoenix History Lecture in St Mary’s University College, said: “It is an honour to serve as patron of the Éamon Phoenix Foundation, especially at a time when the communication and sharing of evidence-led historical understanding is more vital than ever.
“Éamon’s mission throughout his distinguished career was, in his own words, ‘to challenge, inform and stimulate dialogue about the formative events in the shaping of Ireland today’, and the foundation is deeply committed to honouring that mission and Éamon’s rich legacy.”
Professor Ferriter is widely regarded as one of the leading interpreters of modern Irish history, with a substantial body of acclaimed publications and a long-standing role in public debate, broadcasting and education.
His work has consistently emphasised critical engagement with sources, historical context and the dangers of simplistic narratives.
He delivered the Dr Eamon Phoenix Lecture at last year’s Belfast Féile an Phobail at St Mary’s University College on the Falls Road.
The appointment comes as the Foundation continues to develop its digital archive of Dr Phoenix’s writings and broadcasts, including his renowned On This Day columns and annual analyses of State and Cabinet Papers, alongside plans for future seminars, bursaries and educational/historical partnerships.
The Éamon Phoenix Foundation is a registered charity in Northern Ireland (charity number 109942).