Since 1998 I have been an associate member of the Centre for Co-operative Studies, UCC and have co-authored and co-edited peer reviewed publications with members of the Centre. I have strong research interests in the voluntary sector and in 2010 was a founding member of the interdisciplinary ISS21 Research Cluster on Civil Society (REACT). These connections have led to the procurement of small grants for research projects and publications.
I have active links with many rural development bodies including South Kerry Development Partnership, South East Cork Area Development Company and South Tipperary Development Company. Between 2013 and 2015 I was the Irish/UCC partner in the Symbios project, a European-wide network of academics and practitioners established to investigate social exclusion in rural areas http://www.proxectosymbios.eu/descargas/seminario_symbios_en_final.pdf. Between 2020 and 2022 I was a Co-Investigator on the EU funded INTERREG Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme project, COAST: Sustainable Resilient Coasts (https://coast.interreg-npa.eu/).
I also have strong interests in the scholarship of teaching and learning. I completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in 2022. I am involved in ongoing CPD in this area and hold digital badges in Postgraduate Research Supervision (National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education) (2018), the Connected Curriculum (2021), Universal Design for Learning (National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education) (2022) and Problem Based Learning (2022). In 2019 I was part of a team that won the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award was granted for incorporating and applying innovative digital technologies to learning in field environments. The methodologies and pedagogies used were examined in a peer reviewed paper in the Journal of Geography in Higher Education (2021).
I also hold a certificate in Group Facilitation Methods (Institute of Cultural Affairs) (2011) and a digital badge in Team Leadership (2021).
Accepting PhD Students:
PhD Project Areas: Historical Geographies, Rural Geographies, Cultural Geographies, Agricultural Geographies, Financial Geographies, Geographies of the Community and Voluntary Sector
I also have strong interests in rural geography and have strong research and teaching links with South East Cork Area Development (SECAD), South Kerry Development Partnership Limited and South Tipperary Development Company. I am particularly interested in the links between rural decline and social exclusion. My rural research is focused on two areas : a) an examination of the rationale underpinning the reform and re-structuring of local government in Ireland, particularly as it relates to rural areas and b) the impact of the men's shed movement in ameliorating social isolation in rural areas. Underpinning my rural research are the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, specifically as they relate to social and environmental sustainability. I also have research interests in the voluntary and community sectors.
GG1015 Applied Geography (5 credits)
GG2022 Field Work (5 credits)
GG2023 Economic and Rural Geography (5 credits)
ES2031 Methodologies, Data Analysis and Research (5 credits)
GG2038 Geographical research Methods (5 credits)
GG3006 Research Methods and Dissertation (Historical Geography, Rural & Development Geography) (10 credits)
GG3049 Historical Geographies of Ireland: Social, Economic and Cultural Transformations (5 credits)
GG3054 Field work (5 credits)
ES4022 Research Dissertation (European Rural development, Agriculture, Landscape, Tourism) (10 credits)
In the past I taught on the European Studies, the Earth Science and Geography (BSc) undergraduate programmes and coordinated the European Development Studies Masters programme 2011-2015). Other modules I taught include:
GG3018 Geographies of Food and Agriculture (5 credits) (1997-2007)
ER1004/5/6 Applied Earth Systems (5 credits) (1998-2013)
ES1001 An Introduction to Europe and the European Union (5 credits) (1999-2004)
GG2035 Ireland in Transition (5 credits)(1999-2012)
GG2040 Geographies of Environment and Sustainability (5 credits) (2003)
GG3045 Food Geography (5 credits) (2003)
ES6001 European Development: Different Meanings to Different Europeans (5 credits) (2009-2015)
ES6002 Core-periphery Relationships in Europe (5 credits) (2009-2015)
ES6008 Research Strategies (10 credits) (2009-2015)
ES6009 Assessing Cohesion within Europe: Case Study (15 credits) (2009-2015)
ES6010 Research Dissertation (45 credits) (2009-2015)
GG1003 Cultural Geography: An Introduction to Place, Space and Globalisation (5 credits)(2010-2014)
GG1014 Society and Space: Geographies of Globalisation, Difference and Inequality (5 credits)(2015-2017)
Biography
I am a lecturer in the Department of Geography with strong research and teaching interests in historical geography, cultural geography, rural geography and community development. Since 2013 I have been the Academic Director in the Diploma in Genealogy (NFQ Level 6 and 7) (https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace-dgnl/) and the Academic Coordinator of the Higher Diploma Arts (Geography) (NFQ Level 9) (https://www.ucc.ie/en/cka13/). I am a former Academic Director of the MA in European Development Studies (2011 - 2015).Since 1998 I have been an associate member of the Centre for Co-operative Studies, UCC and have co-authored and co-edited peer reviewed publications with members of the Centre. I have strong research interests in the voluntary sector and in 2010 was a founding member of the interdisciplinary ISS21 Research Cluster on Civil Society (REACT). These connections have led to the procurement of small grants for research projects and publications.
I have active links with many rural development bodies including South Kerry Development Partnership, South East Cork Area Development Company and South Tipperary Development Company. Between 2013 and 2015 I was the Irish/UCC partner in the Symbios project, a European-wide network of academics and practitioners established to investigate social exclusion in rural areas http://www.proxectosymbios.eu/descargas/seminario_symbios_en_final.pdf. Between 2020 and 2022 I was a Co-Investigator on the EU funded INTERREG Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme project, COAST: Sustainable Resilient Coasts (https://coast.interreg-npa.eu/).
I also have strong interests in the scholarship of teaching and learning. I completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in 2022. I am involved in ongoing CPD in this area and hold digital badges in Postgraduate Research Supervision (National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education) (2018), the Connected Curriculum (2021), Universal Design for Learning (National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education) (2022) and Problem Based Learning (2022). In 2019 I was part of a team that won the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award was granted for incorporating and applying innovative digital technologies to learning in field environments. The methodologies and pedagogies used were examined in a peer reviewed paper in the Journal of Geography in Higher Education (2021).
I also hold a certificate in Group Facilitation Methods (Institute of Cultural Affairs) (2011) and a digital badge in Team Leadership (2021).
Accepting PhD Students:
PhD Project Areas: Historical Geographies, Rural Geographies, Cultural Geographies, Agricultural Geographies, Financial Geographies, Geographies of the Community and Voluntary Sector
Research Interests
My main research interests lie in the historical geography of financial institutions in Ireland. In my research I focus on the links between an inability to access to money and credit and the perpetuation of Ireland's subsistence economy. This facilitates wider explorations around notions of hunger, famine and precarity. I completed my doctoral thesis From Private Banks to Credit Unions: A Historical Geography of Financial Institutions in Ireland (c.1680-2001) in December 2019. My research seeks to re-frame the narrative in Irish historical geography which has focused on land and landlordism, while neglecting areas such as monetary policy, wealth generation and the regulation of financial institutions. These themes in conjunction with land and landownership better explain the persistence of a subsistence economy and recurring devastating famines until the mid-1920s.I also have strong interests in rural geography and have strong research and teaching links with South East Cork Area Development (SECAD), South Kerry Development Partnership Limited and South Tipperary Development Company. I am particularly interested in the links between rural decline and social exclusion. My rural research is focused on two areas : a) an examination of the rationale underpinning the reform and re-structuring of local government in Ireland, particularly as it relates to rural areas and b) the impact of the men's shed movement in ameliorating social isolation in rural areas. Underpinning my rural research are the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, specifically as they relate to social and environmental sustainability. I also have research interests in the voluntary and community sectors.
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPA Sustainable Resillient Coasts | European Union | 01-MAR-20 | 30-AUG-22 | €148,294.00 | |
| UCC"Strategic Research Fund 2014" | Miscellaneous | 01-SEP-14 | 31-JUL-16 | €8,708.00 |
Publications
Books
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2002) | Innovation and Change in Irish Credit Unions. O'Connor R., O. McCarthy and Ward, M. (2002) Innovation and Change in Irish Credit Unions. Cork: Centre for Co-operative Studies. [Details] |
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | 'Hurling against the tithes: sport, protest and politics in early nineteenth Ireland' O'Connor, R. (2024) 'Hurling against the tithes: sport, protest and politics in early nineteenth Ireland' In: John Crowley, Mike Cronin, Cormac Moore (eds). Atlas of Irish Sport. Cork: Cork University Press. [Details] | |
| (2024) | 'Redistributing wealth and resources in the platform economy through cooperative models' Power, C., Moore, O., and O'Connor, R. (2024) 'Redistributing wealth and resources in the platform economy through cooperative models' In: Mário Vale, Daniela Ferreira, Nuno Rodrigues (eds). Geographies of the Platform Economy: Critical Perspectives. Switzerland: Springer (Economic Geography book series). [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'An Overview of Emigration from Ireland from c.1770-2022: An Examination of the Issues Underpinning Departure' O'Connor, R. (2022) 'An Overview of Emigration from Ireland from c.1770-2022: An Examination of the Issues Underpinning Departure' In: Linnell, S (eds). The Kenmare Chronicle 2023. Kerry: Kenmare News. [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Coastal Railways' O'Connor, R. and Scriven, R. (2021) 'Coastal Railways' In: Devoy, R., Cummins, V., Brunt, B. Bartlett, D., Kandrot, S (eds). The Coastal Atlas of Ireland. Cork: Cork University Press. [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Horace Plunkett, the Co-operative movement and the Cultural Revival' O'Connor, R. and Byrne, N. (2017) 'Horace Plunkett, the Co-operative movement and the Cultural Revival' In: Crowley, J., O Drisceoill, D. and Murphy, M. (eds) (eds). Atlas of the Irish Revolution. Cork: Cork University Press. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'Co-operative credit societies and credit unions 1926-1950' O'Connor, R. (2011) 'Co-operative credit societies and credit unions 1926-1950' In: The Origins, Ethos and Evolution of Co-operative Credit in Ireland: Celebrating the Centenary of the Birth of Nora Herlihy. Cork: Centre for Co-operative Studies, University College Cork. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'The emergence of the modern credit movement, 1951-1958' O'Connor, R. (2011) 'The emergence of the modern credit movement, 1951-1958' In: The Origins, Ethos and Evolution of Co-operative Credit in Ireland: Celebrating the Centenary of the Birth of Nora Herlihy. Cork: Centre for Co-operative Studies, University College Cork. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'The role of third level adult education initiatives as a catalyst for the emergence of the modern credit union movement in Ireland' O'Connor, R. (2011) 'The role of third level adult education initiatives as a catalyst for the emergence of the modern credit union movement in Ireland' In: The Origins, Ethos and Evolution of Co-operative Credit in Ireland: Celebrating the Centenary of the Birth of Nora Herlihy. Cork: Centre for Co-operative Studies, University College Cork. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'The Irish credit union movement in context 1951-1958' O'Connor, R. (2011) 'The Irish credit union movement in context 1951-1958' In: The Origins, Ethos and Evolution of Co-operative Credit in Ireland: Celebrating the Centenary of the Birth of Nora Herlihy. Cork: Centre for Co-operative Studies, University College Cork. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'Credit unions and community wellbeing' Power, C., O'Connor, R., McCarthy, O. and Ward, M. (2011) 'Credit unions and community wellbeing' In: The origins, ethos and evolution of co-operative credit in Ireland: Celebrating the centenary of the birth of Nora Herlihy. Cork: Duhallow Women's Forum and Centre for Co-operative Studies, UCC. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'Muintir na Tire, credit unions and the Rathmore District' O'Connor, R. (2011) 'Muintir na Tire, credit unions and the Rathmore District' In: The Origins, Ethos and Evolution of Co-operative Credit in Ireland: Celebrating the Centenary of the Birth of Nora Herlihy. Cork: Centre for Co-operative Studies, University College Cork. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'The diffusion of co-operative credit societies in Ireland 1894-1910' O'Connor, R (2011) 'The diffusion of co-operative credit societies in Ireland 1894-1910' In: The Origins, Ethos and Evolution of Co-operative Credit in Ireland: Celebrating the Centenary of the Birth of Nora Herlihy. Cork: Centre for Co-operative Studies, University College Cork. [Details] | |
| (2011) | 'The Irish Agricultural Organisation Society and co-operative credit societies in Ireland 1894-1915' O'Connor, R. (2011) 'The Irish Agricultural Organisation Society and co-operative credit societies in Ireland 1894-1915' In: The Origins, Ethos and Evolution of Co-operative Credit in Ireland: Celebrating the Centenary of the Birth of Nora Herlihy. Cork: Centre for Co-operative Studies, University College Cork. [Details] | |
| (2010) | 'Bounded Spaces and Cultural Places: The Reorganisation of the Farmed Landscape in Ireland' O’Connor, R., Power C. and Rylands, M. (2010) 'Bounded Spaces and Cultural Places: The Reorganisation of the Farmed Landscape in Ireland' In: Walls, Fences, Borders and Boundaries: Essays on Social Exclusion, Inclusion and Integration. Iowa: Kendall Hunt Publishers, Iowa. [Details] | |
| (2009) | 'Cill Rialig' Power, C. and O’Connor, R. (2009) 'Cill Rialig' In: The Iveragh Peninsula: A Cultural Atlas of the Ring of Kerry. Cork: Cork University Press. [Details] | |
| (2009) | 'Peat and Energy Production in Iveragh' O’Connor, R. and Power, C. (2009) 'Peat and Energy Production in Iveragh' In: The Iveragh Peninsula: A Cultural Atlas of the Ring of Kerry. Cork: Cork University Press. [Details] | |
| (2009) | 'Demographic Change on the Iveragh Peninsula 1926-2006' Power, C. and O’Connor, R. (2009) 'Demographic Change on the Iveragh Peninsula 1926-2006' In: The Iveragh Peninsula: A Cultural Atlas of the Ring of Kerry. Cork: Cork University Press. [Details] | |
| (2009) | 'Contemporary Economic Development in Iveragh' Power, C. and O’Connor, R. (2009) 'Contemporary Economic Development in Iveragh' In: The Iveragh Peninsula: A Cultural Atlas of the Ring of Kerry. Cork: Cork University Press. [Details] | |
| (2005) | 'Community Development and the Catholic Church' O’Connor, R. and Joyce, D. (2005) 'Community Development and the Catholic Church' In: Atlas of Cork City. Cork: Cork University Press. [Details] | |
| (2003) | 'Munster Counties' Crowley, J. and R. O'Connor; (2003) 'Munster Counties' In: The Encyclopaedia of Ireland. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan. [Details] |
Edited Books
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2011) | The Origins, Ethos and Evolution of Co-operative Credit in Ireland: Celebrating the Centenary of the Birth of Nora Herlihy Power, C., O'Connor, R., McCarthy, O. and Ward, M (Ed.). (2011) The Origins, Ethos and Evolution of Co-operative Credit in Ireland: Celebrating the Centenary of the Birth of Nora Herlihy Cork: Centre for Co-operative Studies, University College Cork. [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2023) | 'Geographies of Pawnbroking in pre-Famine Ireland: profit, precarity and impoverishment 1787-1824' O'Connor, R. (2023) 'Geographies of Pawnbroking in pre-Famine Ireland: profit, precarity and impoverishment 1787-1824'. Irish Geography, 55 (2):99-123 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'Institutionalising Changing Conceptualisations of Charity in Ireland: Charitable Loan Fund Societies in Ireland 1729 – 1823' O'Connor, R. (2022) 'Institutionalising Changing Conceptualisations of Charity in Ireland: Charitable Loan Fund Societies in Ireland 1729 – 1823'. Studia Hibernica, 48 (1):37-61 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Civilising Rural Ireland: The Co-operative Movement, Development and the Nation-State 1889-1939. By Patrick Doyle [Book Review]' O'Connor, R. (2021) 'Civilising Rural Ireland: The Co-operative Movement, Development and the Nation-State 1889-1939. By Patrick Doyle [Book Review]'. Journal of Co-Operative Studies, 54 (1):57-59 [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Active learning using a smartphone app: analysing land use patterns in Cork City, Ireland' Paul Holloway, Therese Kenna, Denis Linehan, Ray O’Connor, Helen Bradley, Bernadette O’Mahony, and Robyn Pinkham (2021) 'Active learning using a smartphone app: analysing land use patterns in Cork City, Ireland'. Journal of Geography In Higher Education, :47-62 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'Merging into the mainstream? An empirically based discussion of the potential erosion of competitive advantage in a restructured Irish credit union movement' Power, Carol; O'Connor, Ray; McCarthy, Olive; Ward, Michael (2014) 'Merging into the mainstream? An empirically based discussion of the potential erosion of competitive advantage in a restructured Irish credit union movement'. Journal of Co-operative Organization and Management, 2 (2):55-64 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2012) | 'Credit unions and community in Ireland: Towards optimising the principle of social responsibility' Power, C., O’Connor, R., McCarthy O. and Ward, M (2012) 'Credit unions and community in Ireland: Towards optimising the principle of social responsibility'. International Journal of Co-Operative Management, 6 (1):10-22 [Full Text] [Details] | |
| (2004) | 'The development of new rural credit unions in Ireland within a context of service rationalization in rural areas' Byrne, N., McCarthy, O. and O'Connor, R. (2004) 'The development of new rural credit unions in Ireland within a context of service rationalization in rural areas'. Community Development Journal, 39 (4):401-412 [DOI] [Details] |
Other Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | 'The Rev John Read and Ireland's First Savings Banks' O'Connor, R. (2024) 'The Rev John Read and Ireland's First Savings Banks' History Ireland, 32 (2) :18-21. [Details] | |
| (2003) | 'Retaining Relevance Through Reaction: Muintir na Tire 1931-1971' O'Connor, R. (2003) 'Retaining Relevance Through Reaction: Muintir na Tire 1931-1971' Tipperary Historical Journal, * (*) :169-180. [Details] | |
| (2000) | 'Muintir na Tire 1931-1971: a case study of a voluntary organisation' O'Connor, R.; (2000) 'Muintir na Tire 1931-1971: a case study of a voluntary organisation' Chimera, 15 :127-138. [Details] | |
| (1999) | 'Geography in UCC 1909-1972' O'Connor, R.; (1999) 'Geography in UCC 1909-1972' Chimera, 14 :1-6. [Details] | |
| (1997) | 'The EU and Rural development in the Republic of Ireland' O'Connor, R.; (1997) 'The EU and Rural development in the Republic of Ireland' Chimera, 12 :56-62. [Details] | |
| (1993) | 'Departmental erasmus Links' O'Connor, R.; (1993) 'Departmental erasmus Links' Chimera, 8 :93-95. [Details] | |
| (1988) | 'the Geography of Manipulation: the British Tabloids' O'Connor,R.; Ni Chionnfhaolaidh, B; (1988) 'the Geography of Manipulation: the British Tabloids' Chimera, 3 :3-12. [Details] |
Published Reports
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2022) | The Men’s Shed Movement and the Sustainable Development Goals: Local Responses to Global Challenges. Power, C., O'Callaghan, A., Kenny, M. and O'Connor, R. (2022) The Men’s Shed Movement and the Sustainable Development Goals: Local Responses to Global Challenges. Centre for Co-operative Studies , UCC, Cork. [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2019) | Learning Connections 2019: Spaces, People, Practice, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, 5-6 December, pp. 155-160 Holloway, P., O’Connor, R., Linehan, D., & Kenna, T (2019) Digital (Urban) Geography: Student-Led Research Methodology Training using Smartphone Apps . In: Supple, Briony and Tom Delahunty eds. Learning Connections 2019: Spaces, People, Practice, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, 5-6 December, pp. 155-160 , pp.155-160 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | The Changing Landscape of Local and Community Development in Ireland: Policy and Practice Rylands, M., O'Connor, R. and Power, C. (2016) Local Government Reform in Ireland: Implications for Rural Development and Community Engagement . In: ISS21 Local and Community Development Working Group eds. The Changing Landscape of Local and Community Development in Ireland: Policy and Practice Cork, , pp.57-66 [Details] | |
| (2016) | The Changing Landscape of Local and Development in Ireland: Policy and Practice ISS21 Local and Community Working Group (2016) Co-editor of Conference Proceeding The Changing Landscape of Local and Development in Ireland: Policy and Practice [Details] | |
| (2016) | The Changing Landscape of Local and Community Development in Ireland: Policy and Practice Hall, J., O'Connor, R., Power, C. and Brady, W. (2016) New Structures for Local Government in Ireland: Evaluating the Impact on Community Participation in the Local Planning Process . In: ISS21 Local and Community Development Working Group eds. The Changing Landscape of Local and Community Development in Ireland: Policy and Practice Cork, , pp.45-56 [Details] | |
| (2006) | Sociedade da informacion en Espacios Perifericos: Novas Formas de Exclusion Social Rylands, M. and O’Connor, R. (2006) Geographical perspectives on the information society and Irish rural spaces . In: Sexto, C.A., Quinta, F.X.A., Arce, X.C.M., Vazquez, Y.G eds. Sociedade da informacion en Espacios Perifericos: Novas Formas de Exclusion Social , pp.93-104 [Details] |
ANET/COS
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2023) | How Irish men's sheds are telling a sustainability story (RTE Brainstorm). Power C. and O'Connor, R. (2023) How Irish men's sheds are telling a sustainability story (RTE Brainstorm). Dublin: ANET/COS [Details] | |
| (2021) | Hunger and poverty after the Famine: how old problems persisted and new ones emerged (rte.ie/history). O'Connor, R. (2021) Hunger and poverty after the Famine: how old problems persisted and new ones emerged (rte.ie/history). ANET/COS [Details] | |
| (2019) | Doctoral thesis: From Private Banks to Credit Unions: A Historical Geography of Financial Institutions in Ireland (c.1680-2001). O'Connor, R. (2019) Doctoral thesis: From Private Banks to Credit Unions: A Historical Geography of Financial Institutions in Ireland (c.1680-2001). ANET/COS [Details] | |
| (2017) | Glocal: Place Still Matters in a Global World. O'Connor, R. and Scriven, R. (2017) Glocal: Place Still Matters in a Global World. Limerick: ANET/COS [Details] | |
| (2014) | The Interview: Ray O'Connor. O'Connor, R. (2014) The Interview: Ray O'Connor. Galicia, Spain: ANET/COS [DOI] [Details] |
Professional Activities
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | President's Award for Excellence in Teaching (Team) | University College Cork | |
| 1992 | O'Connor Scholarship | University College Cork | |
| 1982 | College Scholar | University College Cork |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eighteenth Century Ireland Society | Member | 01-JAN-22 / | |
| Landscape Research Group | Member | 30-JUN-22 / | |
| Irish Network for Nineteenth-Century Studies | Member | 01-JAN-18 / | |
| Geography Society of Ireland | Member | 01-JAN-15 / |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2022) | European Association for the Study of Religions, O'Connor, R. (2022) Freedom to Access Credit: Catholic Social Principles and the Emergence of Ireland’s Credit Unions 1931-1958. [Oral Presentation], European Association for the Study of Religions, UCC , 27-JUN-22 - 01-JUL-22. [Details] | |
| (2022) | Swoboda Research Centre Colloquium on Creating a Research Agenda for Credit Unions in Ireland, O'Connor, R. (2022) The Impact of Credit Union Mergers on Members’ Sense of Place, Belonging and Identity in Irish Credit Unions. [Oral Presentation], Swoboda Research Centre Colloquium on Creating a Research Agenda for Credit Unions in Ireland, online , 14-JAN-22 - 14-JAN-22. [Details] | |
| (2021) | Creating Thriving High Streets after Covid-19 Event, Kenna, T., Holloway, P., Linehan, D., O'Connor, R. (2021) Mapping vacancy and dereliction in the city centre. [Oral Presentation], Creating Thriving High Streets after Covid-19 Event, Online , 13-MAY-21 - 13-MAY-21. [Details] | |
| (2021) | School of History and Geography Seminar Series, Dublin City University, O'Connor, R. (2021) Embedding the Narrative of Monetisation into Irish Historical Geography. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], School of History and Geography Seminar Series, Dublin City University, Dublin City University , 29-NOV-21 - 29-NOV-21. [Details] | |
| (2021) | 52nd Annual Conference of Irish Geographers, Geographies of Responsibility: Rethinking Boundaries and Borders in a Turbulent World, O'Connor, R. (2021) Changing Pre-Famine Geographies of Impoverishment and Immiseration: From Loans to Lumpers 1822-1845. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], 52nd Annual Conference of Irish Geographers, Geographies of Responsibility: Rethinking Boundaries and Borders in a Turbulent World, Trinity College Dublin , 18-MAY-21 - 21-MAY-21. [Details] | |
| (2020) | ISS21 Civil Society Research Seminar, O’Connor, R., Scriven, R., Power, C., and McCarthy, O. (2020) Exploring Men's Sheds in South Kerry: spaces of social inclusion, wellbeing, and masculinities: Preliminary Findings. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], ISS21 Civil Society Research Seminar, UCC , 27-FEB-20 - 27-FEB-20. [Details] | |
| (2019) | ISS21 Civil Society Research Slam, O'Connor, R. and Power, C. (2019) An exploration of Men's Sheds as agents of social conclusion: a case study of South Kerry's Men's Sheds. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], ISS21 Civil Society Research Slam, UCC , 18-APR-19 - 18-APR-19. [Details] | |
| (2019) | Learning Connections 2019: Spaces, People, Practice, Holloway, P., O’Connor, R., Linehan D. and Kenna, T. (2019) Digital (Urban) Geography: Student-Led Research Methodology Training using Smartphone Apps. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Learning Connections 2019: Spaces, People, Practice, UCC , 05-DEC-19 - 06-DEC-29. [Details] | |
| (2019) | Eigse na Brideoige: Migration, O'Connor, R., Mac Éinrí, Power C. (2019) Rural Decline and Population Change in Ireland: Iveragh in Context. [Keynote Speaker], Eigse na Brideoige: Migration, Waterville, Co. Kerry , 01-FEB-19 - 03-FEB-19. [Details] | |
| (2018) | Contemporary Credit Union Research in Ireland, Credit Union Summer School, Power, C. and O'Connor, R. (2018) Introducing the HP Deprivation Index and its Potential Application for Credit Unions. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Contemporary Credit Union Research in Ireland, Credit Union Summer School, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2018) | Contemporary Credit Union Research in Ireland, Credit Union Summer School, O’Connor, R., Byrne, N. and Power, C. (2018) Credit Union Restructuring in Ireland, 2013-2017: A Geographical Perspective. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Contemporary Credit Union Research in Ireland, Credit Union Summer School, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2017) | Disruptions and Transgressions: 49th Conference of Irish Geographers, O'Connor, R. (2017) Chaired Session: Rural Revitalisation: Valuing Local Heritage Communities (2). [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Disruptions and Transgressions: 49th Conference of Irish Geographers, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2017) | Disruptions and Transgressions: 49th Conference of Irish Geographers, O'Connor, R. (2017) Convener Rural Revitalisation: Valuing Local Heritage Communities (1 and 2). [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Disruptions and Transgressions: 49th Conference of Irish Geographers, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2017) | Disruptions and Transgressions: 49th Conference of Irish Geographers, O'Connor, R. and Rylands, M. (2017) Rural Development in Ireland: An overview of strategies to revitalise rural areas post-Famine period – 2017. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Disruptions and Transgressions: 49th Conference of Irish Geographers, Cork . [Details] | |
| (2016) | Credit Union Studies Summer School, O'Connor, R. and Power, C. (2016) The Future of the Irish Credit Union Movement? Lessons from the Nineteenth Century Loan Fund Societies. [Oral Presentation], Credit Union Studies Summer School, University College Cork , 25-JUL-16 - 29-JUL-16. [Details] | |
| (2016) | Lecture to the Association of Geography Teachers Ireland, Cork Branch, (AGTI), O' Connor, R. (2016) An Applied Geography of Farming and the CAP and the Challenges of Brexit. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Lecture to the Association of Geography Teachers Ireland, Cork Branch, (AGTI), Cork . [Details] | |
| (2016) | Credit Union Studies Summer School, O'Connor, R. and Byrne, N. (2016) Re-imagining the Irish credit Union Movement: Framing a new narrative. [Oral Presentation], Credit Union Studies Summer School, University College Cork , 25-JUL-16 - 29-JUL-16. [Details] | |
| (2015) | The Changing Landscape of Local and Community Development in Ireland:, O'Connor, R. (2015) Member of Organising Committee. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], The Changing Landscape of Local and Community Development in Ireland:, UCC . [Details] | |
| (2015) | Political Studies Association of Ireland Annual Conference, O'Connor, R. (2015) Chaired Panel A: The Death of Community Development? The Impact of Local Government Reform on Local Democracy session. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Political Studies Association of Ireland Annual Conference, Cork . [Details] | |
| (2015) | The Changing Landscape of Local and Community Development in Ireland:, Rylands, M., O'Connor, R. and Power, C. (2015) Local Government Reform in Ireland: Implications for Rural Development. [Oral Presentation], The Changing Landscape of Local and Community Development in Ireland:, Cork , 21-OCT-15. [Details] | |
| (2015) | Political Studies Association of Ireland Annual Conference, Rylands, M., O'Connor, R. and Power, C. (2015) The Local Government Reform Act 2014: Policy, Practice and Political Disconnect. [Oral Presentation], Political Studies Association of Ireland Annual Conference, Cork , 16-OCT-15 - 18-OCT-15. [Details] | |
| (2015) | Political Studies Association of Ireland Annual Conference, Hall, J., O'Connor, R., Power, C. and Brady, W. (2015) Assessing the Reform Agenda: Critical perspectives on new structures for local governance, planning and development in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Political Studies Association of Ireland Annual Conference, Cork , 16-OCT-15 - 18-OCT-15. [Details] | |
| (2015) | The Changing Landscape of Local and Community Development in Ireland:, Hall, J., O’Connor, R., Power, C. and Brady, W. (2015) New structures for Local Government in Ireland: Evaluating the Impact on Community Participation in the Local Planning Process. [Oral Presentation], The Changing Landscape of Local and Community Development in Ireland:, Cork , 21-OCT-15. [Details] | |
| (2015) | 4th SYMBIOS Annual Conference: Recommendations for Planning Public Policies in favour of Inclusive Territories, Rylands, M., and O’Connor, R., (2015) Territorial Inclusion Planning: a European Perspective. [Oral Presentation], 4th SYMBIOS Annual Conference: Recommendations for Planning Public Policies in favour of Inclusive Territories, Santiago de Compostela, . [Details] | |
| (2014) | Symbios Project Newsletter No.4, O'Connor, R. (2014) Imbalances in Rural Population Distribution in Ireland. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Symbios Project Newsletter No.4, Santiago de Compostella . [Details] | |
| (2009) | Conference of Irish Geographers, Rylands, M. and O’Connor, R., (2009) “A Geography of Unintended Consequences: the Cultural Implications of Field Boundary Removal”. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Conference of Irish Geographers, Cork . [Details] | |
| (2009) | Inaugural Irish Rural Studies Symposium, Rylands, M. and O’Connor, R., (2009) “The Cultural Implications of Field Boundary Removal in Ireland. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Inaugural Irish Rural Studies Symposium, Athenry, Galway . [Details] | |
| (2009) | Conference of Irish Geographers, O'Connor, R. (2009) Chaired the “Farming: Culture and Sustainability” session. [Other], Conference of Irish Geographers, Cork . [Details] | |
| (2009) | Inaugural Irish Rural Studies Symposium, O’Connor, R., Power, C., McCarthy, O. and Murtagh, A. (2009) The Community Impact of Credit Unions in Rural Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Inaugural Irish Rural Studies Symposium, Athenry, Galway . [Details] | |
| (2008) | Credit Union Summer School, Power, C., and O’Connor, R. (2008) Credit Unions and the Community: Some notes towards a theoretical framework. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Credit Union Summer School, University College Cork . [Details] | |
| (2008) | Credit Union Studies Summer School, O’Connor, R. and Power, C. (2008) Stories of accessing credit through credit unions. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Credit Union Studies Summer School, University College Cork . [Details] | |
| (2005) | International Co-operative Alliance, XXI International Co-operatives Research Conference: The Contribution of Co-operatives to Community Culture, O'Connor, R. & McCarthy O.; (2005) The development of consumer co-operatives in the context of social, economic and cultural change: A case study of the credit union movement in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], International Co-operative Alliance, XXI International Co-operatives Research Conference: The Contribution of Co-operatives to Community Culture, UCC , 11-AUG-05 - 14-AUG-05. [Details] | |
| (2005) | XIII Annual Conference on Cross-Currents in Literature, Film and the Visual Arts, O'Connor R. & O. McCarthy; (2005) The Credit Union Movement in Ireland: Origins, Expansion and Future Challenges. [Oral Presentation], XIII Annual Conference on Cross-Currents in Literature, Film and the Visual Arts, UCC , 06-MAY-05 - 08-MAY-05. [Details] | |
| (2005) | Information Society in Peripheral Regions:New Forms of Social Exclusion, O'Connor,R.; Rylands, M.; (2005) Geographical Perspectives on the Information Society and Irish Rural Spaces. [Invited Oral Presentation], Information Society in Peripheral Regions:New Forms of Social Exclusion, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain , 23-NOV-05 - 25-NOV-05. [Details] | |
| (2005) | XIII Annual Conference on Cross-Currents in Literature, Film and the Visual Arts 2005, O'Connor R. & O. McCarthy; (2005) The Credit Union Movement in Ireland: Origins, Expansion and Future Challenges. [Oral Presentation], XIII Annual Conference on Cross-Currents in Literature, Film and the Visual Arts 2005, UCC , 06-MAY-05 - 08-MAY-05. [Details] | |
| (2002) | Comhlamh Action Networks: Farming Without Subsidies? The Future of World Farming,, O’ Connor, R., Rylands, M. and Crowley, J., “Farming without subsidies; the Irish Farmer’s Perspective” paper presented to Comhlamh Action Networks one day conference Farming Without Subsidies? The Future of World Farming, Country Club Hotel, Cork, 26 April 2002. (2002) “Farming without subsidies; the Irish Farmer’s Perspective”. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Comhlamh Action Networks: Farming Without Subsidies? The Future of World Farming,, Cork . [Details] | |
| (2002) | Rural Credit Unions: Their role in financial and social inclusion,, Byrne N., O. McCarthy O. & R. O’Connor The Development of Rural Credit Unions in Ireland – and a brief note on the role of education. [Keynote Speaker], Rural Credit Unions: Their role in financial and social inclusion, 08-NOV-02 - 09-NOV-02. (2002) The Development of Rural Credit Unions in Ireland – and a brief note on the role of education. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Rural Credit Unions: Their role in financial and social inclusion,, Tullock Castle, Dingwall, Scotland . [Details] | |
| (2001) | Conference of Irish Geographers, O'Connor, R. (2001) Irish Credit Unions: Location, Relocation and Innovation. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Conference of Irish Geographers, Cork . [Details] | |
| (1999) | Credit Union Studies Summer School, O'Connor, R. (1999) Innovation and Change in Irish Credit Unions. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Credit Union Studies Summer School, Cork . [Details] | |
| (1989) | Conference of Irish Geographers, O'Connor, R. (1989) The Geographical Diffusion and Expansion of Muintir na Tire 1931 – 1971. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Conference of Irish Geographers, Dublin . [Details] |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CACSSS Research Ethics Committee | Member | 2022 / 2022 | |
| Working Group on Action 3.1.3 Delivering a Connected University | Member | 2021 / 2022 | |
| Department of Geography Teaching and Learning Committee | Chair | 2018 / 2022 | |
| Department of Geography Teaching and Learning Committee | Member | 2015 / 2018 | |
| CACSSS Student Experience sub-committee | Member | 2017 / 2022 | |
| Department of Geography Budgets and Finance Committee | Member | 2011 / 2022 | |
| CACSSS Executive Management Committee | Member | 2016 / 2016 | |
| CACSSS Student Affairs Committee | Acting Chair | 2016 / 2016 | |
| CACSSS Student Affairs Committee | Member | 2011 / 2017 |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Geography, University College Cork | Full-time Lecturer | 01-SEP-10 / | |
| Department of Geography, University College Cork | Lecturer (.5 FTE) | 01-SEP-89 / 01-SEP-10 | |
| Department of Geography, Mary Immaculate College of Education | Lecturer | 01-SEP-88 / 01-SEP-89 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | University College Cork | Postgraduate Certificate | Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | |
| 2020 | University College Cork | PhD | Geography | |
| 1988 | University College Cork | MA | Geography | |
| 1984 | University College Cork | BA | Geography and English |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal Of Co-Operative Organization And Management | Peer Reviewer | - | |
| Journal Of Rural Studies | Peer Reviewer | - | |
| Social Inclusion | Peer Reviewer | - | |
| Journal Of Co-Operative Studies | Peer Reviewer | - |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
My areas of expertise are historical geography, rural geography and cultural geography. I currently contribute to the following modules:GG1015 Applied Geography (5 credits)
GG2022 Field Work (5 credits)
GG2023 Economic and Rural Geography (5 credits)
ES2031 Methodologies, Data Analysis and Research (5 credits)
GG2038 Geographical research Methods (5 credits)
GG3006 Research Methods and Dissertation (Historical Geography, Rural & Development Geography) (10 credits)
GG3049 Historical Geographies of Ireland: Social, Economic and Cultural Transformations (5 credits)
GG3054 Field work (5 credits)
ES4022 Research Dissertation (European Rural development, Agriculture, Landscape, Tourism) (10 credits)
In the past I taught on the European Studies, the Earth Science and Geography (BSc) undergraduate programmes and coordinated the European Development Studies Masters programme 2011-2015). Other modules I taught include:
GG3018 Geographies of Food and Agriculture (5 credits) (1997-2007)
ER1004/5/6 Applied Earth Systems (5 credits) (1998-2013)
ES1001 An Introduction to Europe and the European Union (5 credits) (1999-2004)
GG2035 Ireland in Transition (5 credits)(1999-2012)
GG2040 Geographies of Environment and Sustainability (5 credits) (2003)
GG3045 Food Geography (5 credits) (2003)
ES6001 European Development: Different Meanings to Different Europeans (5 credits) (2009-2015)
ES6002 Core-periphery Relationships in Europe (5 credits) (2009-2015)
ES6008 Research Strategies (10 credits) (2009-2015)
ES6009 Assessing Cohesion within Europe: Case Study (15 credits) (2009-2015)
ES6010 Research Dissertation (45 credits) (2009-2015)
GG1003 Cultural Geography: An Introduction to Place, Space and Globalisation (5 credits)(2010-2014)
GG1014 Society and Space: Geographies of Globalisation, Difference and Inequality (5 credits)(2015-2017)
Recent Postgraduates
| Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Shawn Day | University College Cork | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY | The Socio-Cultural Terroir of Irish Craft Brewing | |
| 2015 | Richard Scriven | University College Cork | DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY | Contemporary Pilgrimage in Ireland: A Cultural geographic perspective | |
| 2018 | Elaine O'Driscoll Adam | University College Cork | DOCTORATE OF PHILOSOPHY | Fishing as a way of life: A cultural geography of fishing communities in Castletownbere ((Ireland) and Le Guilvinec (Brittany) |