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Conor O'Mahony

0
Faculty of Law
University College Cork
Ireland
T: +353 21 490 3041
E: conor.omahony@ucc.ie

Dr Conor O'Mahony graduated from UCC with a first class honours BCL in 2001, and subsequently completed a first class honours LLM by Major Research Thesis in 2002 entitled "The Right to Education in Irish and International Law". In 2005, he completed his PhD at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, for a thesis entitled "A Comparative Study of Legal Provision for Special Educational Needs Law in England & Wales and in Ireland". He has lectured in UCC since 2005. His research interests lie broadly in the areas of constitutional law and child law, with a particular focus on constitutional interpretation, family and children's rights, educational rights and special educational needs.

Dr O'Mahony is the author of Educational Rights in Irish Law (Thomson Round Hall, 2006) and has published numerous articles in such international journals as the International Journal of Constitutional Law, the Harvard Human Rights Journal, the International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, the Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, the Columbia Human Rights Law Review, Public Law and the Child and Family Law Quarterly, as well as various Irish journals. He has delivered papers at conferences in Ireland, the UK, Germany, Italy, Turkey, the US, Canada and South Africa, and contributes regularly to analysis in the national media.


Dr O'Mahony is a member of the Child Care Proceedings Research Group, which was awarded the UCC Research Team of the Year Award for 2016. He is Deputy Director of the Child Law Clinic at UCC, through which he works to support litigation concerning children and to advocate for law reform in the area of child law. He also takes an active role in public debate in referendums on constitutional amendments.


Dr O'Mahony is co-PI with Dr Kenneth Burns (School of Applied Social Studies, UCC) on a major project funded by European Commission entitled IDEA: Improving Decision for children through Empowerment and Advocacy. This is a two-year, five country project which will deliver children's rights capacity-building training to professionals in the child protection sector during 2017-2018 (total funding approx. €420,000).


Modules Taught:
LW1161 Constitutional Law: Fundamental Rights
LW6530 Contemporary Issues in Constitutional Law (LLM)
LW6563 Child Law in Practice (LLM)
LW6549 Children's Rights (LLM)


Research Interests

Constitutional Law; constitutional interpretation; constitutional amendment; direct democracy; children's rights; education law; special educational needs; religion and the law.


Books

YearPublication
(2006)Educational Rights in Irish Law.
Conor O'Mahony; (2006) Educational Rights in Irish Law. Dublin: Thomson Round Hall. [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

YearPublication
(2017)'What social workers talk about when they talk about child care proceedings in the District Court in Ireland'
Kenneth Burns, Conor O'Mahony, Caroline Shore and Aisling Parkes (2017) 'What social workers talk about when they talk about child care proceedings in the District Court in Ireland'. Child and Family Social Work, 22 [Details]
(2017)'Marriage Equality in the United States and Ireland: How History Shaped the Future'
Conor O'Mahony (2017) 'Marriage Equality in the United States and Ireland: How History Shaped the Future'. University of Illinois Law Review, (2):681-711 Globe icon [Details]
(2016)'Child Care Proceedings and Family-Friendly Justice: The Problem with Court Facilities'
Conor O’Mahony, Aisling Parkes, Caroline Shore and Kenneth Burns (2016) 'Child Care Proceedings and Family-Friendly Justice: The Problem with Court Facilities'. Irish Journal of Family Law, 19 (4):75-81 Globe icon [Details]
(2016)'Representation and participation in child care proceedings: what about the voice of the parents?'
Conor O’Mahony, Kenneth Burns, Aisling Parkes and Caroline Shore (2016) 'Representation and participation in child care proceedings: what about the voice of the parents?'. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 38 (3):302-322 [DOI] [CORA Link] [Details]
(2016)'Child Care Proceedings in Non-Specialist Courts: The Experience in Ireland'
Conor O’Mahony, Caroline Shore, Kenneth Burns and Aisling Parkes (2016) 'Child Care Proceedings in Non-Specialist Courts: The Experience in Ireland'. International Journal Of Law Policy And The Family, 30 :131-157 [DOI] [CORA Link] [Details]
(2016)'Falling Short of Expectations: The 2012 Children Amendment, From Drafting to Referendum'
Conor O'Mahony (2016) 'Falling Short of Expectations: The 2012 Children Amendment, From Drafting to Referendum'. Irish Political Studies, 31 (2):252-281 [DOI] [Details]
(2015)'The Right of the Child to be Heard? Professional Experiences of Child Care Proceedings in the Irish District Court'
Aisling Parkes, Caroline Shore, Conor O’Mahony and Kenneth Burns (2015) 'The Right of the Child to be Heard? Professional Experiences of Child Care Proceedings in the Irish District Court'. Child and Family Law Quarterly, 27 (4):423-444 [Details]
(2015)'The Constitutionality of the Children and Family Relationships Bill'
Conor O'Mahony (2015) 'The Constitutionality of the Children and Family Relationships Bill'. Irish Journal of Family Law, 18 (1):3-8 [Details]
(2014)'O’Keeffe v Ireland and the duty of the state to identify and prevent child abuse'
Conor O'Mahony and Ursula Kilkelly (2014) 'O’Keeffe v Ireland and the duty of the state to identify and prevent child abuse'. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 36 (3):320-329 Globe icon [DOI] [Details]
(2014)'If a Constitution is Easy to Amend, Can Judges be Less Restrained? Rights, Social Change and Proposition 8'
Conor O'Mahony (2014) 'If a Constitution is Easy to Amend, Can Judges be Less Restrained? Rights, Social Change and Proposition 8'. Harvard Human Rights Journal, 27 :191-242 Globe icon [Details]
(2013)'Evolutive Interpretation of Rights Provisions: A Comparison of the European Court of Human Rights and the US Supreme Court'
Kanstantsin Dzehtsiarou and Conor O'Mahony (2013) 'Evolutive Interpretation of Rights Provisions: A Comparison of the European Court of Human Rights and the US Supreme Court'. Columbia Human Rights Law Review, 44 (2):309-365 [Details]
(2012)'There is No Such Thing as a Right to Dignity: A Rejoinder to Emily Kidd White'
Conor O'Mahony (2012) 'There is No Such Thing as a Right to Dignity: A Rejoinder to Emily Kidd White'. International Journal of Constitutional Law, 10 (2):585-587 [Details]
(2012)'There is No Such Thing as a Right to Dignity'
Conor O'Mahony; (2012) 'There is No Such Thing as a Right to Dignity'. International Journal of Constitutional Law, 10 (2):551-574 [Details]
(2012)'Irreconcilable Differences? Article 8 ECHR and Irish Law on Non-Traditional Families'
Conor O'Mahony (2012) 'Irreconcilable Differences? Article 8 ECHR and Irish Law on Non-Traditional Families'. International Journal of Law, Policy and The Family, 26 (1):31-61 [Details]
(2012)'Principled Expediency: How the Irish Courts can Compromise on Same-Sex Marriage'
Conor O'Mahony (2012) 'Principled Expediency: How the Irish Courts can Compromise on Same-Sex Marriage'. Dublin University Law Journal, 35 :199-228 [Details]
(2012)'Child Care Proceedings in the District Court: What Do We Really Know?'
Conor O'Mahony, Caroline Shore, Kenneth Burns and Aisling Parkes (2012) 'Child Care Proceedings in the District Court: What Do We Really Know?'. Irish Journal of Family Law, 15 (2):49-55 [Details]
(2010)'Societal Change and Constitutional Interpretation'
Conor O'Mahony; (2010) 'Societal Change and Constitutional Interpretation'. Irish Journal of Legal Studies, 1 (2):71-115 Globe icon [Details]
(2009)'State liability for abuse in primary schools: systemic failure and O'Keeffe v Hickey'
Conor O'Mahony (2009) 'State liability for abuse in primary schools: systemic failure and O'Keeffe v Hickey'. Irish Educational Studies, 28 (3):315-331 [Details]
(2008)'Constitutionalism and Legislation in Special Educational Needs Law: An Anglo-Irish Perspective'
Conor O'Mahony; (2008) 'Constitutionalism and Legislation in Special Educational Needs Law: An Anglo-Irish Perspective'. Public Law, :125-151 [Details]
(2008)'Special Educational Needs: Balancing the Interests of Children and Parents in the Statementing Process'
Conor O'Mahony; (2008) 'Special Educational Needs: Balancing the Interests of Children and Parents in the Statementing Process'. Child and Family Law Quarterly, 20 :199-218 [Details]
(2007)'The Proposed Children's Rights Amendment: Running to Stand Still?'
Ursula Kilkelly & Conor O'Mahony; (2007) 'The Proposed Children's Rights Amendment: Running to Stand Still?'. Irish Journal of Family Law, (2):19-25 [Details]
(2006)'The Right to Education and 'Constitutionally Appropriate' Provision'
Conor O'Mahony; (2006) 'The Right to Education and 'Constitutionally Appropriate' Provision'. Dublin University Law Journal, 28 :422-432 [Details]
(2005)'A New Slant on Educational Rights and Mandatory Injunctions?'
Conor O'Mahony; (2005) 'A New Slant on Educational Rights and Mandatory Injunctions?'. Dublin University Law Journal, 27 :363-367 [Details]
(2004)'Educational Malpractice Claims in Ireland: A Spectre on the Horizon?'
Conor O'Mahony; (2004) 'Educational Malpractice Claims in Ireland: A Spectre on the Horizon?'. Irish Jurist, 39 :301-306 [Details]
(2004)'The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004: A New(ish) Beginning'
Conor O'Mahony; (2004) 'The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004: A New(ish) Beginning'. Irish Law Times, 22 :301-304 [Details]
(2004)'Children, Parents and Education Rights: A Constitutional Imbalance'
Conor O'Mahony; (2004) 'Children, Parents and Education Rights: A Constitutional Imbalance'. Irish Journal of Family Law, (3):3-7 [Details]
(2003)'Extra-Marital Families and Education Rights under the Irish Constitution'
Conor O'Mahony; (2003) 'Extra-Marital Families and Education Rights under the Irish Constitution'. Irish Journal of Family Law, (2):21-25 [Details]
(2002)'Education, Remedies and the Separation of Powers'
Conor O'Mahony; (2002) 'Education, Remedies and the Separation of Powers'. Dublin University Law Journal, 24 :57-95 [Details]

Book Chapters

YearPublication
(2017)'Subsidiarity of ECHR and O’Keeffe v Ireland: A Response to Mr Justice Hardiman'
Conor O'Mahony (2017) 'Subsidiarity of ECHR and O’Keeffe v Ireland: A Response to Mr Justice Hardiman' In: Laura Cahillane, James Gallen & Tom Hickey (eds). Judges, Politics and the Irish Constitution. Manchester: Manchester University Press. Globe icon [Details]
(2017)'The Dignity of the Individual in Irish Constitutional Law'
Conor O'Mahony (2017) 'The Dignity of the Individual in Irish Constitutional Law' In: Dieter Grimm, Alexandra Kemmerer & Christoph Mullers (eds). Human Dignity in Context. Oxford: Hart Publishing. Globe icon [Details]
(2017)'Child removal decision-making systems in Ireland: Law, policy and practice'
Kenneth Burns, Conor O’Mahony, Caroline Shore and Aisling Parkes (2017) 'Child removal decision-making systems in Ireland: Law, policy and practice' In: Kenneth Burns, Tarja Pösö and Marit Skivenes (eds). Child Welfare Removals by the State: A Cross-Country Analysis of Decision-Making Systems. New York: Oxford University Press. Globe icon [CORA Link] [Details]
(2015)'Education, Play and Leisure'
Conor O'Mahony (2015) 'Education, Play and Leisure' In: Making Rights Real for Children: A Children's Rights Audit of Irish Law. Dublin: Children's Rights Alliance. Globe icon [Details]
(2014)'Constitutional Protection of Social Welfare Rights'
Conor O'Mahony (2014) 'Constitutional Protection of Social Welfare Rights' In: Fatih Ozturk, Murat Yanik and Huseyin Ozcan (eds). A Road Map of a New Constitution for Turkey. Durham, North Carolina: Carolina Academic Press. [Details]
(2013)'Religious Education in Ireland'
Conor O'Mahony (2013) 'Religious Education in Ireland' In: The Routledge International Handbook on Religious Education. Oxford: Routledge. [Details]
(2012)'Constitutional Amendment and Judicial Restraint: How Restrained Should an Irish Court Be?'
Conor O'Mahony (2012) 'Constitutional Amendment and Judicial Restraint: How Restrained Should an Irish Court Be?' In: The Constitution of Ireland: Perspectives and Prospects. Haywards Heath: Bloomsbury Professional. [Details]
(2012)'Sosyal Yardim Haklarinin Anayasal Korunumu (Constitutional Protection of Social Welfare Rights)'
Conor O'Mahony (2012) 'Sosyal Yardim Haklarinin Anayasal Korunumu (Constitutional Protection of Social Welfare Rights)' In: Yeni Anayasa Için Yol Haritasi (A Route Map of a New Constitution for Turkey). Istanbul: Adalet ve Hukuk Denegi. [Details]
(2012)'Ireland'
Conor O'Mahony (2012) 'Ireland' In: Balancing Freedom, Autonomy, and Accountability in Education. Nijmegen: Wolf Legal Publishers. [Details]

Conference Publications

YearPublication
(2011)International Congress on Constitutional Law
Conor O'Mahony (2011) Bringing the Living Constitution to Life: Interpreting Constitutional Rights in Changing Societies . In: Murat Yanik, Huseyin Ozcan & Ahmet Akcan eds. International Congress on Constitutional Law Istanbul University, Turkey, , 11-MAY-11 - 14-MAY-11 , pp.103-114 [DOI] [Details]

Published Reports

YearPublication
(2014)The Protection of Children's Rights: International Standards and Domestic Constitutions.
Christoph Grabenwarter, Jan Helgesen, Anne Peters, Herdis Thorgeirsdottir, Anna Lindboe, Ursula Kilkelly & Conor O'Mahony (2014) The Protection of Children's Rights: International Standards and Domestic Constitutions. Council of Europe, Strasbourg. Globe icon [Details]

Newspaper Articles

YearPublication
(2016)Ireland’s vote on marriage equality holds many lessons – but are any relevant to Australia? (The Conversation, September 28, 2016).
Conor O'Mahony (2016) Ireland’s vote on marriage equality holds many lessons – but are any relevant to Australia? (The Conversation, September 28, 2016). Melbourne: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2016)How schools’ baptism barrier can be removed without breaching Constitution, Irish Times, June 23, 2016.
Conor O'Mahony (2016) How schools’ baptism barrier can be removed without breaching Constitution, Irish Times, June 23, 2016. Dublin: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2016)New minister must act quickly on denominational schools issue, Irish Independent, May 11, 2016.
Conor O'Mahony (2016) New minister must act quickly on denominational schools issue, Irish Independent, May 11, 2016. Dublin: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2016)President has the skills to play a part in stalemate (Irish Times, March 10, 2016).
Conor O'Mahony (2016) President has the skills to play a part in stalemate (Irish Times, March 10, 2016). Dublin: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2015)The constitutional stance on religious education (Irish Times, December 11, 2015).
Conor (2015) The constitutional stance on religious education (Irish Times, December 11, 2015). Dublin: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2015)Abortion ruling in North unlikely to affect Republic (Irish Times, December 3, 2015).
Conor O'Mahony (2015) Abortion ruling in North unlikely to affect Republic (Irish Times, December 3, 2015). Dublin: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2015)This issue was legally never as simple as some were suggesting (The Irish Independent, June 3, 2015).
Conor O'Mahony (2015) This issue was legally never as simple as some were suggesting (The Irish Independent, June 3, 2015). Dublin: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2015)Should TDs be allowed to use privilege to permit media to circumvent existing court orders? (The Irish Independent, June 2, 2015).
Conor O'Mahony (2015) Should TDs be allowed to use privilege to permit media to circumvent existing court orders? (The Irish Independent, June 2, 2015). Dublin: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2015)Drugs Ruling: Clarifying position on headshop substances (The Irish Examiner, March 11, 2015).
Conor O'Mahony (2015) Drugs Ruling: Clarifying position on headshop substances (The Irish Examiner, March 11, 2015). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2015)It's vital that politicians engage with the Constitution (The Irish Times, February 16, 2015).
Conor O'Mahony (2015) It's vital that politicians engage with the Constitution (The Irish Times, February 16, 2015). Dublin: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2015)Amendment is sensibly brief, clear and direct (The Irish Times, January 22, 2015).
Conor O'Mahony (2015) Amendment is sensibly brief, clear and direct (The Irish Times, January 22, 2015). Dublin: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2014)It is sadly inevitable that further tragic cases will end up in the High Court (The Irish Independent, December 27, 2014).
Conor O'Mahony (2014) It is sadly inevitable that further tragic cases will end up in the High Court (The Irish Independent, December 27, 2014). Dublin: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2014)Doctors must balance between rights of mother and unborn (The Irish Examiner, December 19, 2014).
Conor O'Mahony (2014) Doctors must balance between rights of mother and unborn (The Irish Examiner, December 19, 2014). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2014)Irish solutions to Irish problems are just not working (The Irish Independent, December 19, 2014).
Conor O'Mahony (2014) Irish solutions to Irish problems are just not working (The Irish Independent, December 19, 2014). Dublin: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2014)Abortion polls need more nuance than just Yes or No (The Irish Times, August 30, 2014).
Conor O'Mahony (2014) Abortion polls need more nuance than just Yes or No (The Irish Times, August 30, 2014). Dublin: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2014)Is a referendum needed to introduce same-sex marriage? (The Irish Times, March 24, 2014).
Conor O'Mahony (2014) Is a referendum needed to introduce same-sex marriage? (The Irish Times, March 24, 2014). Dublin: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2014)If the State had done the right thing, Louise O’Keeffe would never have been abused (The Journal.ie., January 28, 2014).
Conor O'Mahony (2014) If the State had done the right thing, Louise O’Keeffe would never have been abused (The Journal.ie., January 28, 2014). Dublin: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2013)The complexity of child care cases (The Irish Examiner, November 8, 2013).
Conor O'Mahony (2013) The complexity of child care cases (The Irish Examiner, November 8, 2013). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2013)Short-sighted to vote against reform (The Irish Examiner, September 26, 2013).
Conor O'Mahony (2013) Short-sighted to vote against reform (The Irish Examiner, September 26, 2013). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2013)DPP needs clear protocols after assisted suicide ruling (The Irish Times, January 15, 2013).
Conor O'Mahony (2013) DPP needs clear protocols after assisted suicide ruling (The Irish Times, January 15, 2013). Dublin: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2012)Counting the cost (The Irish Examiner, November 12, 2012).
Conor O'Mahony (2012) Counting the cost (The Irish Examiner, November 12, 2012). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2012)Keeping our youngest citizens safe (The Irish Examiner, November 10, 2012).
Conor O'Mahony (2012) Keeping our youngest citizens safe (The Irish Examiner, November 10, 2012). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2012)Ruling on referendum bias confirms need for change (The Irish Times, November 9, 2012).
Conor O'Mahony (2012) Ruling on referendum bias confirms need for change (The Irish Times, November 9, 2012). Dublin: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2012)Facing up to vote's reality (The Irish Examiner, November 7, 2012).
Conor O'Mahony (2012) Facing up to vote's reality (The Irish Examiner, November 7, 2012). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2012)A subtle change to protecting children (The Irish Examiner, October 31, 2012).
Conor O'Mahony (2012) A subtle change to protecting children (The Irish Examiner, October 31, 2012). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2012)Making a mountain out of an amendment (The Irish Examiner, October 25, 2012).
Conor O'Mahony (2012) Making a mountain out of an amendment (The Irish Examiner, October 25, 2012). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2012)Having Regard for Our Children (The Irish Examiner, September 24, 2012).
Conor O'Mahony (2012) Having Regard for Our Children (The Irish Examiner, September 24, 2012). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2012)Listen to Children During the Silly Season (The Irish Examiner, September 18, 2012).
Conor O'Mahony (2012) Listen to Children During the Silly Season (The Irish Examiner, September 18, 2012). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2012)Constitution is not an obstacle to legalising gay marriage (The Irish Times, July 16, 2012).
Conor O'Mahony (2012) Constitution is not an obstacle to legalising gay marriage (The Irish Times, July 16, 2012). Dublin: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2012)This so-called constitutional convention is a charade (The Irish Times, June 7, 2012).
Conor O'Mahony (2012) This so-called constitutional convention is a charade (The Irish Times, June 7, 2012). Dublin: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2011)Electorate 'confusion' not to blame for defeat of inquiries referendum (The Irish Examiner, October 31, 2011).
Conor O'Mahony (2011) Electorate 'confusion' not to blame for defeat of inquiries referendum (The Irish Examiner, October 31, 2011). Cork: Newspaper Articles Globe icon [Details]
(2011)Devil is in the detail (The Irish Examiner, October 25, 2011).
Conor O'Mahony (2011) Devil is in the detail (The Irish Examiner, October 25, 2011). Cork: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2011)Children deserve better protection (The Irish Examiner, January 26, 2011).
Conor O'Mahony (2011) Children deserve better protection (The Irish Examiner, January 26, 2011). Cork: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2010)A Significant Decision (The Irish Examiner, December 17, 2010).
Conor O'Mahony; (2010) A Significant Decision (The Irish Examiner, December 17, 2010). Cork: Newspaper Articles [Details]
(2002)No Reservations.
Conor O'Mahony; (2002) No Reservations. Newspaper Articles [Details]

Book Reviews

YearPublication
(2014)Review of Aoife Nolan, Children's Socio‐Economic Rights, Democracy and the Courts (2014) 77 Modern Law Review 520-524.
Conor O'Mahony (2014) Review of Aoife Nolan, Children's Socio‐Economic Rights, Democracy and the Courts (2014) 77 Modern Law Review 520-524. Chichester: Book Reviews Globe icon [DOI] [Details]
(2014)Review of Michael Klarman, From the Closet to the Altar: Courts, Backlash and the Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage (2014) 37 Dublin University Lw aw Journal 277-281.
Conor O'Mahony (2014) Review of Michael Klarman, From the Closet to the Altar: Courts, Backlash and the Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage (2014) 37 Dublin University Lw aw Journal 277-281. Dublin: Book Reviews [Details]
(2014)Review of Theo Dorgan (ed.), Foundation Stone: Notes Towards a Constitution for a 21st Century Republic (2014) 108(3) Law Society Gazette 46.
Conor O'Mahony (2014) Review of Theo Dorgan (ed.), Foundation Stone: Notes Towards a Constitution for a 21st Century Republic (2014) 108(3) Law Society Gazette 46. Dublin: Book Reviews Globe icon [Details]
(2010)Review of Alison Mawhinney, Freedom of Religion and Schools: the Case of Ireland (2010) 1(1) Irish Journal of Legal Studies 169-176.
Conor O'Mahony (2010) Review of Alison Mawhinney, Freedom of Religion and Schools: the Case of Ireland (2010) 1(1) Irish Journal of Legal Studies 169-176. Cork: Book Reviews Globe icon [Details]
(2009)Review of Dympna Glendenning, Religion, Education and the Law (2009) 44 Irish Jurist 262-263.
Conor O'Mahony (2009) Review of Dympna Glendenning, Religion, Education and the Law (2009) 44 Irish Jurist 262-263. Dublin: Book Reviews [Details]

Conference Contributions

YearPublication
(2016)Constitutional History: Comparative Perspectives,
Conor O'Mahony (2016) Marriage Equality in the US and Ireland: How History Shaped the Future. [Oral Presentation], Constitutional History: Comparative Perspectives, Chicago , 11-APR-16 - 12-APR-16. [Details]
(2015)International Conference on Child Protection and the Law,
Conor O'Mahony, Kenneth Burns, Aisling Parkes, Caroline Shore (2015) Parental Representation and Participation in Child Protection Proceedings: A Qualitative Analysis of the Irish District Court. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], International Conference on Child Protection and the Law, Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin , 13-APR-15 - 13-APR-15. [Details]
(2015)Marriage Equality: What are the Legal and Social Implications?,
Conor O'Mahony (2015) If Ireland Says No: Where Next for Marriage Equality?. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Marriage Equality: What are the Legal and Social Implications?, Maynooth University , 26-MAR-15 - 26-MAR-15. [Details]
(2014)Constitutional History: Comparative Perspectives,
Conor O'Mahony (2014) Constitutional Amendment and Judicial Restraint. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Constitutional History: Comparative Perspectives, University of Bologna , 06-OCT-14 - 07-OCT-14. [Details]
(2014)Judges, Politics and the Irish Constitution,
Conor O'Mahony (2014) Human Dignity in Irish Constitutional Case Law: Filling the Void Left by Natural Law?. [Oral Presentation], Judges, Politics and the Irish Constitution, Dublin City University , 04-SEP-14 - 04-SEP-14. [Details]
(2014)Marriage Equality, Relationship Recognition and Non-Discrimination: Securing Equality and Rights?,
Conor O'Mahony (2014) Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights Annual Conference 2014. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Marriage Equality, Relationship Recognition and Non-Discrimination: Securing Equality and Rights?, University College Cork , 28-MAR-14 - 28-MAR-14. [Details]
(2014)European Colloquium on Socio-Legal Decision-Making Models in Child Protection,
Burns, K., O'Mahony, C., Parkes, A., and Shore, C. (2014) District Court Child Care Proceedings in Ireland. [Invited Oral Presentation], European Colloquium on Socio-Legal Decision-Making Models in Child Protection, University of Bergen, Norway , 30-JAN-14 - 31-JAN-14. [Details]
(2013)4th Biennial Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference. New Agency, New Rights, New Systems: Are Children Any Safer?,
Caroline Shore, Kenneth Burns, Aisling Parkes and Conor O'Mahony (2013) Fit for Purpose? Professional Perspectives on District Court Child Care Proceedings. [Oral Presentation], 4th Biennial Child Protection and Welfare Social Work Conference. New Agency, New Rights, New Systems: Are Children Any Safer?, University College Cork , 25-OCT-13 - 25-OCT-13. [Details]
(2013)13th ISPCAN European Regional Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect,
Burns, K., O’Mahony, C., Shore, C. and Parkes, A. (2013) Fit for Purpose? Professional Perspectives on District Court Child Care Proceedings. [Oral Presentation], 13th ISPCAN European Regional Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect, Burlington Hotel, Dublin , 15-SEP-13 - 18-SEP-13. [Details]
(2013)The Concept of Human Dignity in a Comparative Perspective - Cases and Developments,
Conor O'Mahony (2013) There is No Such Thing as a Right to Dignity. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], The Concept of Human Dignity in a Comparative Perspective - Cases and Developments, Recht im Kontext, Berlin , 20-JUN-13 - 21-JUN-13. [Details]
(2012)Amnesty International Conference: A Deficit of Protection – Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Ireland,
Conor O'Mahony (2012) Constitutional Protection of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Ireland and Beyond. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Amnesty International Conference: A Deficit of Protection – Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Ireland, Dublin , 22-NOV-12 - 22-NOV-12. [Details]
(2012)The Irish Constitution: Past, Present and Future,
Conor O'Mahony (2012) Constitutional Amendment and Judicial Restraint: How Restrained Should an Irish Court be?. [Oral Presentation], The Irish Constitution: Past, Present and Future, University College Dublin , 28-JUN-12 - 30-JUN-12. [Details]
(2012)International Symposium on the Constitutional Convention: Best Practice and Guiding Principles for Reform,
Conor O'Mahony (2012) A Critique of Current Proposals for a Constitutional Convention. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], International Symposium on the Constitutional Convention: Best Practice and Guiding Principles for Reform, Dublin , 21-JUN-12 - 21-JUN-12. [Details]
(2012)Challenges and Issues in Child Law Scholarship,
Conor O'Mahony (2012) Reconciling Irish Child Law with Article 8 ECHR. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Challenges and Issues in Child Law Scholarship, University College Cork , 09-MAR-12 - 09-MAR-12. [Details]
(2012)International School Choice and Reform Academic Conference,
Conor O'Mahony (2012) School Choice in Ireland: Reforming a De Facto Religious School System in the Face of Constitutional Guarantees for Denominational Education. [Oral Presentation], International School Choice and Reform Academic Conference, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida , 14-JAN-12 - 17-JAN-12. [Details]
(2011)Bogaziçi Lawyers Association Congress on Constitutional Law,
Conor O'Mahony (2011) Enforcing New Generation Constitutional Rights: The Experience of Ireland. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Bogaziçi Lawyers Association Congress on Constitutional Law, Istanbul , 07-OCT-11 - 08-OCT-11. [Details]
(2011)International Congress on Constitutional Law,
Conor O'Mahony; (2011) Bringing a Living Constitution to Life: Interpreting Constitutional Rights in Changing Societies. [Invited Oral Presentation], International Congress on Constitutional Law, Istanbul University , 11-MAY-11 - 14-MAY-11. [Details]
(2011)Irish Society of Comparative Law Annual Conference,
Conor O'Mahony; (2011) Direct Democracy and Deference in Same-Sex Marriage Litigation. [Oral Presentation], Irish Society of Comparative Law Annual Conference, University College Dublin , 30-APR-11 - 30-APR-11. [Details]
(2009)Irish Human Rights Commission Annual Conference,
Conor O'Mahony; (2009) National Mechanisms for Protecting the Right to Education. [Invited Oral Presentation], Irish Human Rights Commission Annual Conference, Blackhall Place, Dublin , 21-NOV-09 - 21-NOV-09. [Details]
(2009)5th World Congress on Family Law and Children's Rights,
Conor OMahony; (2009) The Challenge of Constitutionalising Children's Rights in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], 5th World Congress on Family Law and Children's Rights, Halifax, Nova Scotia , 23-AUG-09 - 26-AUG-09. [Details]
(2009)OMEP Ireland Annual Research Conference,
Conor O'Mahony; (2009) Constitutional Reform on Children's Rights. [Invited Oral Presentation], OMEP Ireland Annual Research Conference, University College Cork , 28-MAR-09 - 28-MAR-09. [Details]
(2008)Socio-Legal Studies Association Annual Conference,
Conor O'Mahony; (2008) The New, Improved Warnock? Special Educational Needs Reform in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Socio-Legal Studies Association Annual Conference, University of Manchester , 18-MAR-08 - 20-MAR-08. [Details]
(2008)Society of Legal Scholars (Ireland) Seminar,
Conor O'Mahony; (2008) How to Square a Vicious Circle? Reflecting Societal Change in Constitutional Interpretation. [Oral Presentation], Society of Legal Scholars (Ireland) Seminar, Trinity College Dublin School of Law , 17-FEB-08 - 17-FEB-08. [Details]
(2008)Centre for Disability Law and Policy,
Conor O'Mahony; (2008) Disability and Special Educational Needs: Constitutional Rights and Legislative Reform in Ireland. [Invited Oral Presentation], Centre for Disability Law and Policy, School of Law, NUI Galway , 14-NOV-08 - 14-NOV-08. [Details]
(2007)New Challenges for School Principals and Teachers,
Conor O'Mahony; (2007) Educational Malpractice Claims: Implications for Schools and Teachers. [Invited Oral Presentation], New Challenges for School Principals and Teachers, Trinity College Dublin School of Law , 28-APR-07 - 28-APR-07. [Details]
(2005)4th World Congress on Family Law and Children's Rights,
Conor O'Mahony; (2005) Domestic Enforcement of the Right to Education: Anglo-Irish Lessons on Constitutionalism. [Oral Presentation], 4th World Congress on Family Law and Children's Rights, Cape Town, South Africa , 20-MAR-05 - 23-MAR-05. [Details]

Journal Activities

 JournalRoleTo / From
Irish Journal Of Legal Studies Member of Editorial Board-
Dublin University Law Journal Referee-
European Yearbook Of Disability Law Referee-
Judicial Studies Institute Journal Member of Editorial Board01-JAN-08 - 01-JAN-10
Judicial Studies Institute Journal Referee01-JAN-08 -
Cambridge Review Of International Affairs Referee-
International Journal Of Law, Policy And The Family Referee-
Irish Jurist Referee-

Outreach Activities

 Description

I am Deputy Director of the UCC Child Law Clinic, which delivers research assistance to legal practitioners engaged in cutting-edge litigation on children's issues at al levels in the courts, from the District Court to the European Court of Human Rights. Between 2009 and 2014, I was heavily involved in Louise O'Keeffe's succesful application to the European Court of Human Rights, which resulted in a judgment against the Irish State for failing to implement adequate child protection measures in primary schools.

I am a founding member of Constitution Project @ UCC, an interdisciplinary research group bringing together scholars with an interest in the Irish Constitution from the perspectives of law, politics and government, history and the Irish language. I edit and regularly contribute to the group's blog at www.constitutionproject.ie.

I actively engage on law reform issues through written submissions to Oireachtas Committees and reform bodies like the Constitutional Convention. In 2012, I was one of the invited panel members at the Constitutional Convention session on Marriage Equality, pursuant to which a recommendation was made (and accepted by Government) to hold a referendum on whether the Irish Constitution should be amended to guarantee marriage equality. I have played an active role in campaigns and public debate in the referendums on Oireachtas Inquiries (2011), Children's Rights (2012), Seanad Abolition (2013) and Marriage Equality (2015).

I am a regular media analyst on legal affairs in both the broadcast and print media, including the Irish Times, the Irish Independent, the Irish Examiner, RTE (The Week in Politics, Morning Ireland, News at 9.00. News at 1.00, Drivetime, This Week), TV3 (Tonight with Vincent Browne, Ireland AM), Newstalk 106 FM (Breakfast, The Pat Kenny Show, Lunchtime, Moncrieff, The Right Hook, Global Village, The Shane Coleman Show) and Today FM (The Last Word).

I regularly participate (as a speaker and attendee) in Civil Society events run by Amnesty International Ireland, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and the Children's Rights Alliance.

I have taught on the Centre for Criminal Justice and Human Rights Cork Prison Education Programme.

I am a member of the Board of Management of Cara Junior School for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2016Research Team of the Year University College Cork
2013Staff Recognition Award (Early Career Leadership) University College Cork
2002AHRC Postgraduate Research Scholarship UK Arts and Humanities Research Council
2002Aberystwyth Postgraduate Research Studentship University of Wales, Aberystwyth
2001Ronan Scholarship University College Cork

Consultancy

 ClientDescription
Council of Europe Venice Commission

Preparation of report on constitutional protection of children's rights across Council of Europe member states

Panel of Consultants and Researchers, National Council for Special Education

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
University College Cork Senior Lecturer in Law01-OCT-14 /
University College Cork College Lecturer in Law01-JUL-05 / 30-SEP-14

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
2001University College Cork B.C.L.Law
2002University College Cork LL.MLaw
2005University of Wales, Aberystwyth Ph.D.Law

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
Assessment of Application for NUI Travelling Ph.D. Scholarship 2008 /

Teaching Interests

My teaching falls broadly in the areas of Constitutional Law and Child Law. I teach LW1161 Constitutional Law: Fundamental Rights to undergraduates and LW6530 Contemporary Issues in Constitutional Law to LLM students. On the LLM programmes, I teach LW6563 Child Law in Practice and LW6549 Children's Rights. I also teach LW3360 Moot Court to undergraduates.

Recent Postgraduates

 Graduation YearStudent NameInstitutionDegree TypeThesis Title
2013David Prendergast Trinity College DublinPHDJudicial Review of Political Processes (External Examiner)
2012Laura Cahillane University College CorkPHDThe Genesis, Drafting and Legacy of the 1922 Irish Free State Constitution
2012Cian Fention University College CorkLLMCompany Directors’ Creditor-Regarding Duties
2011Eoin Daly University College CorkPHDReligion, Education and the Rawlsian Social Contract: A Comparative Analysis of Liberty of Conscience Guarantees
2010Eilionóir Flynn University College CorkPHDAdvocacy Services for Persons with Disabilities: A Comparative Study of Disability Rights Enforcement in Ireland and Victoria
2006Anne Marie O’Mullane University College CorkLLMBarriers to Entry to Fatherhood for Unmarried Fathers

Modules Taught

 Term (ID))TitleLinkSubject
2018Constitutional Law in Comparative Context LW6530Constitutional Law in Comparative Context
2018Research Methods in Law LW6004Research Methods in Law

Internal Collaborators

 NameInstituteCountry
Dr Kenneth Burns University College CorkIRELAND
Dr Aisling Parkes University College CorkIRELAND
Professor Ursula Kilkelly University College CorkIRELAND
Caroline Shore University College CorkIRELAND

External Collaborators

 NameOrganisation / InstituteCountry
Dr Kanstantsin Dzehtsiarou University of SurreyUNITED KINGDOM
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