My research interests cover the history of economic democracy and the historical relationship between capitalism and religion. Before joining the University of Limerick I was a Hallsworth Research Fellow in Political Economy at the University of Manchester. My first book Civilising Rural Ireland: The Co-operative Movement, Development and the Nation-state, 1889€1939 examines the history of the co-operative movement and its role in Irish state-building and was published by Manchester University Press. Other publications have appeared in History of European Ideas, Journal of Social History, and Irish Studies Review. I am also a founding member of Ireland€s Solid Network and I am interested in the application of democratic principles in community development.

I am Lecturer in Irish Politics and Community Development. My teaching interests reflect my passion for widening participation in education and community engagement. I am privileged enough to play a part in delivering UL's community development programmes to the communities across Limerick.