Irish literary treasures donated to Concordia Library
Concordia graduate Barry Sheehy, BA 75, has given a new home to 14 rare books he’s lovingly collected.
Sheehy returned to his alma mater on October 17 to officially launch the Irish Studies Rare Book Collection that features literary works he donated from the 17th, 18th and 19th century to Concordia Library.
He also gave a lecture on the Elizabethan War to some 50 guests entitled, “Fynes Moryson’s Itinerary, Pacata Hibernia, the Elizabethan conquest and the end of Gaelic order in Ireland.”
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“This is a very generous gift that we are honoured to receive. It is always special when a graduate pays tribute to their education by giving back,” said Graham Carr, provost and vice-president, Academic Affairs.
“The quality of our research and the program at our School of Canadian Irish Studies was certainly the inspiration to create this collection,” said Concordia University Librarian Guylaine Beaudry.
Sheehy is an accomplished writer himself. He has authored several business and history books, including Winning the Race for Value, as well as the American Civil War book Savannah: Immortal City.
From left: Concordia University Librarian Guylaine Beaudry; Concordia Chancellor Jonathan Wener, BA 71; donor Barry Sheehy, BA 75; Rhona Richman Kenneally, professor in Concordia’s Department of Design and Computation Arts and fellow of School of Canadian Irish Studies; Michael Kenneally, principal, School of Canadian Irish Studies; Graham Carr, Concordia provost and vice-president, Academic Affairs.
“Coming back to Concordia is like coming home,” said Sheehy. “I’m delighted to have this opportunity to share these extraordinary historical works with my alma mater.”
Concordia Chancellor Jonathan Wener, BA 71, Chairman and CEO of Candarel, thanked Sheehy for consigning his treasures to the public good: “Your books will take on new life in the hands of our students. They will become part of the Concordia educational experience.”
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