Orla Muldoon

University of Limerick

Prof. Orla Muldoon is the founding professor of psychology at the University of Limerick. She is an Irish Research Council awardee

Cheering on the runners: 'it can take a long time to run those 26.2 miles so the supporters certainly entertain and encourage participants'. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images

Solidarity, support & signs: why we cheer on marathon runners

In a world full of worryingly bad news, the Dublin marathon can restore your faith in humanity

Dublin Marathon • 27 Oct 24

Hon the lads: 'Sunday will be a trying day for many families up and down the country'

Anybody but England: why we find it hard to shout for the English

There are a myriad of reasons from disidentification to marginalisation why so many of us want to see England lose on Sunday

Sport • 12 Jul 24

The Irish women's relay team Phil Healy, Rhasidat Adeleke, Sophie Becker and Sharlene Mawdsley before the women's 4x400m relay final at the European Athletics Championships in Rome. Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Why successful Irish athletes are such a tonic for the nation

These positive female role models are likely to inspire a new generation of girls wanting to follow in the footsteps of the medalists

Psychology • 13 Jun 24

Party colleagues with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar after his resignation statement at Government Buildings yesterday. Photo: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Why would anyone want to be a politician in age of online abuse?

Far too many people are prepared to play the man rather than the ball when it comes to commenting online on politics

Politics • 21 Mar 24

The Naas ball during the Covid lockdown: 'many of the most controversial decisions during the pandemic were political rather than public health decisions'

What should we expect from Ireland's Covid inquiry?

It will need to be transparent, independent and ask the right questions about what we've experienced since March 13th 2020

Ireland • 16 Nov 23

Policemen block the road near the Serbian village of Malo Orasje where eight people were killed and 13 injured in a shooting. Photo: Getty Images

How to ensure mass shootings do not become commonplace in Europe

Mass gun attacks may have not proliferated in Europe as they have in the US, but actions to ensure this remains so need to be taken now

Shootings • 08 May 23

Outgoing Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan. Photo: Rolling News

How Tony Holohan TCD story raises questions over research funding

A clearer explanation of the proposed move to academia is required to ensure continuing trust in how research is funded

Research • 10 May 22

On Divorcing God (RTÉ One, Wednesday, June 12th, 9.35pm), comedian Oliver Callan looks at Ireland's changing relationship with religion and with God.

'Religion can be a force that unites as well as one that divides'

Religion is a group membership that can be a vehicle for health and pro-social and charitable behaviour, but it can also be divisive particularly if we inadvertently tie the fate of the group to the issue that is on the table.

religion • 12 Jun 19