Helene O'Keeffe

Helene O'Keeffe is a historian, author and project manager, based in UCC's School of History.

Robert Peel, who was Prime Minister at the start of the Famine

Peel's brimstone: the Temporary Relief Commission

It was the first serious attempt to alleviate the suffering of the Famine. But did it make a serious difference? Helene O'Keeffe on the Temporary Relief Commission

History • 25 Nov 20

Terence MacSwiney on his deathbed, as depicted in the French publication Le Petit Journal

How MacSwiney's hunger strike drew international attention

Terence MacSwiney's death was a crucial event in the War of Independence and made headlines all over the world. In this video, featuring footage from the funeral procession, Dr Helene O'Keeffe explains why it was so important.

History • 22 Oct 20

Sir William Wilde, whose statistical analysis gives us a detailed picture of post-Famine Ireland. Image: National Library of Ireland

Greatest ravages: the 1851 census and Famine Mortality

The 1851 census gives a detailed picture of Ireland immediately after the Famine - and can tell us a lot about the devastating effects of the disaster

History • 25 Mar 21

People begging to be allowed enter a workhouse in Ireland, circa 1846

"This Land of Sorrows": the Poor Law Extension Act 1847

Sir John Russell's policy in Ireland, exemplified by the the Poor Law Extension Act 8 June 1847, led to over a million excess deaths. The Act was intended to spark social and economic regeneration. Instead it led to a horrific humanitarian crisis

Famine Ireland • 24 Feb 21

Colourised image of a civilian being searched in Drumcondra, Dublin, circa 1921. Image: RTE Photographic Archive.

Martial Law: powers with 'practically no limitation'

In 1921 in Ireland, press censorship was widespread, driving cars was forbidden and just walking with your hands in your pockets could make you a British military target. Helene O'Keeffe on the introduction of martial law to Ireland

History • 09 Dec 20

1846: A destitute family during The Great Famine.

Why was the potato so important?

The potato was the staple diet of the Irish poor. How did it become so important - and what happened when blight struck? Helene O'Keeffe explains.

The Great Irish Famine • 25 Nov 20

Ireland before the Great Famine

In 1841, Ireland was the second most densely populated country in Europe. But how did its people live? The 1841 census is an invaluable source of information on pre-Famine Ireland. Helene O'Keefe explains.

The Great Irish Famine • 14 Jan 21

Cumann na mBan members, including Constance Markievicz

A Two Minute Guide to Cumann na mBan

The Ban • 22 Apr 20

The First Dáil meets in the Mansion House

A Two Minute Guide to the First Dáil

First Dáil • 21 Apr 20

British soldiers guarding a train in Ireland, October 1920

The 1920 Munitions Strike: "An unusual kind of strike"

100 years ago today, on 20 May 1920, Irish railway workers started refusing to transport British weapons and forces. It was a crucial act of civil resistance in the War of Independence

Munitions Strike • 21 May 20