Belfast-born Maynooth University Professor Raymond Gillespie remembered as outstanding teacher and ‘giant of Irish historians’

Professor Raymond Gillespie has been remembered as a “titan of Irish history” who generously shared his passion for the subject with students at Maynooth University.

Born in Belfast in 1955, son of Ernest and Annie Gillespie, he attended Queen’s University and received a doctorate from Trinity in Dublin in 1982.

He worked in the civil service before joining Maynooth as a lecturer in history in 1991.

Specialising in medieval and early modern Irish history, his voluminous writings examined subjects including religious beliefs, social change, the history of Belfast and, along with his wife, Bernadette Cunningham, stories from Gaelic Ireland.

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After retiring in 2021, Maynooth University said he was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus “and continued to be an engaging, inspiring and entertaining colleague”.

“An exceptionally eminent, generous and prolific scholar, Raymond was held in the highest regard by his peers. He was also an outstanding teacher, known for sharing his passion for history with colleagues and students,” it said.

“Raymond will be very sadly missed, but leaves an enduring legacy.”

Salvador Ryan, Professor of Ecclesiastical History at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, said he was “a giant among Irish historians of all periods, but more importantly, he was a thoroughly decent human being, generous to a fault with his expertise, his learning, his hospitality, and his down-to-earth humanity”.

Four Courts Press said he was “an indispensable part” of its story for the past 30 years.

“His contributions, both academically and personally, have left an indelible mark on the publishing world, and his absence will be keenly felt by those who had the privilege of knowing him. His keen intellect, coupled with a genuine passion for the written word, created an environment where academic pursuits thrived and where the pursuit of excellence was not just a goal but a way of life.”

The Royal Irish Academy also recalled his contribution to its atlas programme, serving as chairman of the editorial board of the Irish Historic Towns Atlas and co-authoring atlases of Belfast and Carlingford.

“It is with great fondness that we remember his intellect, vision and friendship,” it said.

Raymond Gillespie, who lived in Dublin, died on Thursday in the Mater Hospital. He is survived by his “loving wife and best friend”, Bernadette and extended family.