Contacts and Locations

CRIT Directors

Dr. Howard Keeley

Howard Keeley (Ph.D. Princeton) directs Georgia Southern University’s Center for Irish Research and Teaching. In addition, he is an Associate Professor in the Department of English, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Irish literature.

One focus of Howard’s research and publication is representations of the homestead and domesticity in Irish literature, especially during the second half of the nineteenth century. Another focus is Irish emigration to and integration into the city of Savannah, Georgia. In particular, Howard and his students explore how hundreds of natives of County Wexford, Ireland, formed a unique diaspora community in Savannah, living alongside African Americans, Jews, and Germans in working-class districts on the city’s eastern and western peripheries.

Under Howard’s leadership, the Center for Irish Research and Teaching has developed a strong practice of community engagement and service in and beyond Savannah. In addition, Howard has spearheaded the development of Georgia Southern University’s first permanent overseas facility, anchored in heritage buildings in the historic town of Wexford, Ireland. From that base, he and a talented faculty team are delivering high-value teaching, internship, and research opportunities.

Another important achievement by the Center for Irish Research and Teaching during Howard’s tenure has been a long-term partnership with World Trade Center Savannah, Wexford County Council, Wexford Enterprise Center, and others. Known as TradeBridge, the grant-supported initiative fosters economic development between the Savannah-Coastal Georgia region and the five-county Ireland South East region.    

CIRT Associate Director

Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan: mryan@georgiasouthern.edu

Addresses & Phone Numbers

Last updated: 10/17/2023