On the 11th of April, members of the UCC History Society, contributors from Cork and Galway, their friends, and academics of UCC attended the launch of the inaugural volume of the UCC Student History Journal at the Liberty Cocktail Bar. In their addresses, Vice Editor in Chief  Daniel A. O' Connell and Chairperson-elect Becky Bourke provided the journal, its editorial team, and its contributors with overwhelming praise. In his address, Dr Hiram Morgan, UCC School of History, reflected on the vastly interesting topics and high quality of discourse found within the first volume. Dr Morgan also led attendees of the launch with a moment of silence for the recently passed Professor Chris Williams, a cherished and distinguished figure of UCC.

Although the UCC History Society has faced many hardships in recent years, Daniel A. O' Connell and Becky Bourke offered sincere tribute to former Chairperson Richard Keyes-McDonnell, current Chairperson James Powers, and their committees. Without their efforts, the UCC Student History Journal would have lacked vital support for its success. Furthermore, Becky Bourke provided awards to distinct contributors to the journal for their incredible efforts. Emma Ní Muirthile, Vice Editor in Chief, received the Award for Editorial Excellency for her deeply impactful design and editing of the Journal. Frank Rogers, UCC Student, received the Award for Best Written Article. Jacob Conneelly, Auditor of an Cumann Stair at the University of Galway, received the Award for Best Topic.

 Volume 2, Issue 1 of the UCC Student History Journal was officially launched on the eve of the 20th of November, 2024. In his address, Co-Editor in Chief Daniel O’ Connell reflected on the diverse range of student research featured in the journal and the future of the publication to continue as a platform for students of all backgrounds to engage in historical discourse. In her address, Chairperson Becky Bourke offered immense praise to the editorial team and contributors to the journal. Chairperson Bourke also provided a few words in honour of the legacy of the recently passed Mr. Gabriel Doherty, one of UCC’s and the wider community of Cork’s most beloved historians. 

Ultimately, this edition displays the UCC History Society’s dedication to reflection and innovation. Volume 2, Issue 1 is the first edition to feature a distinct theme for its submissions, “Tales of Justice.” More precisely, (in)justice, law, and the struggle for equality. This edition features a broad range of articles which revolve around the aforementioned theme and our first article published in the Irish language. The journal’s editorial team and the UCC History Society remain excited for the release of the next instalment of Volume 2 next year.

 This edition of the UCC Student History Journal, entitled “Bogs and Borders” – sets the theme of submissions to be based around local Irish History and Irish Heritage.

Volume II, Issue II of the UCC Student History Journal was officially launched on the evening of March 27th, 2025. Co-Editor in Chief Emma Hurley made the opening remarks, reflecting on the spirit of the theme of Irish identity. History Society Chairperson Becky Bourke offered her reflections not only on this edition of Ireland’s only undergraduate history journal, but also the general triumphs of the society over the past year.

From questions of religious identity to national parks, this edition of the journal displays the diverse communities and complex identities on the island of Ireland which is reflected in the wide array of student research contained within issue 2.

The editorial team of the UCC Student History Journal sincerely hopes you enjoy this edition of the publication, and looks forward to your continued support, readership, and submissions!