Congratulations to Pat Bracken, who works in Thurles library and Tipperary Studies, who was recently awarded his PhD from De Montfort University, Leicester. Pat studied there at the International Centre for Sports History and Culture. Pat’s thesis, entitled ‘The growth and development of sport in Co. Tipperary, 1840-1880’ was the culmination of research undertaken under the supervision of Prof Mike Cronin, Academic Director, Boston College, Dublin, and Prof Tony Collins, DMU. His research covered the development of most sports in the county during this period, ranging from horse-racing to hunting and cricket to hurling. Pat’s graduation ceremony takes place in January 2015 at De Montfort University.

We’re very proud to count a doctor as one of our staff!