‘Voices of the Showmen’ at the University of Galway

Monica Crump is University Librarian at the University of Galway, in which role she is responsible for leading the Library team in the delivery of the Library Strategy: Preserving the Past, Enabling the Future. A particular focus of her current work is the planning of a new Library Building, which will deliver a future-ready learning environment, supporting the University’s Academic Strategy – Teaching and Learning, by enabling students’ collaboration and creativity, supporting their learning success, as well as providing collections and spaces for individual, focussed study. Monica has nearly 30 years’ experience working in higher education, as a librarian and a researcher. She has particular interests in the ever-evolving world of scholarly communications and publishing, as well as the alignment and development of teams to deliver institutional strategic goals and support evolving user needs. Monica holds a B.A. in Computer Science, Linguistics and German (TCD), a Masters in Library and Information Science (UCD), and has completed an evening B.A. in French (University of Galway). She is an elected member of University of Galway’s Governing Authority (Údarás na hOllscoile), Deputy Chair of the Irish Research e-Library IReL Advisory Committee and a member of the LIBER Leadership Programmes Working Group.

Dr. Barry Houlihan is an Archivist at University of Galway. He has recently worked on archive projects and exhibitions on Irish theatre, literature, and politics. Barry is co-editor of the recently published book “Druid Theatre: 50 Years of New Irish Plays” (Methuen Bloomsbury) and contributes regularly to RTÉ Brainstorm.

David Duffy made his debut in the circus ring as a boy clown and stilt walker in his family’s circus. At eight years old, along with his father, Tom Duffy, he developed a perch balancing act in which he balanced on top of a 15 foot high pole held by his father.

Audiences nowadays would recognise David as the Ringmaster of Tom Duffy’s Circus, the Master of Ceremonies of the circus world, seamlessly linking the individual acts of the circus together, leading the audience through the story of the production. The history of the role of the Ringmaster runs through the Duffy family generations. David’s Grandfather, James Duffy, handed it down to his son, Tom Duffy, who in turn handed it down to David. Over the next few years the mantle will be handed to David’s sons, Tom & Jamie

Lucy Medlycott studied Fine Art Sculpture at Limerick School of Art and Design. There she discovered the versatility and dynamism of the street as an artistic space. In 1993, Lucy co-founded Bui Bolg Outdoor Arts Company in Wexford, working in various roles and leading international projects. Lucy co-founded the ISACS Network in 2010 and has been leading it as director since 2013.

Harry McFadden Snr was born into travelling cinema and of the renowned McFaddens drama and variety family, awarded the Golden Pony for services to the fairground industry.

Marion Daniels King was born and raised in the world of variety and drama known as the fit-up business, travelling the roads of Ireland bringing live entertainment to villages across the country. It was a life that shaped her into the strong woman she is today.