Double celebration as couple graduate together from University of Limerick

A pair of new University of Limerick graduates would love nothing more than to hop into a time machine and travel back to the past.

For Limerick couple Brian and Daniela Leahy, who both graduated from UL this week, they chose to undertake the next best thing – a degree in history.

The couple were both conferred with an MA in Local History, joining 1,705 others graduating as part of the University’s winter conferring ceremonies.

For Limerick man Brian – who studied a BA and an MSc in Psychology during his time in the army, and Daniela – originally from Germany, who has a master’s in literature and linguistics, it was a shared love of history and a natural curiosity for their local area, Castleconnell, County Limerick, that brought them to UL.

Now working in HR and teaching respectively, Brian and Daniela chose to undertake the Certificate in Local History – delivered by UL at the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna – after finding themselves inspired during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“We’ve always been interested in history, in a way; creeping around graveyards and ruins, and churches and castles – and dragging the kids along with us!” joked Daniela.

“With COVID, because we got locked down in Castleconnell, we started noticing things we hadn’t noticed before – all sorts of historical bits and pieces around the village – and started asking questions,” added Brian.

Having found the certificate “challenging but rewarding”, Brian and Daniela – joking that they are “gluttons for punishment” – decided to enrol on the master’s programme. The experience, they say, has been “tremendous”, even leading to some fascinating discoveries.

Describing “the most romantic moment” he has had during his history studies, Brian recounts the excitement and intrigue of researching a former resident of Castleconnell who had fled to London to be with a marquess. The tale was the talk of the town back in 1804, but with no record of what happened to the woman – who was only in her twenties when she left – the rest of her story became a mystery.

“The marquess was knighted, subsequently, and went about his business, but there was never any mention of her – and I always wondered what became of her,” said Brian. 

“I found his will in the National Library, and it was handwritten – almost 30 years after the scandal. I couldn't read it, but Daniela is very good at reading handwritten stuff, so we were sitting together, trying to decipher it.

“It read: ‘To my very own and well-beloved Mary-Anne, the faithful companion of my life, I leave all my worldly possessions.’ They had stayed together, and this was their love story.

“I get goosebumps every time I tell the story. That’s the attraction with local history – you’re actually discovering stuff that has been lost and forgotten.”

While the course certainly brought its challenges – not least when it came to juggling their studies with work and parenting their three children – Brian and Daniela enjoyed and embraced the opportunity to learn.

“You feel your brain growing because you learn so much. And it’s like you suddenly have this fourth dimension where you can look through time,” said Daniela.

“And as a teacher, to find myself being in the position of a learner gave me a whole new understanding as well.”

Brian agreed, adding that part of the enrichment of their postgraduate experience has been setting an example for their children aged 11, 15 and 16.

“Sometimes, education is just focused on career, but the rigour of an academic programme does get the brain to expand, and it changes how you view the world,” he said.

“That’s what we want to show the kids as well – that education is a foundation that you build everything on, and if you don’t stay curious like that, it can narrow your scope.”

While indulging their curiosity and love of history has been rewarding in and of itself, the Leahys count new friendships and connections within the course and their community among the highlights of their time at UL.

One of their favourite post-lecture rituals was to discuss their latest learnings over a pint in Herbert’s, on the way to Castleconnell, with the locals even getting involved in the conversations and sharing their local knowledge with the incredibly grateful couple.

Indeed, along with their family, friends, and the staff Glenstal Abbey School – where Daniela works, the Leahys reserve special praise for the people of Castleconnell.

“We have a great community here and made great new friends as well through our interests.”