On Thursday, November 12, Villanova University Community members and friends gathered to honor James Murphy, PhD, founder and former director of Villanova’s Irish Studies program and his wife, Kathryn Murphy.

A reception and poetry reading event was held in order to highlight the couple’s recent donation of 300 signed, first-edition Irish poetry books to Villanova University’s Falvey Memorial Library.

Craig Bailey, PhD, associate professor of history and interim director of the Irish Studies program, planned the reception along with the help of Joyce Harden, administrative/events assistant for interdisciplinary and area studies programs, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

(From left to right) Dr. Craig Bailey, Dr. James Murphy and Kathryn Murphy were all smiles at the event.

The reception opened with a festive set of live tunes from musicians (from left to right) Darin Kelly, Siobhan Murray, and Tomás O Cathail.

Award-winning poet and former 2011 Heimbold Chair, Moya Cannon, reads selections of poetry.

The crowd listens attentively as Moya Cannon reads poetry selections. It was a packed house!

At the event’s close, Dr. Murphy acknowledged the crowd and thanked his wife Kathy for her support.

In addition to the generous donation of books, the Murphy’s have contributed greatly to the Irish Studies program since its inception in 1979. See here for a timeline of noteworthy dates for the Irish Studies Program.