The Irish Studies Program is pleased to announce the foundation of a small library of Ireland-related books, open to students and interested members of the community. The books are available for check out, and represent an attempt to advance interest in all things related to the Irish experience, and to deepen students' research in the area.
The library will be known as the Jerome C. Dennehy Library of Irish Studies, named in honor of the original owner of a large number books that were generously donated by his wife, Lorraine Krisnowich, of Bayside, Queens. She wrote, in honor of him:
The books were donated in loving memory of Jerome C. Dennehy. Jerome was second generation Irish. Both of his parents were born in Ireland, although they met in the US. Jerome (Jerry) first went to Ireland in 1982 and it was a lasting love at first sight. Since then, he visited both sides of his family in Ireland at least once a year and never missed a special occasion. The children of his cousins have remarked that they would never have seen or appreciated so much of Ireland, if it wasn't for his visits and sightseeing adventures. He introduced his sons, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren, as well as me, to the beauty of Ireland and our "family" there. It has often been said that he was more Irish than his parents, always listening to the Fordham and Hofstra Irish radio stations and supporting Irish causes and organizations. St. Patrick's Day was a two week celebration, marching in multiple parades and enjoying multiple festivities and parties. He was especially Irish in promoting family get-togethers and participating in many impromptu singing and musical round tables.
Please contact the director of Irish Studies, Sarah Covington (sarah.covington@qc.cuny.edu), if you are interested in perusing our collection. Though we are fortunate to have a good collection of Ireland-related material at the Rosenthal Library, Mr. Dennehy's books include rare and hard-to-find works, as well as books that would appeal to all who love Ireland as much as he did.