Ronan McGreevy

Early Life and Education

Ronan McGreevy was born in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, in the northwest of Ireland. He pursued higher education at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway), where he graduated with degrees in English, Political Studies, and Journalism. This multidisciplinary academic background in the humanities and media laid the foundation for McGreevy’s career in both journalism and historical research. His upbringing in County Leitrim and formal training at NUI Galway would later inform his perspective as a writer, especially in covering Irish historical events and national heritage.

 

Journalism Career

Following his university studies, McGreevy embarked on a career in journalism that quickly expanded across both print and broadcast media. In the early years of his profession, he gained experience in the United Kingdom, writing for prominent publications such as The Times of London, the London Evening Standard, and The Irish Post. These roles honed his reporting skills and exposed him to a broad range of news environments. McGreevy also worked as a radio and television producer with the BBC and Sky News, further diversifying his media expertise.

In 2006, Ronan McGreevy joined The Irish Times, one of Ireland’s leading national newspapers, as a news reporter. He has since become a well-known figure at the paper, recognized for his reporting as well as his work as a videographer. In this capacity, McGreevy not only writes articles but also produces and presents video content for The Irish Times, often focusing on historical and commemorative topics. Over the years, he has reported on a wide array of subjects, from current affairs to cultural and historical features. His background and interest in history frequently come to the fore in his journalism; McGreevy has written extensively on Ireland’s remembrance of World War I, the 1916 Easter Rising, and other key events, blending his reporting skills with his passion for historical scholarship. His dual role as a journalist and videographer has made him a versatile storyteller, adept at engaging audiences through both written narratives and visual documentaries.

 

Historical Writing and Publications

Ronan McGreevy has distinguished himself as an author and editor of works that explore Ireland’s historical memory, particularly regarding the early 20th century. His first major book, Wherever the Firing Line Extends: Ireland and the Western Front, was published in 2016. In this work, McGreevy examines the Irish experience in the First World War by chronicling the war memorials and battlefield sites in France and Belgium that commemorate Irish soldiers. The book provides a vivid account of how Ireland’s involvement in the Great War is remembered abroad, “through the monuments left behind” on the Western Front. Wherever the Firing Line Extends not only adds to the understanding of Ireland’s role in World War I but also reflects McGreevy’s commitment to honoring the Irish who served and died in that conflict. This effort is closely tied to Ireland’s decade of centenaries, a period during which public interest in World War I and the 1916 Easter Rising significantly revived, and McGreevy’s work became part of that national conversation on remembrance.

In addition to authoring original historical studies, McGreevy has contributed as an editor to several important publications marking Ireland’s historical anniversaries. He served as the editor of Centenary: Ireland Remembers 1916, the official State book published to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme. Released in 2016 under the auspices of the Irish government’s centenary program, this volume documented the nationwide ceremonies and reflections that took place during that landmark year. McGreevy also edited ‘Twas Better to Die: The Irish Times and Gallipoli 1915–2015, which was a collection that commemorated the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign in World War I. Furthermore, he oversaw Was It for This? Reflections on the Easter Rising, an anthology of commentary and historical analysis on the 1916 Rising, published in partnership with Ireland’s official centenary commemoration committee and The Irish Times. Was It for This? brought together writings and perspectives on the legacy of the Easter Rising – including contributions from notable figures and historians – to provide insight into how that rebellion has been remembered and interpreted over the past century. Through these editorial projects, McGreevy played a key role in curating and preserving Irish historical discourse during the 2012–2022 Decade of Centenaries, bridging journalism and scholarship.

McGreevy’s most recent solo-authored book, Great Hatred: The Assassination of Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson MP, was published in 2022. This work is a deep investigative history of the June 1922 assassination of Sir Henry Wilson, a British Army Field Marshal and Member of Parliament, who was an Irish-born unionist figure. In Great Hatred, McGreevy delves into one of the most significant – and enigmatic – political assassinations in Irish and British history. He explores the complex backdrop of the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War, uncovering why two IRA men, themselves veterans of World War I, carried out the killing of Wilson on the steps of his London home. The book examines the consequences of Wilson’s assassination, including its role in triggering the Irish Civil War and its lasting impact on Anglo-Irish relations. Great Hatred was met with critical acclaim and became a commercial success. It entered Ireland’s top ten bestseller list, attesting to broad public interest, and it was named the Business Post’s History Book of the Year. Reviewers praised the book’s forensic research and engaging narrative; for instance, The Irish Times lauded it as “invaluable,” and the Irish Independent called it “intelligent and insightful,” reflecting McGreevy’s skill in combining rigorous historical inquiry with accessible storytelling.

Continuing his work as an author, McGreevy has also co-written a book outside the World War I and independence-era theme. In 2023, he co-authored The Kidnapping: A Hostage, a Desperate Manhunt and a Bloody Rescue that Shocked Ireland with journalist Tommy Conlon. This book investigates the infamous 1983 abduction of Don Tidey by paramilitaries, a case that gripped Ireland and ended in a violent rescue operation. The Kidnapping is a departure from McGreevy’s earlier focus on early 20th-century history, instead tackling a late 20th-century event; however, it similarly reflects his interest in significant moments of Irish history and their enduring repercussions. McGreevy’s growing bibliography – ranging from war memorials of the Great War to political violence in 1920s Ireland and late-20th-century crises – underscores his versatility and depth as a writer. Through these publications, he has made substantial contributions to Irish historical scholarship, often bringing fresh attention to subjects that connect Irish and international history.

 

Media Work and Appearances

Beyond the printed page, Ronan McGreevy has extended his historical storytelling into film and other media. He wrote and presented the feature-length documentary United Ireland: How Nationalists and Unionists Fought Together in Flanders, which focuses on the often-overlooked cooperation between Irish nationalists and unionists during World War I. This documentary highlights the shared sacrifice of soldiers from different Irish communities on the battlefields of Flanders, reflecting McGreevy’s commitment to an inclusive narrative of Irish participation in the Great War. United Ireland earned critical notice; it was shortlisted for Best Film at the Imperial War Museum’s short film festival in 2018, a notable recognition for a historical documentary. McGreevy’s role as presenter of the film allowed him to bring his research to a wider audience through the medium of video, complementing his writing on the same subject.

As a videographer for The Irish Times, McGreevy regularly produces short documentaries and news features for the newspaper’s online platforms. Many of these video pieces are focused on history and culture, such as profiles of historic sites, commemorative events, and interviews with historians or descendants of historical figures. For example, he has created video features on World War I memorials and on Irish historical figures, aligning with the themes of his writing. His ability to work in multimedia formats has made him a prominent public historian in Ireland, using contemporary digital storytelling techniques to engage viewers with the past.

McGreevy is also a familiar voice and face in Irish media through his commentary and public speaking on historical topics. He frequently appears on radio programs, podcasts, and public panels to discuss Ireland’s history and how it is remembered in the present day. During the centenary of the Easter Rising and World War I, he provided analysis and context in various forums, bringing expert insight to audiences observing those anniversaries. McGreevy has delivered lectures at museums, cultural centers, and history conferences; for instance, he has given talks on the legacy of Sir Henry Wilson’s assassination and on Ireland’s involvement in World War I, often in conjunction with the releases of his books. In these appearances, McGreevy balances the roles of journalist and historian, adeptly communicating complex historical events in an engaging manner. His media work — whether in documentaries, interviews or live lectures — complements his writing and reinforces his stature as an important public intellectual in the realm of Irish history.

 

Awards and Recognitions

Ronan McGreevy’s contributions to journalism and historical remembrance have earned him notable honors. In 2018, the French government appointed him a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). This distinguished award, bestowed by the French Ministry of Culture, recognized McGreevy’s work in commemorating World War I and his efforts to honor the memory of Irish soldiers who fought in France and Belgium. The honor underscored the international impact of his work on remembrance; McGreevy’s writing and documentary projects have helped shed light on Ireland’s role in the Great War, strengthening cultural ties between Ireland and France in the process. At the investiture ceremony in Dublin, the French Ambassador praised McGreevy’s dedication to “unearthing the stories of Ireland’s Heroic Dead” and his contribution to the duty of remembrance shared by European nations. McGreevy noted the significance of the award not just personally but for all who strive to remember the Irish fallen of World War I, highlighting that more Irishmen died defending France in the First World War than died in Ireland’s own War of Independence – a poignant reminder of the importance of remembrance across borders.

In addition to the French knighthood, McGreevy’s work has earned acclaim in literary and historical circles. His 2022 book Great Hatred brought him particular recognition. As mentioned, it was named the History Book of the Year by Ireland’s Business Post newspaper, reflecting the book’s excellence in research and writing. The bestseller status of Great Hatred and the positive critical reception it received further cemented McGreevy’s reputation as a leading author in the field of Irish history. While he is primarily known for his historical and journalistic work rather than for fiction, his ability to craft compelling narratives out of historical events has been acknowledged by critics and readers alike.

McGreevy’s documentary United Ireland also earned recognition by being shortlisted for an award at the Imperial War Museum’s film competition in 2018. Though a shortlist is not an outright win, this honor from a respected institution attested to the quality and significance of his work in film. It is relatively rare for a newspaper journalist to successfully cross into documentary filmmaking, and McGreevy’s achievement in doing so was marked by this accolade.

Throughout his career, Ronan McGreevy has been recognized as a journalist who brings historical insight to the public discourse. His dual identity as reporter and historian has allowed him to garner respect in both fields. From local recognition in his home county (he proudly noted being the first Leitrim native since renowned writer John McGahern to receive the Ordre des Arts et Lettres) to international acknowledgment by France, and praise in Irish media, McGreevy’s awards and honors reflect a career dedicated to illuminating Ireland’s past. These recognitions have not only celebrated his individual accomplishments but have also highlighted the broader importance of remembering and understanding history through journalism, something McGreevy’s work exemplifies.

 

Legacy and Impact

As a journalist and author straddling the worlds of media and history, Ronan McGreevy has made a unique impact on Irish public life. His work has contributed significantly to the remembrance of key historical events in Ireland, particularly around the centennial commemorations of the 1912–1922 period. By writing books on World War I and the Irish revolutionary era, and by actively participating in commemorative projects, McGreevy has helped a new generation engage with these historical episodes. Irish historians and the general public alike have benefited from his investigative approach – unearthing new information and presenting it in a compelling narrative – as seen in Great Hatred’s revelation of fresh evidence about Sir Henry Wilson’s assassination. Meanwhile, his journalistic integrity and clarity have made complex history accessible to a wide readership.

McGreevy’s contributions to The Irish Times and other media have also ensured that history remains part of the national conversation outside academia. Whether through a newspaper feature on a war memorial, a video interview with a veteran’s descendant, or a talk at a cultural center, he consistently bridges the gap between scholarly history and popular understanding. Colleagues regard him as part of a tradition of Irish journalist-historians, professionals who leverage their media platforms to deepen public understanding of the past. In doing so, McGreevy adds context and continuity to contemporary Irish news, reminding readers how historical events shape present-day realities.

In summary, Ronan McGreevy’s career is marked by a commitment to factual storytelling and a passion for Ireland’s history. From Carrick-on-Shannon to the national stage, he has built a reputation as a careful journalist, a dedicated historian, and an engaging narrator of Irish experiences. His formally written, encyclopedic explorations – whether in print or on screen – ensure that important chapters of Ireland’s story are remembered and reassessed. As Ireland continues to reflect on its past conflicts and milestones, McGreevy’s work stands as a valuable resource and an inspiration for how journalism can contribute to historical discourse in a meaningful way.