Dave Hannigan

Dave Hannigan is a prominent Irish sports columnist, author, and historian who has served as Ireland’s "writer-in-residence" in the United States for over two decades. Originally from Cork City, he is widely regarded for his ability to blend sporting narratives with deep historical and social context. Professional CareerJournalism: Hannigan began his career at the Sunday Tribune and was once named Irish Young Journalist of the Year. He currently writes the popular "America at Large" weekly column for The Irish Times. His work has appeared in the Evening Echo, The Sunday Times, and the Irish Echo (New York). Academia: He lives on Long Island, New York, where he is an Adjunct Professor of History at Suffolk County Community College and has also taught at Stony Brook University. Author: He is a prolific writer of non-fiction, specializing in Irish history and global sporting icons. Key Published WorksHannigan’s books often explore the intersection of Irish identity and international figures.The Big Fight: When Ali Conquered Ireland (2002/2025): Chronicling Muhammad Ali’s 1972 fight against Al "Blue" Lewis at Croke Park and the cultural impact of his visit to Dublin. Drama in the Bahamas (2016): An acclaimed account of Muhammad Ali’s final, heartbreaking fight against Trevor Berbick. Behan in the USA (2014): A biography detailing the rise and fall of the legendary Irish writer Brendan Behan during his time in New York. Terence MacSwiney: The Hunger Strike That Rocked an Empire (2010): A historical study of the Cork Lord Mayor whose 1920 death gained international attention for the Irish cause. We Need to Talk About Roy: The Keaneification of Modern Ireland (2025/2026): His latest work, which analyzes Roy Keane’s enduring influence on the Irish psyche and the transition of Ireland into a "tabloid age." The "Hannigan" NarrativeHis narrative is that of the "Cultural Bridge." By living in New York while writing for a home audience, he offers a unique perspective on how Irish icons (like Roy Keane or Brendan Behan) are viewed abroad, and how American icons (like Muhammad Ali) impacted Ireland. He is known for a cynical, sharp wit—particularly regarding modern "choreographed" sports like the UFC—and a deep reverence for the "grit" of the 20th-century sporting era.Aran Island Discs is an Irish themed podcast hosted by Rossa McDermottEach episode features a guest who is invited to imagine themselves on the Aran Islands—a symbolic place evoking rugged beauty and Irish cultural heritage—and explore the soundtrack of their life. Guests choose songs that have shaped their personal journeys, sparking conversations about key moments, memories, and influences in their life.edited by Peter Rice, and distributed via platforms Acast, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. .Sponsorship [email protected]“Feels like sitting in on a real conversation”#AranIslandDiscs #IrishPodcast #PodcastIreland #IrishStories #MusicAndMemory #LongFormPodcast#IrishCulture#PodcastLife  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.