The papers – generously donated by the Mulcahy Trust to UCD Archives in 1970 – provide in-depth accounts through materials such as correspondence, reports and memoranda of various events during the War of Independence.

Professor Diarmaid Ferriter from UCD School of History spoke at the launch, highlighting the value of the papers not just in strengthening research but also in broadening the public’s understanding of this major piece of Irish history.

They will continue to be an invaluable source in the study of modern Ireland, helping us understand how the events of the past have shaped the Ireland we live in today.

A staggering 95,006 images have been digitised in the process of completing this project. The papers will gradually be made available to view in the UCD Archives reading room throughout 2025. The wider project will eventually make the papers accessible online to people all over the globe.

A visionary project

The papers of Richard Mulcahy are one of many unique and valuable historical sources housed in UCD. A key element of the ongoing renovation of the James Joyce Library is a new Cultural Heritage Centre, which will bring together UCD Special Collections, UCD Archives and the National Folklore Collection. This centre will work to make the collections more accessible to the wider public.

UCD Foundation is seeking philanthropic support from alumni and friends of the university to bring this visionary project to fruition and ensure that students, staff and the wider community have the opportunity to engage meaningfully with UCD’s cultural heritage collections.