Leon Dempsey
Thesis Title: Islam in Ireland: Building a Visible Presence
Supervisors: Dr Seán L’Estrange (School of Sociology) and Professor Bryan Fanning (School of Applied Social Science)
Biographical Note:
My research focuses upon the practice of Islam in Ireland and how the Irish state is regulating this practice. The primary themes which are being examined by my research are mosque building and burial spaces. I am particularly interested in the processes which are occurring as Muslims are negotiating the establishment of these visible manifestations of the practice of Islam with the Irish State. The primary aim of my research is to understand and explain why these negotiations are not, on the surface at least, sites of dispute with the non-Muslim majority similar in nature and scale to what has been witnessed elsewhere in Western Europe.
The case of Muslims in Ireland is overlooked, generally speaking, within the literature that focuses on the topic of Islam in the European context. I hope, therefore, that my research will both contribute to the debate on the position of Islam in European societies, and also that it will contribute towards a better understanding of the growing Muslim population in Ireland.
I hold a B.A (Hons.) joint major in Sociology and Politics from UCD. After graduating from there in 2009 I then pursued a M.A. in International Relations in DCU which I completed in 2010. Having taken a year out upon completion of the M.A. I returned to UCD to undertake a Ph.D. in 2011.
Awards Obtained:
- UCD Postgraduate Scholarship for 2008/2009 Academic Year
- UCD Bachelor of Arts Stage 3 Scholarship (Sociology) for 2007/2008 Academic Year
- Patrick Semple Medal (Sociology) for 2007/2008 Academic Year
Email: leon.dempsey@gmail.com
