Dave Hannigan is a prominent Irish sports columnist, author, and historian. Originally from Cork City, he has lived in the United States for over two decades, serving as a unique "cultural bridge" between the two nations.
As of May 2026, he is currently promoting his latest book and continuing his long-standing work with The Irish Times.
Current Professional Profile
- Journalism: He is best known for his weekly "America at Large" column in The Irish Times, written from his base on Long Island, New York. His writing often blends sharp, cynical wit with a deep historical perspective on American and Irish sports.
- Academia: Hannigan is a Professor of History at Suffolk County Community College in New York, where he also teaches at Stony Brook University.
- Literary Focus: His non-fiction work typically explores the intersection of sporting icons and social history, notably how global figures like Muhammad Ali or Brendan Behan impacted the Irish psyche.
Key Published Works
Book Title | Release Year | Narrative CoreWe Need to Talk About Roy | 2026 | Analyzes the "Keaneification" of modern Ireland through the lens of Roy Keane’s evolution from athlete to "viral king."
The Big Fight | 2002/2025 | Chronicling Muhammad Ali’s 1972 visit to Croke Park.
Drama in the Bahamas | 2016 | A poignant look at Muhammad Ali’s final professional fight.
Behan in the USA | 2014 | A biography of writer Brendan Behan's chaotic time in New York.
Recent 2026 Highlights
- The "Keaneification" Discussion: In March 2026, Hannigan appeared on major Irish programs like The Last Word with Matt Cooper to discuss his new book. He argues that Roy Keane is the definitive "transcendent" figure of modern Ireland, embodying the nation's transition from the grim 1980s to the digital age of the "influencer."
- Aran Island Discs: On May 2, 2026, he was the featured "castaway" on the Aran Island Discs podcast. During the interview, he discussed his journey from a young reporter in Cork to an academic in New York, using music to explore his life as an Irish emigrant.
Fun Fact: Hannigan grew up playing soccer in the same Cork Schoolboys' League as Roy Keane, a connection he uses to ground his analysis of Keane’s work ethic and rise to fame.
Support the show
