Seán Patrick Donlan
@spdonlan.bsky.social
Peripatetic Professor (Law/History/Film). Not dead, just very still.
Contributor: Film Ireland, History Ireland, Law on Film, Scannain.
Contributor: Film Ireland, History Ireland, Law on Film, Scannain.
Pinned
Seán Patrick Donlan
@spdonlan.bsky.social
· Jan 19
Seán Patrick Donlan’s profile
Seán Patrick uses Letterboxd to share film reviews and lists. 3,774 films watched. Favorites: Round Midnight (1986), Hud (1963), The Leopard (1963), Days of Heaven (1978). Bio: Chair, Board of Directo...
letterboxd.com
On Irish cinema, law and film, etc.
letterboxd.com/SPDonlan/
letterboxd.com/SPDonlan/
Editorial Board Members wanted!! Pass it on.
Comparative Legal History is an elite legal history publication, the standard for its subject, and the flagship publication of the European Society for Comparative Legal History
For additional information, see esclh.blogspot.com/2025/12/call...
Comparative Legal History is an elite legal history publication, the standard for its subject, and the flagship publication of the European Society for Comparative Legal History
For additional information, see esclh.blogspot.com/2025/12/call...
December 1, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Editorial Board Members wanted!! Pass it on.
Comparative Legal History is an elite legal history publication, the standard for its subject, and the flagship publication of the European Society for Comparative Legal History
For additional information, see esclh.blogspot.com/2025/12/call...
Comparative Legal History is an elite legal history publication, the standard for its subject, and the flagship publication of the European Society for Comparative Legal History
For additional information, see esclh.blogspot.com/2025/12/call...
'What we too rarely notice is how our legal education shapes the very categories through which we think. The result is not only that we produce different answers to similar questions, but that we often do not ask the same questions at all.'
british-association-comparative-law.org/2025/11/28/r...
british-association-comparative-law.org/2025/11/28/r...
Reading Lists and Legal Traditions: Mapping How Legal Scholars Think Across Jurisdictions
A striking feature of legal education lies in the way it comes to feel natural to us. We easily forget that our training is rooted in a particular time and place. We know that law differs across th…
british-association-comparative-law.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:54 PM
'What we too rarely notice is how our legal education shapes the very categories through which we think. The result is not only that we produce different answers to similar questions, but that we often do not ask the same questions at all.'
british-association-comparative-law.org/2025/11/28/r...
british-association-comparative-law.org/2025/11/28/r...
Reposted by Seán Patrick Donlan
"Train Dreams is a powerfully cinematic portrait of an everyman and his times"
@spdonlan.bsky.social reviews the film, in cinemas and on Netflix now: filmindublin.ie/2025/12/01/a...
@spdonlan.bsky.social reviews the film, in cinemas and on Netflix now: filmindublin.ie/2025/12/01/a...
December 1, 2025 at 10:19 AM
"Train Dreams is a powerfully cinematic portrait of an everyman and his times"
@spdonlan.bsky.social reviews the film, in cinemas and on Netflix now: filmindublin.ie/2025/12/01/a...
@spdonlan.bsky.social reviews the film, in cinemas and on Netflix now: filmindublin.ie/2025/12/01/a...
'Train Dreams is a powerfully cinematic portrait of an everyman and his times.... Skilfully orchestrated and well-acted, the film centres on the critical, sacramental junctures in a largely hidden life.'
filmindublin.ie/2025/12/01/a...
filmindublin.ie/2025/12/01/a...
December 1, 2025 at 10:02 AM
'Train Dreams is a powerfully cinematic portrait of an everyman and his times.... Skilfully orchestrated and well-acted, the film centres on the critical, sacramental junctures in a largely hidden life.'
filmindublin.ie/2025/12/01/a...
filmindublin.ie/2025/12/01/a...
Reposted by Seán Patrick Donlan
On Hurtin For Real #1185... A Tribute to Gene McDonnell's Celtic Connection - an old radio show once heard in Kamloops, BC. We'll hear @dropkickmurphys.com @theirishrovers.bsky.social #TheDubliners #TheChieftains and a whole lot more. Drop by any time at hurtinforreal.com Thanks, Gene! ☘️📻 #Kamloops
November 29, 2025 at 10:04 PM
On Hurtin For Real #1185... A Tribute to Gene McDonnell's Celtic Connection - an old radio show once heard in Kamloops, BC. We'll hear @dropkickmurphys.com @theirishrovers.bsky.social #TheDubliners #TheChieftains and a whole lot more. Drop by any time at hurtinforreal.com Thanks, Gene! ☘️📻 #Kamloops
So you're telling me there's a chance? (Pass it on.)
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPL809/a...
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPL809/a...
Assistant Professor in Film Studies at Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin
Apply for the Assistant Professor in Film Studies role on jobs.ac.uk, the top job board for academic positions in higher education. View details and apply now.
www.jobs.ac.uk
November 29, 2025 at 6:56 AM
So you're telling me there's a chance? (Pass it on.)
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPL809/a...
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPL809/a...
I'm sorry I missed this but look forward to the collection.
Great workshop on the Irish Political Constitution today, co-organised with @laurcah.bsky.social and @alangreene.bsky.social Some great papers, planning on a special issue of the Irish Jurist in 2026. Thanks to @maynoothlaw.bsky.social and the NUI for their support.
November 28, 2025 at 9:48 PM
I'm sorry I missed this but look forward to the collection.
Reposted by Seán Patrick Donlan
‘The horrors of the recent past are oozing to the surface’
- Margo Harkin, Stolen (2023)
In anticipation of the release of Testimony today and reviewing Harkin’s Stolen, Seán Patrick Donlan looks at the portrayal of Irish institutions in film.
www.filmireland.net/essay-screen...
- Margo Harkin, Stolen (2023)
In anticipation of the release of Testimony today and reviewing Harkin’s Stolen, Seán Patrick Donlan looks at the portrayal of Irish institutions in film.
www.filmireland.net/essay-screen...
November 21, 2025 at 10:39 PM
‘The horrors of the recent past are oozing to the surface’
- Margo Harkin, Stolen (2023)
In anticipation of the release of Testimony today and reviewing Harkin’s Stolen, Seán Patrick Donlan looks at the portrayal of Irish institutions in film.
www.filmireland.net/essay-screen...
- Margo Harkin, Stolen (2023)
In anticipation of the release of Testimony today and reviewing Harkin’s Stolen, Seán Patrick Donlan looks at the portrayal of Irish institutions in film.
www.filmireland.net/essay-screen...
Me, on Irish institutionalization and Irish film.
'In Stolen, Harkin asked ‘What happened and why?’ If we’re still learning more about what happened, thanks in part to her efforts, the why question remains more challenging.'
www.filmireland.net/essay-screen...
'In Stolen, Harkin asked ‘What happened and why?’ If we’re still learning more about what happened, thanks in part to her efforts, the why question remains more challenging.'
www.filmireland.net/essay-screen...
Essay: Screening for Help – Irish Care and Confinement
In anticipation of the release of Testimony today and reviewing Margo Harkin’s Stolen, Seán Patrick Donlan looks at the portrayal of Irish institutions in film.
www.filmireland.net
November 21, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Me, on Irish institutionalization and Irish film.
'In Stolen, Harkin asked ‘What happened and why?’ If we’re still learning more about what happened, thanks in part to her efforts, the why question remains more challenging.'
www.filmireland.net/essay-screen...
'In Stolen, Harkin asked ‘What happened and why?’ If we’re still learning more about what happened, thanks in part to her efforts, the why question remains more challenging.'
www.filmireland.net/essay-screen...
'The Pope’s remarks came after he recently revealed his four favorite films, those being “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Sound of Music,” “Life Is Beautiful,” and perhaps an unexpected selection, the late Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People.”' Amen.
www.indiewire.com/news/general...
www.indiewire.com/news/general...
Pope Leo XIV Gives His Blessing to the Theatrical Experience: ‘Cinemas and Theaters Are the Beating Hearts of Our Communities’
Pope Leo XIV championed cinema and the theatrical experience in remarks at the Vatican to representatives of the world of cinema.
www.indiewire.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:14 PM
'The Pope’s remarks came after he recently revealed his four favorite films, those being “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Sound of Music,” “Life Is Beautiful,” and perhaps an unexpected selection, the late Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People.”' Amen.
www.indiewire.com/news/general...
www.indiewire.com/news/general...
Whatever you politics, generally or on these issues, I'd like to introduce the term 'Sinnsplaining' to Irish politics. Anyone with me? Am I too late?
www.independent.ie/irish-news/t...
www.independent.ie/irish-news/t...
Taoiseach tells Mary Lou McDonald to ‘cop on’ as Sinn Féin leader says ‘I don’t need you to mansplain the economy to me’ in Dáil row
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has claimed that inflation is coming down as he told Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald to ‘cop on’ in a testy Dáil exchange.
www.independent.ie
November 19, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Whatever you politics, generally or on these issues, I'd like to introduce the term 'Sinnsplaining' to Irish politics. Anyone with me? Am I too late?
www.independent.ie/irish-news/t...
www.independent.ie/irish-news/t...
Reposted by Seán Patrick Donlan
I didn't choose the title ...
'Left-wing voters, and the new President, should reflect on how such power might have been used in the past by right-wing presidents and how future presidents might exercise any new-found authority to impede progressive change.'
www.independent.ie/opinion/lett...
'Left-wing voters, and the new President, should reflect on how such power might have been used in the past by right-wing presidents and how future presidents might exercise any new-found authority to impede progressive change.'
www.independent.ie/opinion/lett...
Letters: Catherine Connolly supporters must remember office has no room for personal politics
As someone at the cusp of the centre and the left, I have serious concerns about intimations by President Catherine Connolly and some of her supporters about a robust political role for the presidency...
www.independent.ie
November 12, 2025 at 6:26 AM
I didn't choose the title ...
'Left-wing voters, and the new President, should reflect on how such power might have been used in the past by right-wing presidents and how future presidents might exercise any new-found authority to impede progressive change.'
www.independent.ie/opinion/lett...
'Left-wing voters, and the new President, should reflect on how such power might have been used in the past by right-wing presidents and how future presidents might exercise any new-found authority to impede progressive change.'
www.independent.ie/opinion/lett...
'They're keeping these communities dynamic and connected to the world in a very important way,' says William. The theatres contribute culturally, offering relevant, curated programming — but they contribute economically, too.' Amen.
www.cbc.ca/arts/for-sma...
www.cbc.ca/arts/for-sma...
For small town cinemas across Canada, the show must go on | CBC Arts
In communities across the country, the local movie theatre is a cultural hub. With major chains pulling back, indie theatres are stepping up to face big challenges
www.cbc.ca
November 4, 2025 at 1:13 AM
'They're keeping these communities dynamic and connected to the world in a very important way,' says William. The theatres contribute culturally, offering relevant, curated programming — but they contribute economically, too.' Amen.
www.cbc.ca/arts/for-sma...
www.cbc.ca/arts/for-sma...
A terrific film (and more than it might seem).
"Set in the flats of 1980s Dublin, Spilt Milk follows eleven-year-old super sleuth Bobby O’Brien (Cillian Sullivan)".
Earlier this month at the Dinard British & Irish Film Festival, Film Ireland contributor Dolapo Agunbiade spoke with the Spilt Milk team.
www.filmireland.net/article-from...
Earlier this month at the Dinard British & Irish Film Festival, Film Ireland contributor Dolapo Agunbiade spoke with the Spilt Milk team.
www.filmireland.net/article-from...
November 4, 2025 at 1:10 AM
A terrific film (and more than it might seem).
'An Cailín Ciuín, That They May Face the Rising Sun and Small Things Like These, with their sources, present significantly different pictures of the early eighties in Ireland.... Each suggests something about us, now.'
Me, at newsagents everywhere or historyireland.com/quiet-people...
Me, at newsagents everywhere or historyireland.com/quiet-people...
October 31, 2025 at 3:37 PM
'An Cailín Ciuín, That They May Face the Rising Sun and Small Things Like These, with their sources, present significantly different pictures of the early eighties in Ireland.... Each suggests something about us, now.'
Me, at newsagents everywhere or historyireland.com/quiet-people...
Me, at newsagents everywhere or historyireland.com/quiet-people...
Highly recommended.
This month's Bigger Picture pick FIVE EASY PIECES screens tomorrow!
Chosen by arts journalist and broadcaster @zarahedderman.bsky.social, Five Easy Pieces sees Jack Nicholson play Bobby Duprea, a blue-collar worker whose past and present collide.
📆 Thu 30th
⏰ 18.20
🎟 ifi.ie/film/the-big...
Chosen by arts journalist and broadcaster @zarahedderman.bsky.social, Five Easy Pieces sees Jack Nicholson play Bobby Duprea, a blue-collar worker whose past and present collide.
📆 Thu 30th
⏰ 18.20
🎟 ifi.ie/film/the-big...
October 30, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Highly recommended.
'If this dawn is to be followed by a real daybreak for the left, its light has to illuminate a path to power. For that path to open up, the left has to show that it is ready to turn its noble aspirations into convincing propositions.'
Fintan O'Toole: There’s a reason why Ireland votes for leftist presidents and right-of-centre governments
Fintan O'Toole: There’s a reason why Ireland votes for leftist presidents and right-of-centre governments
There are five things the left needs to do now to capitalise on Catherine Connolly’s win
www.irishtimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:15 AM
'If this dawn is to be followed by a real daybreak for the left, its light has to illuminate a path to power. For that path to open up, the left has to show that it is ready to turn its noble aspirations into convincing propositions.'
Reposted by Seán Patrick Donlan
We've put together a quiz on Irish movies, so test your knowledge and give it a go.
jrnl.ie/6852760
jrnl.ie/6852760
How much do you know about Irish movies?
Time to take a well-deserved break from all things election and test your knowledge on Irish movies.
jrnl.ie
October 26, 2025 at 10:30 PM
We've put together a quiz on Irish movies, so test your knowledge and give it a go.
jrnl.ie/6852760
jrnl.ie/6852760
I'm biased, as the journal's founder and first editor, but this is a great opportunity to work with a publication that sets the standard for the discipline. Pass it on.
CALL FOR EDITOR: Journal Comparative Legal History [DEADLINE 31 OCT 2025]
esclh.blogspot.com/2025/10/call...
esclh.blogspot.com/2025/10/call...
CALL FOR EDITOR: Journal Comparative Legal History [DEADLINE 31 OCT 2025]
Journal Comparative Legal History Call for Editor Deadline: 31 October 2025 The European Society for Comparative Legal History (ESCLH) i...
esclh.blogspot.com
October 26, 2025 at 6:00 AM
I'm biased, as the journal's founder and first editor, but this is a great opportunity to work with a publication that sets the standard for the discipline. Pass it on.
Obviously, left-wing 'togetherness' was largely a collective hostility to the traditional parties of government, in an election with very low turnout, for a post with merely formal powers. Competing with a patchwork of policies in an election with meaning consequences may yield the usual results.
The presidential election was a testing ground for the left.
The next big question is can they maintain their 'togetherness' and actually build a united left bloc that rivals the government parties? jrnl.ie/6855955
The next big question is can they maintain their 'togetherness' and actually build a united left bloc that rivals the government parties? jrnl.ie/6855955
This election was a testing ground for left-wing parties ... but can they stay united?
The big question now is can the left maintain their ‘togetherness’ and actually build a united left bloc that rivals the government parties?
jrnl.ie
October 25, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Obviously, left-wing 'togetherness' was largely a collective hostility to the traditional parties of government, in an election with very low turnout, for a post with merely formal powers. Competing with a patchwork of policies in an election with meaning consequences may yield the usual results.
Reposted by Seán Patrick Donlan
Great analysis - even if I’m more anxious about how this plays into external perceptions of Ireland as being smug, self righteous and disregarding of serious security threats.
“Catherine Connolly deserves her landslide victory, but it’s a hollow crown”
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
“Catherine Connolly deserves her landslide victory, but it’s a hollow crown”
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Fintan O’Toole: Catherine Connolly deserves her emphatic victory, but it’s a hollow crown
She has a tough task ahead: speak for the established State, represent a radical opposition to it and give hope to those who are increasingly disenchanted
www.irishtimes.com
October 25, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Great analysis - even if I’m more anxious about how this plays into external perceptions of Ireland as being smug, self righteous and disregarding of serious security threats.
“Catherine Connolly deserves her landslide victory, but it’s a hollow crown”
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
“Catherine Connolly deserves her landslide victory, but it’s a hollow crown”
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Disappointing. This a crass political perspective, not a principled one and would be aggressively, appropriately, attacked if the positions were reversed. We'll have to see how the new President, and her followers, responds. The signs aren't good.
analysis.irelandthinks.ie/polling-day-...
analysis.irelandthinks.ie/polling-day-...
October 25, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Disappointing. This a crass political perspective, not a principled one and would be aggressively, appropriately, attacked if the positions were reversed. We'll have to see how the new President, and her followers, responds. The signs aren't good.
analysis.irelandthinks.ie/polling-day-...
analysis.irelandthinks.ie/polling-day-...
'President Connolly may ... surprise us with political restraint and decorum, successfully containing her political conceits and natural loquaciousness. If so, it’ll be interesting to see how her passionate supporters respond to such to such principles.'
sluggerotoole.com/2025/10/25/l...
sluggerotoole.com/2025/10/25/l...
Left behind? Presidents, Politics, and Principles…
Seán Patrick Donlan is a Professor of Law at Thompson Rivers University (Canada). He formerly taught Irish law at the University of Limerick and has published on comparative legal history, as well as...
sluggerotoole.com
October 25, 2025 at 8:36 AM
'President Connolly may ... surprise us with political restraint and decorum, successfully containing her political conceits and natural loquaciousness. If so, it’ll be interesting to see how her passionate supporters respond to such to such principles.'
sluggerotoole.com/2025/10/25/l...
sluggerotoole.com/2025/10/25/l...
Not my take but I'm curious to see how audiences react ...
Will Penn gives his verdict for courtroom drama Re-Creation.
"Rather than presenting another forensic deep dive into blood spatter patterns and timeline discrepancies, the film excavates the psychological terrain where guilt and innocence are determined".
www.filmireland.net/review-re-cr...
"Rather than presenting another forensic deep dive into blood spatter patterns and timeline discrepancies, the film excavates the psychological terrain where guilt and innocence are determined".
www.filmireland.net/review-re-cr...
October 3, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Not my take but I'm curious to see how audiences react ...