IF YOU KNOW THE HISTORY

Michael Connolly’s PhD research into Brother Walfrid has been a labour of love

- TONY CONNELLY

THREE years on from setting off on a journey exploring the life and work of Celtic’s Founding Father, Brother Walfrid, Michael Connolly is nearing the completion of his PhD and is excited to share his findings with Celtic fans throughout the world.

University of Glasgow alumnus Michael Connolly began the exciting undertaking in October 2017 through the University of Stirling and, having now completed the majority of the research gathering, is now preparing to begin writing his thesis.

The PhD, Faith, Community and Football: The Life of Brother Walfrid, has been fully funded by Glasgow-based arts group, Nine Muses.

Through his research, Connolly is seeking to paint a clearer picture of the life of Andrew Kerins, better known as Brother Walfrid, while showing how his work impacted the Catholic religious, social and cultural identities in Scotland.

“It’s been almost three full years I’ve spent researching the life of Brother Walfrid,” Michael Connolly told the Celtic View. “The time has flown in but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

“I’ve found the whole process fascinating. Even if you follow one path and it doesn’t lead anywhere, you’re gaining understanding along the way. Being able to devote myself full-time has been brilliant and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the whole process.