SEASON 3 BEGINS: Meet Dr. Howard Keeley & Georgia Southern University

In this premiere episode of Season 3 of the Savannah Irish Podcast, host Tara Reese welcomes Dr. Howard Keeley, the Director of the Irish Studies Program at Georgia Southern University.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

WHAT YOU'LL HEAR: Dr. Keeley shares his extraordinary journey from Dublin to directing a program that bridges Savannah, Georgia, and Wexford, Ireland. Learn about the impactful educational initiatives, including the transformation of historic buildings into state-of-the-art learning facilities, innovative research opportunities, and the unique experiences that the students enjoy both in the U.S. and Ireland. The episode also highlights the importance of community engagement, the support from local communities in Savannah and Wexford, and future plans for expanding the program's reach and facilities.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:Meet Dr. Howard KeeleyLearn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub CompanyProudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to Season Three

00:07 Meet Dr. Howard Keeley

00:48 Dr. Keeley's Background and Journey

03:43 Georgia Southern University's Irish Studies Program

04:08 Community Engagement and Support

05:35 Wexford Campus and Student Experiences

10:02 Research and Study Abroad Initiatives

12:39 Challenges and Opportunities in Irish Studies

16:31 Future Plans and Fundraising

26:17 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes