Irish Archaeology and the Recession: Profiling Field Archaeologists


Are you an archaeologist (current, former … recovering?) who lived and worked through the global recession from 2008 onwards? If so Rachel Flynn would appreciate your help. Rachel is an MSc student at the University of Ulster, carrying out research into the ‘lost generation’ of Irish archaeologists who, like me, were deeply affected by the impact of the recession on our lives and careers. I think that this is a project of the greatest importance to the story of how commercial archaeology was practiced in this time and how it – and we as individuals – has fared since. I’d be very grateful if you could take the time to answer her questionnaire and give your insights and perspectives. I will admit that I found it difficult to answer some of the questions and a number of painful, butter memories resurfaced … but I still believe that it is a worthwhile undertaking So, please, take the time and respond!

If you’re particularly brave, please contact Rachel – she’s looking for volunteers to submit to interview for this project to help her capture more detailed insights.

Contact Rachel here: Flynn-R1[at symbol]email.ulster.ac.uk

Robert M Chapple

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From the Information Sheet for Participants:

Introduction
I’m a post-graduate research student in Ulster University and am currently working on a project for my final MSc thesis. The following information will let you know what this project aims to do and how your involvement can make it happen. Please read carefully and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Background to the Project
Like many field archaeologists, I witnessed the rise and fall of the industry from the inside. From having a choice of jobs to driving long distance for a few weeks’ work, things changed quite rapidly in a few years. Then, in 2008, the bank guarantee was signed and silence fell on the construction sites. Along with countless other professions, archaeology was no longer a thriving and vital part of Ireland’s economy. Now, with things beginning to show signs of improvement, it is important that we don’t forget what happened to the livelihoods of many people. The rise and fall has been frequently discussed but the true human impact has yet to be measured.

The Aims
There are two basic aims for this project: To profile field archaeology in Ireland and to measure the impact of the economic downturn on field archaeologists. If successful, this project will be able to describe what it is, and was, like to work in this rapidly changing industry and also, to express the effect its decimation had on those who chose a career in field archaeology.

Your Role
If you have ever worked in field archaeology in Ireland, I would like to hear your views. All information is useful, from those who worked before, during and/or after the ‘Celtic Tiger’. I believe this is an important story to tell and would greatly appreciate your assistance is telling it. The following three part survey consists of 25 questions and should take no longer than twenty minutes of your time, all responses will be taken into account. Please be advised that you are not obliged to answer any questions that you’re not comfortable with. All data will remain completely anonymous.

Please click the link below to start:

If you would like to take part in a follow-up series of interviews, please contact me at Flynn-R1[at symbol]email.ulster.ac.uk to register your interest.

Thank you for your involvement

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Note:
Readers with an interest in this topic may also like Stuart Rathbone’s post on this blog: The four and a half inch pointing trowel ... and the damage done


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