The Brian and Jeannelle Brady Family Endowed Collection in Irish Studies was established in 1994 by Brian R. and Jeannelle Brady of Elkhart, Indiana. Brian (’74), an Irish Angel, serves on the College of Arts and Letters Advisory Council and Gigot Advisory Board. Jeannelle, a graduate of Saint Mary’s College (’74), is a member of the Performing Arts Advisory Council. Together, they have three sons: Coley (’00), Terry (’01, ’02 MSA), and Ryan (’05).

The Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies is now widely recognized as the top program in North America. As such, the Hesburgh Libraries must provide resources for coursework at all levels. Through the support of Irish Studies funds, including the Brady Endowment, resources for history students have been strengthened, as well as interdisciplinary works in all formats, including materials focusing on Irish art, architecture, and literature. Examples of recent acquisitions include newspaper microfilm sets and rare prints for the valuable Cuala Press collection, as well as rare travel accounts of Ireland. Additionally, the 1824 illustrated book, A Picturesque Tour through Ireland, by Dennis Sullivan, was acquired. It is held in only 15 libraries. The Irish Fiction Collection also provides digital copies of Catholic Youth Literature for classroom use.