The Nellie L. and Michael C. Healy Library Collection in Irish Literature was established by Eugene F. and Patricia Healy in honor of Eugene’s parents, Nellie and Michael Healy. An avid reader, Eugene was especially interested in the American Civil War and all things Irish. In his early twenties, he and Patricia started Healy Real Estate. The company was a success, allowing Eugene to retire at the age of 55. Made possible through Eugene and Patricia’s estate, this endowment realizes their wish to combine their strong support of higher education with their love for Ireland.

Broad-based and accommodating, the Healy Fund has allowed the Hesburgh Libraries to acquire needed resources in Irish history, literature, theater, and film — an area of interest gaining prominence among students and researchers of Irish culture. It has supported the acquisition of extensive biographical material dealing with local Irish history, Northern Ireland, antiquities, studies in Catholic and Protestant history as they relate to Ireland, Irish economic history, and Irish art and architecture. Finally, it has been instrumental in the acquisition of numerous back runs of important journals and rare books.