David Fitzpatrick

David Patrick Brian Fitzpatrick (25 May 1948 – 20 February 2019) was an Irish historian best known for his work on Irish independence and emigration. He was professor of Modern History at Trinity College Dublin and a member of the Royal Irish Academy.

Roy Foster referred to him as “the most original and influential Irish historian of his generation” and Diarmuid Ferriter considers him "one of the most brilliant historians of his generation." Cormac O Grada has stated he "will be remembered for his deep, sometimes contrarian, insights and for his takes on a bewilderingly wide range of themes."

Early life Fitzpatrick was born in Melbourne, Australia to Brian Charles Fitzpatrick, an author and journalist, and mother Dorothy Mary (née Davies), a historian at the Monash University. His elder sister Sheila Fitzpatrick is a historian of modern Russia. At birth, Fitzpatrick was given three names as their parents could not decide on either David, Brian or Patrick. To the family he was initially known as Pat, but he later took to using his first name.

His parents instilled in their children a strong sense of academic achievement. Two months before his Matriculation examinations, his father died during a research trip to Sydney. His parents were not separated as claimed elsewhere. Fitzpatrick nevertheless topped the State of Victoria in Modern History, adding an Exhibition to his other awards and scholarships. He went on to study history at the University of Melbourne and resided at Trinity College. Fitzpatrick graduated in 1969 before moving to La Trobe University as a tutor. After discussions there with the fellow Irish historian John O'Brien, he moved to do a PhD at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Academic career Fitzpatrick spent his professional life at Trinity College Dublin, where he was appointed a lecturer in Modern History in 1979.

Personal life Fitzpatrick was married twice. They had a son, Brian, and daughter, Margaret. The marriage was dissolved in 1999. His second marriage was to Jane Leonard, an Irish military historian, with whom he had two daughters, Julia and Hannah. He died, aged 70, in Belfast after suffering a long illness.