Shane is Course Director of Cultural and Heritage Studies in Cork College of Further Education and Training, Tramore Road, Cork. He has lectured in archaeology, folklore, history, and the arts for over 30 years and has developed a programme of studies that facilitates both young and mature students to progress to Arts and Humanities programmes at 3rd level.

Shane is noted for delivering dynamic, illustrated, and entertaining lectures on a variety of topics relating to Irish custom, tradition, and belief. He has specialised research interests in Irish material culture, folklife, vernacular traditions and food and the interaction of material culture and time. He is an archaeologist and has worked for many years as a demonstrator in the Department of Celtic Civilisation. In folklore, he has been the main motivator and contact for overseas students through the years, overseeing the Early Start Programme and this core course FL2111 Aspects of Irish Folklore.

Shane’s recent publications include:

• ‘Honey and Beekeeping in Ancient Ireland’ in Irish History Food: A Companion edited by Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire and Dorothy Cashman (EUT+ Press, 2023)
• ‘Tents, Ale-Poles and Pattern Pies: An Examination of the Temporary Shelters and Food of the Pattern Day 1700 – 1950’ in Holy Wells of Ireland: Sacred Realms and Popular Domains Edited by Celeste Ray and Finbar McCormick (Indiana University Press, 2023)
• ‘Cartwheels, Stócachs and the Battering Ram: Forgotten Aspects of Munster’s Skellig Shrove Traditions’ in The Kerry Magazine: Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society Issue no 33. 2023,  5-8
• ‘The Skellig Lists’ in The Book of the Skelligs edited by John Crowley and John Sheehan, (Cork University Press 2023)
• Flaming Sods of Turf and An Old Rope Beard: The Cosmogony of Kerry’s New Year Traditions in Béascna 12 2022, 100-113
• ‘The Cailleach and the Cosmic Hare’ in Charms, Charmers and Charming in Ireland: From the Medieval to the Modern edited by Ilona Tuomi, John Carey, Ciarán Ó Gealbháin, Barbara Hillers (University of Wales Press: New Approaches to Celtic Religion and Mythology 2019)

Shane appears on many television and radio programmes exploring many different aspects of Irish folk tradition. He is a resident folklorist and very popular contributor on the National Television Network (RTÉ) on ‘The Today Show’ expounding many different aspects of Irish folk custom. Shane is also a beekeeper and advocate of Irish vernacular craft.