It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Dr Gillian Boazman on Saturday. We have been blessed to count Gill as an active member and friend. For over ten years, she served as an editor on our journal committee, playing a key role in shaping all three of our published volumes to date, as well as a forthcoming journal. Through her wisdom, sound advice and patience, she nurtured many local writers – a legacy from which we will continue to benefit long into the future.

She was also a cornerstone of the Dúchas preservation committee, where she applied her meticulous attention to detail, logical approach and vast historical and archaeological expertise – qualities she brought to everything she undertook.

Gill found a true passion in archaeology, with a particular focus on early medieval settlement in Ireland. Her PhD in archaeology, titled ‘Theme and variations: Christianity and regional landscapes in early medieval Ireland’, was awarded by University College Cork in 2014. Over the past decade, Gill worked as an independent researcher, publishing several pieces, including a wonderful article in our journal titled ‘Inchydoney in the early medieval period’.

We are lucky to have known Gill and deeply miss her. Our condolences to Gill’s husband John, sons Jacob and Samuel, and the extended Boazman and Turney families. Funeral details here: https://rip.ie/death-notice/gillian-boazman-cork-rosscarbery-581743 

Photo: Gill conducting research at the ecclesiastical site in Templebryan in January 2024 in preparation for an article in our forthcoming journal.