My name is Luke O’Connell. I’m a freelance journalist from Dingle, Co. Kerry, with a background in history, politics, and international relations. I hold an MA in Newspaper Journalism from City St George’s, University of London, and previously studied History and Politics at University College Cork, with additional study in International Relations at Leiden University.

I write on politics, culture, and global affairs, with a particular interest in how power, policy, and history shape people’s lives both locally and internationally. My work often sits at the intersection of political decision-making and lived experience, ranging from domestic politics to international security and foreign affairs.

Alongside traditional reporting, I work in data journalism, SEO, and multimedia storytelling, using tools such as Datawrapper and Flourish to make complex issues accessible and engaging. I have a strong grounding in document-based reporting, interviews, and audience-focused digital publishing.

I’ve worked in political communications as a Digital Communications Assistant on Catherine Connolly’s presidential campaign, giving me first-hand insight into how political messaging is formed and contested. I also contribute to The Irish Examiner and The Journal.ie, and have written across print and digital newsrooms in Ireland and the UK.

I’m open to freelance commissions and collaborations, particularly on politics, culture, investigative journalism, and international affairs.

Joan Didion