James Carney was born on May 17, 1914, in Ireland. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in Irish Celtic studies, which would later become his lifelong passion.
Carney graduated from University College Dublin in 1935 with a degree in Irish. He then furthered his education by attending Bonn University, where he delved deeper into his studies of the Irish language and culture.
Carney went on to become a Professor of Irish at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, where he made significant contributions to the field of Celtic studies. He was also a visiting professor at Uppsala University from 1950 to 1952, where he continued to expand his knowledge and share his expertise with students.
Carney was a family man, having married and had a son named Paul. Despite his busy academic career, he always made time for his loved ones and valued his role as a husband and father.
In recognition of his scholarly achievements, Carney was awarded an honorary doctorate by Uppsala University in 1975. This prestigious honor solidified his reputation as a leading expert in Irish Celtic studies.
Throughout his career, Carney's work has had a lasting impact on the field of Celtic studies, inspiring future generations of scholars to delve into the rich history and language of Ireland. His dedication to preserving and promoting Irish culture will always be remembered and celebrated.