Corcoran joined the Federation for Ulster Local Studies in 1978, serving on the committee, and later as secretary and then chair from 1988 to 1990. From 1987 to 2000, she researched and compiled 26 editions of Local History Link, a biannual roundup of local historical society events. She was an earlier advocate for cross border projects between Northern Irish and Irish communities. Through her work, she created and maintained links between the Ulster Federation and the Federation of Local History Societies across the border in Ireland. The federations partnered for meetings and conferences, and occasionally trips to Europe that Corcoran was involved with at all levels. She published numerous articles in journals and newspapers, as well as appearing on television and radio. In 2008, she became honorary vice-president of the Ulster Federation.
