Background
He was born in Dublin's docklands and studied Modern Languages at Trinity, graduating in 1952 and in Natural Sciences the following year.
Botanist educational administrator
He was born in Dublin's docklands and studied Modern Languages at Trinity, graduating in 1952 and in Natural Sciences the following year.
Bachelor of Arts, Trinity College, U. Dublin, 1953, Doctor of Science, 1972. Fulbright fellow, University of Minnesota, 1962, 75.
Lecturer in Botany, University of Hull 1953-1955. Lecturer in Botany, Trinity College Dublin 1955-1965, Professor, of Botany 1965-1980, Professor, of Quaternary Ecology 81, Provost since 1981. Adjunct Professor, of Geology, University of Minnesota.
Chairman Federated Dublin Voluntary Hospitals since 1983, Mercer's Hospital 1973-1983, Mercer's Hospital Found. since 1983, Health Research Board 1987-1989. Fellow, Irish Manager Institute. President Royal Irish Academy 1982-1985.
Governor National Gallery of Ireland 1982-1985, Marsh’s Library since 1981.
Member National Board for Science and Technology, since 1978, Public Institute for Advanced Studies, since 1981. President Royal Irish Academy, since 1982. Member Ireland-United States Scholarship Exchange Board, since 1982.
Member Ecological Society American, British Ecological Society, American Quaternary Association, Quaternary Research Association.
Married Geraldine Mary Magrath, May 28, 1954. Children: Niall, Michael, Sheila.