Mobile-friendly user interface to material on Professor John Gabriel Byrne
Professor John Gabriel Byrne
Prof.Byrne was the founder of Computer Science in Trinity during its first 40 years of rapid development, and is known as the 'father of computing in Ireland'.
In the view of many, he was an extraordinary asset for Ireland. He very substantially influenced the people who participated in the evolution of a national industry that experienced dramatic developments over his tenure. He was at the forefront of computing in the country, and of educating generations of university students on the engineering and application of computers. He was a quiet influencer, and often achieved results despite inertia and resistance in the system. He was a Senior Fellow, a dedicated public servant, a strong but gentle inspiration for so many people, and yet never sought public recognition, a notably self-effacing and kindly gentleman.
Prof.Byrne however had many other interests and influences beyond computing. He was a student of the classics, as well as a civil engineer with an affinity for mathematics. He was a strong supporter of feminism in the male oriented professions. He was keenly interested in history, politics, architecture, an enthusiastic follower of rugby, and thoroughly enjoyed horse racing. He has been described as a 'genuine Renaissance Man'.
