2018
UCC: Proud to announce new plant genetics lectureship
Thanks to University College Cork and The Agricultural Trust, the legacy of Irish agricultural legend, Paddy O’Keeffe, will live on through a new Senior Lectureship.
Professor John O’Halloran, Deputy President and Registrar: “UCC will benefit enormously from the generosity of The Agricultural Trust. This donation will equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills required to ensure the sustained success of Irish Grassland Research and Agriculture in face of environmental challenges such as climate change”.
This philanthropic gift was announced at a commemorative lunch for Paddy O’Keeffe hosted on campus by UCC President Professor Patrick O’Shea and Deputy President and Registrar Prof. John O’Halloran.
THE SEEDS
Paddy O’Keeffe, ever the unconventional agricultural revolutionary, employed rigorous science to enhance the competitiveness of Irish agriculture. He was a leading figure in promoting dairy research at Teagasc, Moorepark Fermoy and grassland research worldwide.
Playing a key role in the modernisation of farming and the growth of agri-business in Ireland, in 1961, together with John Mooney, he established The Agricultural Trust, which publishes the Irish Farmers Journal and The Irish Field. He continued to chair the Trust until his death in 2013.
GROWTH
Dr Henriques will conduct new avenues of research in perennial ryegrass in keeping with Paddy’s approach, focusing on the genetics of plant growth and development under different environmental conditions. Dr Henriques will be based in UCC, working closely with Teagasc Moorepark and will serve to enhance Irish agricultural progress in the years to come.
Professor Astrid Wingler, Head of Plant Science at UCC, noted that Dr Henriques’ expertise underpins the strategy of Plant Science at UCC and enhances existing collaborations with Teagasc.
The UCC-Teagasc Strategic Alliance has been fruitful with the introduction of a new Bachelor in Agricultural Science degree to be run in collaboration with Teagasc Moorepark Fermoy. This new programme will include a significant component of Plant Science.