RICHARD FITZGERALD
(22/01/1957 – 5/12/2016)
On the 5th of December 2016, our dear colleague, friend and mentor Dr. Richard FitzGerald passed away at University Hospital Galway, following a short illness.
Richie was a key member of the MOREFISH team and was pivotal in the formation of the project. Originally from Co. Kerry, Richie was a graduate of UCC. Following on from his undergraduate he commenced work on his PhD on ecological interactions of fish-parasite communities (1 of only 2 PhDs awarded in Ireland on this area). He also held an MBA in Finance and Accounting.
Richie had over 30 years’ experience in the aquaculture sector and was a significant figure in the area. He was instrumental in the establishment of UCC’s Aquaculture Development Centre and AquaTT. He served on the Aquaculture Licensing Appeals Board, numerous state boards and agencies and served as an EU expert on multiple occasions.
In 2006, he joined NUI, Galway as a Senior Research Fellow, manager and research co-ordinator of the Carna Research Laboratory. Richie published over 35 peer reviewed publications and over 100 technical reports. His experience and knowledge of fish biology and aquaculture made him Irelands leading expert in this area.
Personally, Richie was warm and welcoming. He was quick of wit, with an incredible amount of knowledge stored in his head. He had a story for every situation and was a sounding board for his friends and colleagues. A true character, his passing is a loss to the field of aquaculture and to countless friends.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Frances, his family, his colleagues and a legion of friends.
Link to a recent appreciation article on Richie in the Irish Times.
