Ernest Walton - largely unknown in Ireland?

EamonnKeane

Certainly I'd never heard of him until his experiment was mentioned in my 6th year physics book. Ireland's ONLY science laureate, yet not mentioned anywhere. I mean, he was born in Dungarvan, and split the atom, and Ireland has forgotten him. I'd never seen his name in any history book, newspaper article, or anything.

I wonder, had he been called Paddy McCarthy, would he be better known? I mean, he was a Methodist named Ernest, the very model of a model West-Brit, being globally recognised just 3 years after the Republic was declared?

Or maybe I'm wrong, maybe Dev got up and made a big speech praising him or whatever. But anyway, does someone know a little more about all this?

kevmy

Personally I don't know an awful lot about him but I do know his son. He (Phillip Walton) is a recently retired Professor (Emeritus) of Experimental Physics in NUI Galway and there was a programme done on Radio 1 a while back where they had him talking about his father.

He is a nice man and he lectured me in my undergrad and supervised some of my labs. He's an expert in Radiological Physics and was the Radiation Protection Officer for NUI Galway and UCHG up until very recently. He is one of Ireland's foremost proponents of nuclear energy as a safe alternative to fossil fuels in the medium term (25-50 yrs). He has been on Prime Time. Morning Ireland etc. discussing this issue.

His father didn't receive a lot of recognition at the time but then he did perform the experiments in England and at that time spent all his time there before returning to Ireland later on. I think it's a shame Ireland doesn't have a national awards system to recognise people of this sort. As it is kinda harm to give recognition to scientists, artists, community workers etc. in the present form.

ZorbaTehZ

Idd OP, I remember thinking the same thing doing my LC last year. 'Tis a terrible shame they don't get enough recognition.