Pictured at the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the contribution of Thomas Grubb to astronomy in Ireland and worldwide were, from left, Minister of State for Skills, Training, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD, Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), and Professor Tom Ray, DIAS. PHOTO: Mark Stedman
John Halligan TD, Minister of State for Skills, Training, Innovation, Research and Development, has today (30.07.18) unveiled a plaque to commemorate the contribution of Thomas Grubb to astronomy in Ireland and worldwide.
In the 1830s, Thomas Grubb pioneered telescope manufacturing from his base close to Charlemont Bridge on Dublin’s Grand Canal. Now, the National Committee for Science and Engineering Commemorative Plaques, the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) have come together to erect a permanent marker commemorating Grubb’s achievements.
The plaque unveiled today is located at the site of Grubb’s first engineering works in Dublin – on Canal Road in Dublin 6. The site is now Construction House, the headquarters of CIF.
Commenting today, Minister John Halligan said: “Like myself, Thomas Grubb was a Waterford native, hailing from Portlaw.
“He first began producing telescopes in Dublin in 1837. His firm grew rapidly over the years and became one of the leading telescope manufacturers in the world. At its height, Grubb and Son employed over 400 people.
“Grubb’s contribution to astronomy was immense: his firm contributed to telescopes in India, Australia, South Africa and the Crimea, as well as Greenwich and Dublin. I am delighted to be commemorating his significant achievements by unveiling this plaque today.”
Pictured at the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the contribution of Thomas Grubb to astronomy in Ireland and worldwide were Minister of State for Skills, Training, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD (2nd from right), Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), Tom Parlon (right), Director General of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), Professor Tom Ray (2nd from left), DIAS, and Dr Brian Smyth, Chairman, National Committee for Commemorative Plaques for Science and Technology (NCCPST). PHOTO: Mark Stedman
Professor Tom Ray of DIAS – an expert in Astronomy – said: “Grubb’s work was of such high quality that much of the equipment the firm built is still in use today.
“A fine example of his work can be seen in Dunsink Observatory, part of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. This telescope, known as the South Refractor, is still used by the public to view the stars and planets. Despite being 150 years old, its Victorian clock mechanism and mechanics function perfectly.
“The instruments developed by the Grubb firm were critical in proving Einstein’s Theory of Gravity and revealing the presence of Dark Matter. A Grubb lens and coelostat – a device for feeding the lens with a stationary image of the sun – were used in the 1919 eclipse expedition that tested Einstein’s Theory; and were fundamental in proving Einstein correct. Both devices are now in the possession of DIAS.
“The 19th Century was a time of huge innovation and excitement in astronomy, and Ireland played a key role. It is fitting, therefore, that a permanent marker has now been erected to commemorate Thomas Grubb, Ireland’s telescope-maker extraordinaire.”
In addition to Minister Halligan and Professor Ray, today’s unveiling was attended by Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS; Tom Parlon, Director General of the CIF; and members of the history of science and astronomical communities in Ireland.
For further information, contact: Eva Dowling / Niamh Breathnach, Alice PR & Events. Tel: 01-5582151 / 083-1496045 / 085-1461231, Email: media@alicepr.com
About DIAS
DIAS was founded by Éamon de Valera in 1940 as a centre of excellence for advanced scholarship focused on three disciplines: Celtic Studies, Theoretical Physics and Cosmic Physics (encompassing Astronomy/Astrophysics and Geophysics). As the world’s second, and the Ireland’s only, Institute for Advanced Studies, it is a globally embedded institution which attracts scholars and academics from around the world. It conducts and publishes advanced research, and also leads Ireland’s participation in a number of international research endeavours which focus on big unanswered questions for mankind. Dunsink Observatory is part of DIAS and DIAS coordinates a range of national initiatives on behalf of government. Further information is available at www.dias.ie.
Don't forget that the "Forecasting the Unpredictable: earthquake science in a crowded world" public lecture is being given tomorrow in @tcddublin by Professor John McCloskey, Chair in Natural Hazards Science at @EdinburghUni. All info at bit.ly/2QphEQJ. #DIASdiscovers
My letter @ITletters on Ireland’s astronomical heritage at Dunsink, Armagh and Birr, and the reignition of astronomical research in the country with @I_LOFAR and @ESO. Off to Birr now to check on @I_LOFAR. https://t.co/NajJoVunbv
‘The scientist only imposes two things, namely truth and sincerity, imposes them upon himself and upon other scientists’ – Erwin Schrodinger. Schrodinger was the first Director of Theoretical Physics at DIAS. #DIASdiscovers
At DIAS we contribute to the implementation of a range of national strategies and road maps – Innovation 2020, the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, the Action Plan for Education and the Global Island policy. We have the future of Ireland at the core of our vision.
We have a rich legacy in space tech development at DIAS.Currently @dias_astronomy has a detector development group is developing hardware for the ARIEL satellite mission, & is collaborating to develop hardware and software for the James Webb Space Telescope. #DIASdiscovers
The Irish Script on Screen, has digitised 400 manuscripts, and has in excess of 4million hits annually from over 150 countries. Tuilleadh eolas ar seo le fáil anseo: bit.ly/2QhGaDf#DIASdiscovers@DIAS_ISOS@SCSLibrary
J.L. Synge published his ’Relativity: The General Theory’ in 1960 and for more than a decade DIAS became the leading world centre for research in general relativity. #DIASdiscovers
At DIAS our mission is to provide a neutral dedicated #research space and a conducive intellectual environment for local and international researchers to conduct advanced studies, explore ideas, and engage in unconstrained thought. #DIASdiscovers
Huge congratulations to the @IrishResearch Council on their awards ceremony last night - recognising the fantastic work of their researchers, and the incredible research being done here in Ireland! #LoveIrishResearch
‘Forecasting the Unpredictable: earthquake science in a crowded world.’
On Dec 12, 6.30pm Prof. John McCluskey @EdinburghUni will be discussing science of earthquakes at our public lecture in the Schrodinger Theatre @tcddublin. Admission free, all welcome. bit.ly/2AqmORP
At DIAS, our mission is to enable researchers at all career stages to flourish and fulfil their research potential, and to train talented scholars in advanced research.#DIASdiscovers
DIAS was established in 1940 as the world’s second, and Europe’s first, institute with an exclusive focus on research and advanced studies. These are the minutes of the first DIAS International Colloquim in 1943! #DIASdiscovers
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30th July 2018: Minister John Halligan unveils plaque to commemorate ‘telescope-maker extraordinaire’, Thomas Grubb
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Last Updated: 3rd September 2018 by mary
John Halligan TD, Minister of State for Skills, Training, Innovation, Research and Development, has today (30.07.18) unveiled a plaque to commemorate the contribution of Thomas Grubb to astronomy in Ireland and worldwide.
In the 1830s, Thomas Grubb pioneered telescope manufacturing from his base close to Charlemont Bridge on Dublin’s Grand Canal. Now, the National Committee for Science and Engineering Commemorative Plaques, the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) have come together to erect a permanent marker commemorating Grubb’s achievements.
The plaque unveiled today is located at the site of Grubb’s first engineering works in Dublin – on Canal Road in Dublin 6. The site is now Construction House, the headquarters of CIF.
Commenting today, Minister John Halligan said: “Like myself, Thomas Grubb was a Waterford native, hailing from Portlaw.
“He first began producing telescopes in Dublin in 1837. His firm grew rapidly over the years and became one of the leading telescope manufacturers in the world. At its height, Grubb and Son employed over 400 people.
“Grubb’s contribution to astronomy was immense: his firm contributed to telescopes in India, Australia, South Africa and the Crimea, as well as Greenwich and Dublin. I am delighted to be commemorating his significant achievements by unveiling this plaque today.”
Professor Tom Ray of DIAS – an expert in Astronomy – said: “Grubb’s work was of such high quality that much of the equipment the firm built is still in use today.
“A fine example of his work can be seen in Dunsink Observatory, part of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. This telescope, known as the South Refractor, is still used by the public to view the stars and planets. Despite being 150 years old, its Victorian clock mechanism and mechanics function perfectly.
“The instruments developed by the Grubb firm were critical in proving Einstein’s Theory of Gravity and revealing the presence of Dark Matter. A Grubb lens and coelostat – a device for feeding the lens with a stationary image of the sun – were used in the 1919 eclipse expedition that tested Einstein’s Theory; and were fundamental in proving Einstein correct. Both devices are now in the possession of DIAS.
“The 19th Century was a time of huge innovation and excitement in astronomy, and Ireland played a key role. It is fitting, therefore, that a permanent marker has now been erected to commemorate Thomas Grubb, Ireland’s telescope-maker extraordinaire.”
In addition to Minister Halligan and Professor Ray, today’s unveiling was attended by Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS; Tom Parlon, Director General of the CIF; and members of the history of science and astronomical communities in Ireland.
Further information is available at www.dias.ie.
ENDS
For further information, contact: Eva Dowling / Niamh Breathnach, Alice PR & Events. Tel: 01-5582151 / 083-1496045 / 085-1461231, Email: media@alicepr.com
About DIAS
DIAS was founded by Éamon de Valera in 1940 as a centre of excellence for advanced scholarship focused on three disciplines: Celtic Studies, Theoretical Physics and Cosmic Physics (encompassing Astronomy/Astrophysics and Geophysics). As the world’s second, and the Ireland’s only, Institute for Advanced Studies, it is a globally embedded institution which attracts scholars and academics from around the world. It conducts and publishes advanced research, and also leads Ireland’s participation in a number of international research endeavours which focus on big unanswered questions for mankind. Dunsink Observatory is part of DIAS and DIAS coordinates a range of national initiatives on behalf of government. Further information is available at www.dias.ie.
Follow DIAS on social media:
Category: DIAS, News
Don't forget that the "Forecasting the Unpredictable: earthquake science in a crowded world" public lecture is being given tomorrow in @tcddublin by Professor John McCloskey, Chair in Natural Hazards Science at @EdinburghUni. All info at bit.ly/2QphEQJ. #DIASdiscovers
Cornelius Lanczos was a Senior Prof at the @StpDias from 1954 to 1968. #DIASdiscovers
.@petertgallagher, Senior Professor @DIAS_Astronomy has a letter in the @IrishTimes on the distinguished astronomical heritage that Ireland has in our observatories at Dunsink, Armagh and Birr, and the contribution they have made to our country. #DIASdiscovers twitter.com/petertgallaghe…
‘The scientist only imposes two things, namely truth and sincerity, imposes them upon himself and upon other scientists’ – Erwin Schrodinger. Schrodinger was the first Director of Theoretical Physics at DIAS. #DIASdiscovers
At DIAS we contribute to the implementation of a range of national strategies and road maps – Innovation 2020, the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, the Action Plan for Education and the Global Island policy. We have the future of Ireland at the core of our vision.
We have a rich legacy in space tech development at DIAS.Currently @dias_astronomy has a detector development group is developing hardware for the ARIEL satellite mission, & is collaborating to develop hardware and software for the James Webb Space Telescope. #DIASdiscovers
The Irish Script on Screen, has digitised 400 manuscripts, and has in excess of 4million hits annually from over 150 countries. Tuilleadh eolas ar seo le fáil anseo: bit.ly/2QhGaDf #DIASdiscovers @DIAS_ISOS @SCSLibrary
J.L. Synge published his ’Relativity: The General Theory’ in 1960 and for more than a decade DIAS became the leading world centre for research in general relativity. #DIASdiscovers
At DIAS our mission is to provide a neutral dedicated #research space and a conducive intellectual environment for local and international researchers to conduct advanced studies, explore ideas, and engage in unconstrained thought. #DIASdiscovers
Thank you Luke.We're certainly looking forward to it. Hoping you might make the next one. twitter.com/Luke_Drury/sta…
Huge congratulations to the @IrishResearch Council on their awards ceremony last night - recognising the fantastic work of their researchers, and the incredible research being done here in Ireland! #LoveIrishResearch
‘Forecasting the Unpredictable: earthquake science in a crowded world.’ On Dec 12, 6.30pm Prof. John McCluskey @EdinburghUni will be discussing science of earthquakes at our public lecture in the Schrodinger Theatre @tcddublin. Admission free, all welcome. bit.ly/2AqmORP
@DublinPubhD Thanks for the support!
At DIAS, our mission is to enable researchers at all career stages to flourish and fulfil their research potential, and to train talented scholars in advanced research.#DIASdiscovers
DIAS was established in 1940 as the world’s second, and Europe’s first, institute with an exclusive focus on research and advanced studies. These are the minutes of the first DIAS International Colloquim in 1943! #DIASdiscovers