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Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Ronan Fanning

Date: Wed 18th Jan, 2017 | 14:49

18 January 2017


“Irish people will have heard with regret of the death of Ronan Fanning, acclaimed historian, Professor Emeritus of Modern History and Member of the Royal Irish Academy. 

Ronan Fanning was a much admired and respected historian whose extensive research and writings delivered a rich legacy to Irish scholarship. His research included the seminal history of the Department of Finance and work on the Irish in Latin America, including a biography of Eliza Lynch. His work on the Dictionary of Irish Biography gained wide acclaim.

An accomplished author and frequent broadcaster, he possessed a rare and wonderful talent for capturing and enrapturing his audience with an energetic and passionate literary style. 

Sabina and I want to express our condolences to his family, colleagues and wide circle of friends.

He will be fondly missed by his colleagues in academic life and by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."