I was shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Dr. Matthew Parkes, Senior Curator for the Natural History Collections at the National Museum of Ireland, on Friday the 23rd. Just last December 5th, he came to the Limerick Astronomy Club and gave a fascinating talk on Irish meteorites, including the star of the show - the 1813 Brasky meteorite from Limerick. This was also his favourite exhibit in the entire National Museum. He even permitted us to lift the priceless and historic object, although we were not really supposed to tell anyone.... His expertise in the subject and engaging manner made it a thoroughly memorable evening.
RIP.
Finbarr.