IFAS Astronomer of the Year 2006 - Dave McDonald!

Congratualations Dave. You have inspired me with all your developements during 2006. Only for you it wouldn't have triggered me to go for the observatory code and your pioneering observation of the confirmation of the supernova, showing us the way for the future.

Besides the above, you have been an inspiration to us all in many other ways through your wonderful humour, wide range of active help posts for all those beginners and advanced amateur astronomers. Your activity within KAS.

Seeing the evolution of your imaging skills has all helped us in many ways to mirror what we need to do to ever improve our imaging. Considering the telescope and camera you were using last year I was so impressed what you could do pushing that instrumentation to its limits; thats what makes us all want to try harder and your methodologies/techniques that provide the neccessary tips to improve our images. This leads to the initiative of the Advanced Observers Programme, providing the opportunity for all those to take part in its many different facets to do real science. This is the most challenging initiative within IFAS embarking to the next phase in the developemnt of the IFAS community

I believe this is only the beginning for you, I am convinced there is alot to come during the next phase. Now that you have upgraded your instrumentation the universe is your oyster. Like all communities, some usually pioneer the way for us all and it is certainly you. It has been really good interacting with you on online and also particularly off line.

Wishing you all best wishes for 2007

Eamonn A