The President, Council,  Executive Board, members and staff of Engineers Ireland express our deepest sympathy on the death of our esteemed Past President and Former Director General Dr Finbar Callanan C.Eng FIEI.

Dr Callanan chaired the Joint Executive Committee which coordinated the unification in 1969 of Cumann na nInnealtóirí and the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland to form the Institution of Civil Engineers of Ireland (now known as Engineers Ireland).

In 1979, Dr Callanan assumed the role of Director General and Secretary of the Institution of Engineers of Ireland. Dr Callanan also held key roles in our organisation as the Secretary of the Midland Region of Cumann na n-Innealtóiri (The Engineers Association) in 1960. He also was the founder of the Dublin Region and the Engineers' Club.

Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: “On behalf of our institution, our Council, Executive Board, members and staff, I express my sincere condolences to the family of Dr Callanan.  I had the pleasure of working closely with Dr Callanan over a number of years. He raised the stakes for what could be accomplished by us as an institution. He was at the forefront of internationalising the engineering profession through pioneering work on the Washington Accord and building relationships with FEANI. His insights were always impressive, and opinions invaluable.”

Professor Edmond Harty, President of Engineers Ireland, added: “Dr Callanan exercised strong leadership for which he will be remembered. Dr Callanan had an intellectual vigour which inspired and influenced many. He made such an indelible mark on our engineering community and was a positive force for good throughout his tenure as President and Director General of Engineers Ireland. His loss will be deeply felt throughout the wider engineering community, and by his family and many friends.”

Our thoughts are with Dr Callanan’s family at this time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

For more information regarding funeral arrangements, please see: https://rip.ie/death-notice/dr-finbar-callanan-dublin-rathfarnham-522733

As a mark of respect, Engineers Ireland's headquarters will be closed on Monday, 10 July until 2pm.