Biography
As the son of a farmer and fruit grower, I have been interested in these topics since I was old enough to eat apples. Consequently, when I went to University, I pursued these interests by studying horticulture and pomology. After university, opportunities arose on the family farm, which I took over and manage, and in teaching, which I embraced by becoming a lecturer in University of Limerick.Today I continue to teach, farm and conduct horticultural research, as well as running a juice-making business and camping & caravan park.
I am seen of facebook from time to time at The Apple Farm and I occassionally tweet as @theapplefarmer
Research Interests
My masters degree focussed on the impact of nutrient status of apples on their long-term storage performance. I now work on fungicide resistance in apple scab, the use of gibberellins on apples, and thinning of apples using cytokinins and other plant growth regulators. In general, my research interests could be said to encompass pomology, apples and apple pathology.Professional Activities
Award
- 2012 - Lifetime Achievement Award
Committee
- 2009 Fetac Horticulture review panel,
- 2007 Food Safety Promotions Board,
- 2001 Irish Apple Growers Association,
- Bord Bia Quality Board,
Association
- 2003 Ordinary Member, International Fruit Tree Association
- 2003 Working Group Member, International Society for Horticultural Science, working groups on bioregulators in fruit production, integrated fruit production, and orchards and plantation systems
- Member, Institute of Biology of Ireland
Employment
- 1994 University of Limerick - Lecturer BB
Education
- 1993 University College Dublin - Master of Agricultural Science
- 1991 University College Dublin - Bachelor of Agricultural Science