Dr. Peter Harbison

I have only heard about Peter's death today, six weeks after his demise, and it saddens me to hear of it. I was Peter's physiotherapist for a number of years, and I always enjoyed his visits. He was such an interesting man, and always in good humour, apart from the time following his beloved Edelgards death. He filled his days with learning and was always ready to tell me about his latest venture. He was an inspiration on how to age with enthusiasm, and I will miss his energy and conversation. He was just a lovely man.
May he rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to the Harbison family on the sad passing of Peter. I’m just reading and old article from 1983 in the current issue of Westmeath Independent in which Peter is thanked by the Old Athlone Society for his guidance in the upgrade of the Castle Museum.

The Committee of Sligo Field Club would like to express its sympathy with the family of Dr Peter Harbison, following the sad news of his death. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Jim Foran, President, Sligo Field Club

On behalf of the Friends of the Hunt Museum we offer our sincere condolences on the death of Dr. Peter Harbison. His legacy is immeasurable and will be appreciated by many generations to come.

Ní bheidh a leithéad ann arís. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-Anam Dílis!

Deepest condolences to Ronan and the Harbison family on the passing of Peter. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

The announcement of Peter's death reached me only a few days ago and caused great sadness. I had the great honour to count this brilliant scholar, passionate cultural communicator and generous man among my friends. Grateful for many wonderful encounters, I remember him with lasting sympathy. My heartfelt condolences go out to his three sons and their families! Farewell, dear Peter. I will miss you very much!

Peter such a loss and such a wonderful education to have known and worked with him. Our condolonce to all his family. We did European promotions together mainly in Germany and Switzerland and it was such an experience to learn about Celtic influences there. He asked me once about the reasons why we came generations ago to lreland from Germany. Before l thought about it in typical fashion he had the answers. A wonderful person and a sad loss. May he rest in peace. Leo and Angela

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Harbison over the weekend. I met Peter during his time as Chairman of the Bunratty Castle & Furniture Trusts. He was an absolute joy to meet at every meeting with his beaming smile and sense of fun. I was always in awe of his knowledge, entranced by his stories and exhaulted by his inclusivity. But, it was his humility that touched me most. As someone present simply to record the minutes, he always made me feel very much a part of everything and often asked my opinion. He was so genuine and such an absolute gentleman. I am grateful to have known him just a little, and will remember him fondly always. My condolences to his beloved sons as he now rests eternally with his adored wife.

Very sincere condolences to the Harbison family on the death of Peter. I met him in Tuam when he was researching a possible link between Bavarian masons and the stone carving on the Cathedral here and on the abbey in Cong. I was proud to attend his subsequent lecture in our twin town, Straubing, and to hear the Straubingers marvel at his flawless German. He was a cheerful, gregarious man who despite his boundless knowledge never talked down to anyone; a model gentleman and scholar. RIP.

We are so very saddened to hear of Peter’s death and sorry that we missed his funeral. We had the pleasure of seeing him in February in the best of form and this is how we will remember him - smiling and full of interesting conversation.

Sincere condolences to the Harbison family. I met Peter in 1980 when I had a summer job in Bord Fáilte and had the pleasure of reconnecting with him by chance in recent years as we live near Newtownpark House. He was a joy to meet as he was such a combination of good humour, energy and erudition. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

My friend Laura Murtagh and I had the great fortune to spend our fridays with Peter in the RIA for the best part of 2 years as we researched and debated the good and the great for inclusion in Glasnevin Museum at Glasnevin Cemetary. Listening to Peter and Shane MacThomais debate their varied proposals was the most interesting life lesson in politics and civility, love of country, history, stories and empathy as an critical pillar in national life. He was one of my favourite people I met through work. I wrote to him when his wife died and he wrote a lovely note back as if we’d just seen each other the day before. I remember he had a great sense of humour. He was a gentleman and a joy to be around. Peter goodbye old friend. You were a triumph.. Sending my love to his family and friends. Comhbhrón ó chroí daoibh. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam uasal. Clare

Sincere sympathy to all the Harbison family on Peter's death. He lived life to the full and is very fondly remembered. He was a great friend and mentor to so many researchers at home and abroad, encouraging their engagement with Irish archaeology and history. He was an avid user of the RIA library where I worked, and it was a great pleasure to meet him there almost daily over many years and to see him generously share his time and knowledge with Academy staff and countless visitors.

Peter you were a great personal friend both to me and my late wife Maureen, full of life & fun. We shared many humorous phone calls. You will be missed by many nationally & internationally. Thanks for your friendship, Jerry

Comhbhrón ó chroí to the Harbison family and to all of Peter's friends and colleagues on Peter's sad passing. Peter would be pleased that his funeral Mass was taking place on June 9th, the feastday of Columcille, so many of the High Crosses are part and parcel of the Columban legacy. His was a unique contribution to all aspects of Irish archaeology but particularly to medieval Irish studies. His lectures at conferences were always keynote events. He shared his knowledge with enthusiasm, wit, good humour. Fear uasal imithe ar shlí na fírinne, leaba i measc na naomh go raibh ag a anam dílis.

Sincere condolences John, Maurice and Ronan. Your Dad’s intelligence, knowledge, wit, strength, communication skills and unfaltering positivity was an inspiration and enriched the lives of all who had the privilege to know Peter and the honour to call him a friend. Boys, you have a wealth of fond memories to bring comfort during the sorrow of these difficult days. Rest assured knowing your Dad is now reunited eternally with your loving Mother, Granny and Uncle, keeping them all entertained, I have no doubt.

My sincere condolences to the Harbison family on Peters passing. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolence to Peter's family on his passing. I concur completely with the many tributes paid to him in messages already posted. He was always a pleasant colleague and friend. I worked as an Irish Language editor in the RIA for over twenty years and, as a MRIA, I must say he stood out in the quality of his relationship not only with myself but with the staff in general.

Comhbhrón ó chroí to Dr. Peter’s Family on your sad loss.
Dr. Peter was a wonderful friend to our Society and we cherish the memories of his wonderful lectures and friendship.
Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal flaithiúil.

John, Maurice, Ronan and the extended Harbison family-my deepest condolences to you all on the death of Peter. He was such a jovial character with such wonderful energy. May he rest in peace with all his loved ones that have gone before him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

My deepest condolences to the Harbison family, and to Peter’s many friends and colleagues. I had the pleasure of working with Peter on a wonderful book a few years back, and he was as gracious as he was knowledgeable. We also had many lovely chats at family occasions over the years. I I know how greatly he will be missed. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.

We are both shocked and very sad to hear of the death of our old friend Peter. May he rest in peace.

To Ronan and the entire extended Harbison family. Sympathies to you on the passing of your Dad, Peter. I have great memories of meeting him in Loughshinny and being a source of great entertainment, curiousity, knowledge and heart. May he rest in peace.

Peter was an inspiration to anyone who knew him, ever since meeting Peter his intelligence wit and humility stood out ....a fondness for classical music gave us a shared passion and often on our many walks we spoke about his travels and his writings....such a great loss to all his family, friends and colleagues....My sincere condolences to John, Maurice, Ronan and extended family may he rest in peace.

Condolences and deepest sympathies to you, John, Maurice and Ronan, on the death of your father, Peter, one of Ireland’s greatest deliverers of knowledge of our past, be in in lectures, on outings or in publications, several of which I possess and make use of regularly. I think we first met in 1968 at the AYIA conference in Dublin, I last met him at Knowth last year, where I told him that I had bought some books from his library, one of which resolved a 50-year-old problem I had with understanding one church building. We communicated on many things, halberds, high crosses, memorials, antiquarian drawings, often in recent years in the RIA Library. His Treasure of Antiquities (2002) is just that for anyone interested in north Connacht. His legacy of publications will stand the test of time. May he rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to all of Peter’s family. His kindness was remarkable, unfailing and much valued, He wore his accomplishments so lightly. His knowledge, experience and advice were so generously shared with me and my colleagues in the RIA. I valued him and respected him very much. Thank you, Peter.

My deepest sympathy to Peter’s sons, extended family and friends on their great loss. Peter leaves a proud legacy from his long years in building awareness of and enhancing Ireland’s rich archaeological heritage through his academic achievements, his work in Bord Failte and his acclaimed books, writings and presentations. As editor of Ireland of the Welcomes magazine, he brought the best of Ireland’s culture, arts, folklore and story-telling to a huge international audience. Scholarship and expertise rested easy on Peter, an absolute gentleman, respected colleague with an infectious sense of fun who will be fondly remembered, and sorely missed, by all who knew him. May he Rest in Peace.

I am so very sorry and saddened to hear the news of dear Peter's passing. To his sons and the wider family circle, I offer my deepest sympathy. While working in the RIA office I had the pleasure of meeting Peter who was always a breath of fresh air. I have fond memories of our Christmas parties when he would join in the fun, and as the evening came to it's end Peter would stand beside the Christmas tree singing a carol in German.

The Friends of St. Doulagh’s Church were really sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. He had such a wealth of knowledge about Irish Archaeology and Monastic sites and the talks he gave in the Church were so interesting and informative. He was always willing to give his help and advice when asked and this was very much appreciated. Thinking of all the family and sending our deepest sympathy at this very sad time.

Sincere sympathy to Ronan and family on the loss of your father, Peter. May he rest in peace.

I was very sorry to hear the sad news that Peter had died. He was both knowledgeable and kind. He gave me wonderful letters of introduction to scholars in Spain and Portugal which opened all doors for my fieldwork in 1970 as everyone thought so highly of him, as we did here in Ireland. My sincere sympathies to his sons and their families Elizabeth Twohig

Dear Ronan and family, I was very sorry to hear the sad news about your Dad. I am thinking of you at this difficult time. May your Dad rest in peace. I wish you and your family viel Kraft und Zuversicht. Ralf

Deepest condolences to the Harbison families on the death of Peter. May he rest in peace.

What a great scholar and friend has gone to that unexcavated site in the sky. May he ruffle them all there. What a loss to Irish scholarship but what a legacy he leaves. Cherished personal copies of most of his works occupy special shelf space here in Parkmore. Rest at peace Peter, you enriched our lives. Sincere sympathy to his beloved family as the Harbisons reunite.

My sincere condolences to the family. What a brilliant man. What a lovely man was Peter Harbison, rest in peace.

Peter and I shared an office in the RIA, he was a great scholar, a gentleman, and great fun. Sincere sympathies to all his family.

Sorely missed leaving behind fantastic memories may he rest in peace

Condolences to the Harbison family

I was deeply saddened to hear of Peter's death. We first met in the Technical Department of Bord Failte in the 1960s and our friendship endured over the years encompassing his enabling my return to work there when he was working on Ireland of the Welcomes but also interesting meetings in the RIA, in Paris, and all over Ireland. His enthusiasm and curiosity were inspirational and infectious, and at our last meeting at Christmas he was as always keen to chat about our respective families. My sincere condolences to his family - he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Very sorry to hear of Peter's passing - always such a kind, amusing and highly respected man, always so generous with his knowledge, and always such a pleasure to meet. His loss is being deeply felt by all who had the very great pleasure of meeting him or being in his always inspiring company. May he now rest in peace after a long, inspiring and highly productive life.

So sorry to learn of Peter’s death. We have such happy memories of being in his company .It was a great privilege to have known him . He was always so helpful and so amusing. Thank you Peter.

Our deepest condolences to Ronan and all of the Harbison family. We are privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know Peter and will cherish happy memories of annual ‘Tannenbaum’ gatherings at Loughshinny and the heart warming sight of father and son singing verses of Jingle Bells that we never knew existed. Rest in peace Dr. Harbison.

I had the pleasure of working with Peter a number of times in the early 90s when I was with CERT. He was an inspiring colleague, who shared his knowledge generously and brought all that is special about our heritage to life for so many. Condolences to the Harbison family.
May he rest in peace

Ethna Murphy ( formally CERT & Failte Ireland)

Thinking of you all at this sad time. May your Dad rest in peace. Love Jo & Ralph

Thinking of you all on the sad passing of Peter, one of life's true gentlemen. He was such delightful company, always in good humour and so kind...
May he have eternal rest.

Sincere Sympathies to all the family and extended family on the passing of Peter. He was a true gentleman. May Peter R.I.P. 🙏

Thank you for your genius mind and for sharing your amazing brother with us also.Love to all your family at this sad time.God speed to you Peter, sleep well, your job is done it's time to reap the rewards ❤️

Our deepest condolences to the Harbison families on the death of Peter. May he rest in peace.

Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Harbison family .
It was always an enriching and enlightening experience to be in Peters company.
A man of great integrity and intelligence carried with a gentle humility.
We feel very lucky to have known such a man .
May he rest in Peace .

My deepest sympathy to the Harbison family, and friends. Peter was an absolute gentleman, It was always a pleasure to be in his company. We became friends on the daily trek out of Loughshinny, while catching the train into the big smoke. Peter was always in positive form, you could be assured of a lively chat on any topic. He had a fantastic wit, I was always sure of a laugh in his company. You were lucky to have had him in your lives and he will be missed by so many. He cherished his family. Rest in peace Peter.

Sincere condolences to the Harbison family on Peter’s passing. A man I got to know in recent years who was undoubtedly one of life’s true gentlemen. May he rest in peace.

Deepest condolences to Peter's sons John , Maurice and Ronan on the death of their father and sincere sympathy also to the extended Harbison family at this time of sadness and loss . His informative , animated and stimulating discourses on the Medieval High Crosses not only at Kilfenora but throughout the island of Ireland as well as his lectures on archaeological features of the Burren and the wider world , made an indelible impression on all who were privileged to be in his presence . My memories of Peter reach back to childhood summers in Inchiquin House , Corofin . Ni bheidh a leitheid ann aris . Codhladh samh da anam uasal .

Dr. Harbison’s publications are all collected here across the pond and much appreciated and well read.
“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.”
Maya Angelou

Dear Ronan and family,

Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your Dad, father-in-law and opa. Having heard about him for so many years, it was a pleasure to finally meet him some years ago in Loughshinny and most recently at Cordelia's birthday.

In spite of his recent health issues and huge life changes-he was clearly determined to continue to live a full life to the end, aided by you as his family.

I know you will feel his absence hugely, and we are so very sorry for your loss, but hopefully, he will now be reunited with your Mum.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Deepest sympathy to John, Maurice and Ronan on the sad passing of your wonderful Dad Peter. During our time together in Bord Failte, he was a most engaging and gregarious colleague. Peter had an encylopedic knowlegde of Irish High Crosses and Moanastic settlements and made such an outstanding contribution to art, architecture and education through 'Ireland of the Welcomes' and his many publications. Peter will be greatly missed and may his soul rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to all Peter’s family. Peter’s scholarship, enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge and love of music were equalled by his gift of friendship and celebration of life - especially of birthdays. Rest in peace Peter. Margaret and Donal

Our sincere sympathy to Ronan and the Harbison family on the passing of a special Dad. A great academic and will be greatly missed by many. May Peter’s gentle soul Rest in Peace.

Our sincere condolences to the Harbison family on your sad loss. Peter contributed so much to the appreciation of our National Monuments. He was a great friend to us all in the service and always great fun! We will miss him.

Deepest condolences to Ronan and all the Harbison family - Peter will love long in the memory of all who knew him. Rest in peace.