Professor Patrick McArdle

Comhbhrón ó chroí do Aideen Óg as bás a hathar.
Beidh mé ag smaoineamh oraibh uilig.
Le grá mór.

My heartfelt condolences to Aideen and the rest of the family. It was a shock to know that Pat is no longer with us. I apologise, for not having made it to the funeral due to visa requirements, but, was able to watch the it online, and it was a beautiful ceremony.

I had the pleasure of being trained by Pat in crystallography, having worked with him for my first post doctoral position from 2014 - 2017. Talking to him was like reading a textbook. He was so knowledgeable, but, so unassuming as well, which made him a great mentor. I owe my career in academia to his training and the conversaitons with him that sparked ideas that I am currently developing. Thinking of all his innovations like drilling through a sealed vacuum pump to precisely control temprature on the sample and the cyclone vacuum installation in his house that he told be about, makes me chuckle even now.

I hope we all and most of all, his nearest and dearest find the strength to bear his loss. He shall live on in our fond memories.

Sincerest sympathies. There were a lot of fun times in UCG with Pat, Des and co. He will be sadly missed.

Sincere sympathy to Aideen and family on Pat's sudden passing, very sad to hear it. As many have said, a great practical chemist, with a great sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye.
I worked for Pat during summer 1974 as a second year undergrad, and learned a lot from him - I remember well his own lab notebooks with beautifully concise reports in his very distinctive handwriting. He introduced me to NMR (he was installing UCG's first carbon-13 instrument in those days), and later he persuaded my PhD supervisor Nellie Lee to let us do some NMR work on her carbohydrates - those who recall Nellie will know that wasn't easy! But it resulted in a joint paper that opened a new direction in her research, which she deeply appreciated.
I met him only occasionally in later years, but it was always a pleasure to talk to him. I hope he realised how much I appreciate my involvement with him. Ar dheis De....

John Wood (PhD 1979, former Head of Department of Chemistry, Cork Institute of Technology)

To Aideen his adored wife, and to Patricks much loved family, who he spoke so lovingly about, in particular reasons to travel to Dublin! I had the absolute pleasure of frequent meetings with him in the hospital. He would arrive, swathed in reflective rain gear, pink cheeked from the cycle and sparkle in his eyes, and i knew that this was a pitstop between his great loves - HOME and NUIG. I was deeply shocked to learn that he passed away so suddenly. I wanted to pass on my sincerest condolences to you on the loss an absolute gentleman, a gem. Niamh

Condolence to the extended McArdle family. I was a PhD student in UCD in the mid sixties when Pat McArdle and Des Cunningham were also doing PhD studies. I have great memories of that time

Condolences to Aideen, Orla, Eoin and Aideen Og on Pats sad passing. Rest in Peace.

Sincere Sympathy to Aideen and the McArdle family on the death of Pat. He dedicated his life to Chemistry and was an inspiration to all he taught and supervised in his long and illustrious career . May he rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy Jim and Jackie,on the loss of a wonderful brother,

Sincere condolences to Orla on the sad passing of her Dad Patrick.

Sincere condolences to Aideen and to the entire family on Pat’s unexpected death. We were colleagues from the early 1970s and I always enjoyed his wit and humour, as well as admiring his commitment to research and scholarship. Solas na bhFlaitheas dá anam.

Very sorry to hear the news of Pat's passing. He is very fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to meet him on his visit to York with colleagues to explore Protein Crystallography around 1990. He was great company and always full of entertaining anecdotes. Best wishes to all his family and friends.

We send our condolences to Aideen, and Pat and Aideen's and family on Pat's unexpected death. I feel rather bereft. Pat was my first research student in 1966 and our collaboration continued on and off for 38 years with the publishing of 28 scientific papers together, the first in 1967 and the last in 2004. He was a productive and intrepid researcher who was always fun to work with.

My sincere sympathy to the McArdle family on your great loss of Pat.

Sincere condolences to Orla and family during this difficult period, RIP

Sincere Condolences to Aideen, Orla, Eoin and Aideen Og on the very sad passing of Pat. He was always such a Gentleman and a great neighbour in Ardilaun Road. He will be very sadly missed. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

My deepest condolences for Pat’s family on his passing.

For me, it feels like a personal loss that I cannot even begin to process. Pat was my mentor and co-supervisor for the past two years, we’ve been working together on several projects, our morning chats for news and updates was part of my daily routine. Not only was he a brilliant chemist and a genius scientist who taught me fundamentals of crystallography and basic modelling calculations, everyday I spent with him I got to learn something new, whether it is troubleshooting the single crystal problems, fixing a water pump, or frankensteining a computer out of spare parts!

I’m thankful for Pat for making me - hopefully - a better researcher than when I arrived to Galway over three years ago, and giving me the confidence to know that I can navigate the next few challenging months as I’m approaching the last stretch of my PhD.

May he rest in peace, he will be greatly missed.

My sincere condolences to Orla, and all the McArdle family. I was so sorry to hear this very sad news. Thinking of you all during this terribly difficult time.

It is with a heavy heart that I reflect on the passing of a remarkable mentor and guiding light in my professional journey. Working under your supervision from 2015 to 2020 during my PhD was not just an academic experience, but a life-altering journey. Your daily interactions, brimming with wisdom and kindness, were more than just educational—they were transformative.

Your office was not merely a space within the department; it was a beacon of hope and guidance. Your selfless nature, always so willing to lend a hand, was a true testament to your character. The patience and understanding you showed, akin to a fatherly presence, deeply influenced not just my career path, but my entire approach to life and learning.

The scientific community in Galway and beyond has lost a luminary. Your teachings and spirit will continue to inspire and guide not just me, but everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. Thank you for your immeasurable contributions, your unwavering support, and the kindness you extended to all. Your legacy will live on in the many lives you've touched. I am eternally grateful for the wisdom you've imparted and will carry your lessons with me always.

I was saddened to learn of Pat's death. My deepest sympathies to Aideen and to his family.

Our paths first crossed in the UCD Chemistry Department in 1969. He was in the final stages of completing his PhD under the supervision of Professor Tony Manning; I had just joined Tony's research group. Pat was wonderful company and had a great sense of humour. He was also a superb experimental chemist. I learned a great deal from him.

I am sorry our paths never crossed again after he left UCD. It is clear from the memories published in this Condolence Book that he was a terrific colleague and lecturer- much respected, and held in great affection, by his peers and students.

It was with great regret that I learned of Pat's passing. even though I had not met him for many years. We were students together in UCD in the early sixties. Traipsing daily between the College of Science, Earlsfort Terrace, and downstairs in 86 St. Stephens Green for lunch. Sincerest sympathy to Pat's wife Aideen and all his family.

Sincere sympathy to Pat's wife and family. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. I will remember Pat as an inspirational scientist who was a genuine mentor and a true gentleman. May he rest in Peace.

Sincere condolences to Breege and Margaret on the loss of your dear brother Pat from Collette and Ciaran Dalton Co Kerry

My sincere sympathies to the McArdle family on the sudden passing of Pat. He had a well deserved reputation as a teacher and a researcher with a tremendous commitment to his students and his colleagues in Chemistry. May he rest in peace.

Jim Browne (ex NUI Galway).

My deepest sympathy to Pat's family. Pat was a wonderful colleague. He was very helpful and solved many nice crystal structures for us. He will be missed. May he rest on peace.

Condolences to all of Patrick's family on his death.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

To the McArdle family,
I was so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. He was a truly inspirational professor, scientist and friend. His enthusiasm, dedication and good humour never failed to inspire.
May he rest in peace,
Margaret O'Gara (Ph.D 1989-93)

Sincere condolences to all of Pat's family and friends at this sad time. Pat was a fantastic lecturer, and always had a story to tell. His energy and passion for chemistry will stay with us forever. May he rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to Aideen Orla, Eoin, Aideen Og and families on the sudden passing of Pat. May he rest in peace.

Margaret, our deepest sympathies to you, Pat's family and all his siblings on his death. May he rest in peace.

Deepest condolences to the McArdle family at this time. Pat was a wonderful lecturer and incredibly passionate and dedicated. May he rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to Aideen & your family on this sad news. I just found out today about Pats death he was a gentleman to know. May he rest in peace.

Deepest condolences to Aideen and all the family. May Pat rest in peace.

Sincere sympathies on Pat's passing. Thinking of you all this difficult time.

My deepest sympathy to Aideen and all the family on your sad loss.

My sincerest condolences to Aideen, Orla, Eoin & Aideen Óg and family.
I had the privileged of working with Pat sinse 1980. I was in the technical area of electronics/mechanical in Chemistry and was involved with Pat in many projects/repairs. His ability to read a research paper and turn that information into something practical that he could use was amazing. He would come to me explain in language I could understand what was needed and we would try it out. It made life interesting. Pat could talk on any subject with authority.
He had great stories growing up in the family hotel, and many other subjects made him great company. If he could anyone a favour he would do it and always had the good of others in mind. I will miss meeting him as will many others. So sorry I could not make the removal/funeral.
A Dé r dheis go raibh a anam dílis.

My sincere sympathy to Margaret Breege and all the McArdle Family on the sad passing of Pat. May he Rest In Peace.

Condolences to Prof. McArdle's family on Pat's passing. Prof McArdle was a brilliant lecturer of Chemistry and he also lectured me in Ceimic (Chemistry trí Gaeilge) in 07 which he was proud to inform us was the first Chemistry course to be taught through Irish anywhere in the world.

Deepest condolences to Pat’s family on his passing. May he rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to all the McArdle family. Pat was an inspirational mentor and friend with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. Working with him was an absolute privilege and his passing will be sorely felt. May he rest in peace

Deepest sympathy to the McArdle family on the passing of Patrick. May he Rest In Peace.

With condolences and deepest sympathy to Aideen and all the McArdle family on the sudden passing of Pat. May he rest in peace!

Dear Aideen Og,

I'm so sorry to hear about your father's passing. Sorry I never had a chance to meet such a remarkable man. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Heartfelt sympathy to Aideen, Orla, Eoin and Aideen Og and extended families on the death of their beloved Pat. May he rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to Orla & your family, on the death of your beloved Dad.
May he Rest In Peace.

Sincere sympathy to Aideen and all the family on your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time.

Sincere condolences to Aideen, Orla, Eoin & Aideen Óg and all of Pats extended family and close friends.

I worked in the Inorganic Chemistry department in NUIG from 2002-2007. During a tough period when Des Cunningham had passed Pat stepped in and helped me and other colleagues to get our PhD write-ups completed. I will forever be indebted to Pat and will remember his kindness and understanding at the time. Pat was always so positive and generous with his time and knowledge.
R.I.P.

Sincere condolences to Aideen and all of the McArdle family on the sudden death of their beloved husband and father. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Our Prayers and Thoughts go out to Patrick and to his family he has left behind
Jackie so sorry for your loss
May He Rest In Peace 🙏

My sincere condolences to the Family. Pat helped me on quite a few occasions regarding X-ray diffraction related matters. He was also kind to me whenever I met him in the school. His attitudes on carrying research and treating people will forever be a great example to me. May he rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to the McArdle family. Pat was an extraordinary scientist, chemist, teacher and crystallographer. He had a wonderful way of putting chemistry into context and of course recounting his achievements and those of the many others he had met or worked with was always riveting, mischievous and entertaining- many fond memories of the escapades we got up to during my PhD with him on trips to Daresbury and York - he will be sorely missed.

Condolences to the McArdle family. Pat was a true educator with infectious energy.

Sincere condolences to the McArdle family at this very sad time. Pat was a brilliant chemist and a lovely man.
May he rest in peace.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Pat - I did an MSc in Inorganic Chemistry with Des Cunningham in 1975. Thirteen of us did an honours BSc together in 1974 and got to know all of the lecturers quite well. I really liked all of the chemistry lecturers - great personalities. Wishing all the family strength and consolation at this time.

So sorry to hear of Pat’s death. It was a pleasure to have the chance to work with Pat. As well as a great scientist, he was also great company. He made a big impression on anyone who was lucky enough to have known him. RIP.

Sincere sympathy to the McArdle family on the sad passing of Pat. Professor McArdle was one of the most influential, interesting and inspiring lecturers I have ever encountered. He was brimming with information and his lectures never failed to leave you with an interesting anecdote. He very kindly ran some models for me in his spare time at home to help with an aspect of my PhD. I can still see him bounding into the write-up area with the results. In the height of explaining their significance he could break into a fascinating explanation of a topic like 'how the rods and cones in your eyes work'. He was truly enigmatic and leaves a strong legacy and wide-reaching impact. Ni bheidh a leithead aris ann. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Sincere condolences to the McArdle family, Pat was a great mentor and always had brilliant insights and enthusiasm for Science which leaves a great legacy.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Our sincere sympathies to Aideen, Orla, Eoin and Aideen Óg on the untimely passing of Pat. Also our sympathies to the the McArdle and McInerney families. Pat's passion and expertise in chemistry research and teaching at the University of Galway was truly inspirational. You are all in our thoughts and in our prayers at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís. May Pat rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to Pat's family, may he rest in peace. Pat's depth of understanding, knowledge and generosity of his time is fondly remembered, even for an organic PhD student often in need of another structure solved. May he rest in peace and his scientific legacy live long in UG. Donal

My sincere condolences to Pat's family at this sad time. He was a kind, inspirational lecturer and we were all very lucky to be taught by him.