​The extended Geological Survey Ireland family was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of one of our own, Matthew Parkes, over the weekend. Dr Matthew Parkes worked for many years in Geological Survey Ireland before moving to the National Museum of Ireland. He retained Scientific Visitor status at Geological Survey Ireland and maintained his connection with us through his work on the County Geological Audits, the Irish Fossil collection and database, and through his annual involvement in the BT Young Scientist exhibition. He encouraged education and outreach collaboration between Geological Survey Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland and our current project, an exhibition on Irish Geoscience, co-curated by Matthew, to mark the 175th anniversary of the establishment of Geological Survey Ireland will open at the National Museum of Ireland - Collins Barracks, Dublin, after current COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.      

Our sincere sympathy is with his family in Ireland and Britain, his geoscience and museum colleagues around the world and everyone saddened by his sudden death.

Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.