Pictured is the late Prof. Robert O'Connell, a native of Athlone, whose passing was recently announced. Tributes paid after passing of "world-renowned" physicist from AthloneOne of the world's most respected physicists, the Athlone-born Professor Robert Francis O'Connell, has passed away at his residence in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the United States, at the age of 92. A regular visitor back home to his native town over the years, Professor O'Connell had a distinguished 53-year career at the prestigious Louisiana State University (LSU). Robert Francis O'Connell was born on April 22, 1933 in Athlone to William and Kitty O'Connell. Robert O'Connell was named Distinguished Research Master at LSU in 1975 and was appointed Boyd Professor (the highest rank at LSU) in 1986.

Source: Irish Independent April 08, 2026 16:54 UTC