Tributes paid to renowned academic at Queen’s

Tributes paid to renowned academic at Queen’s

26 March 2025

TRIBUTES have been paid to Professor Ronnie Buchanan OBE, the distinguished academic, who died last Tuesday.

Professor Buchanan was the former Director of the Institute of Irish Studies at Queen’s University Belfast.

He was also a noted local historian and a passionate conservationist.

In a statement, Queen’s University said it recorded Professor Buchanan’s death “with great sadness”.

Born in Belfast in 1931, he was awarded a BA at Queen’s in 1953 and a PhD in 1958.

After a year teaching at Montana State University, Missoula, in 1958-1959, he joined the Geography Department at Queen's as a lecturer in 1959, becoming full professor in 1982 and retiring in 1994.

Queen’s said: “He was the third Director of the Institute of Irish Studies between 1982 and 1993, and is fondly remembered as a supportive and insightful colleague and as a leader committed to the interdisciplinary research mission of the Institute.

“A retrospective event was held in May 2013 to honour his contribution to the Institute.

“Ronnie was chairman of the National Trust in Northern Ireland, a member of the Museums and Galleries Commission, London, and a trustee of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. He was elected a member of the Royal Irish Academy, and served as a vice president in 1992-1996.”

Professor Buchanan was also a honorary life member and past president of the Lecale and Downe Historical Society.

A spokesperson said the society was “deeply saddened” at his passing.

“His 1958 Ph.D thesis entitled Lecale – A study in Regional Personality remains invaluable and he was renowned as an expert in the history of the area and an inspiration to many,” the spokesperson continued.

“The society's members extend deepest sympathies to his family and many friends.”

A memorial service for Professor Buchanan will be held at a later date.