The salmon of knowledge and the former Limerick lecturer who caught it

RETIRED lecturer George Byrnes is swapping the classroom for salmon fishing on the River Shannon, while sharing a lifetime’s wisdom in a free building guide.

These days, during the fishing season and when not gardening, George spends his mornings by the River Shannon, chasing the salmon that inspired Ireland’s oldest legend of wisdom.

But when he’s not casting a line, the former Course Director of the National Certificate and the National Diplomas in Construction Studies at LIT, now TUS, is casting his knowledge to the world. George's two-part ebook, Building Construction - A Useful Guide, is free to download on Apple Books and is brimming with the practical insight of a man who has devoted his life to learning, teaching and creating.

It is for students on construction-related courses, trades apprentices, building surveyors, architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, building managers, property professionals, lecturers, and others. Since publication, the book has attracted the attention of students and professionals from Ireland, the UK, Canada, the USA, and much further across the planet.

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George said that this work is a labour of love and he is delighted that his collection of notes and drawings now finds a new purpose. He explained: “After years of working in the area of construction education, I have a collection of drawings and notes that remain valuable to students, particularly those studying construction in Ireland and the UK at second and third level.”

“I am happy to share them rather than let them gather dust. I feel a massive sense of gratitude to the thousands of my past students who listened respectfully and trusted me and my work. You were all so well-mannered and attentive. I still feel very privileged that we shared a classroom,” George added.

Paying tribute to George, TUS Vice President Dr Maria Kyne praised his generosity in sharing his unique insight and wealth of experience with the next generations of construction students and professionals, saying: “George has taken time and care to ensure that this knowledge is not lost but shared with those who might benefit from it most.”

She continued: “I would encourage third-level students to avail of these free notes, and believe they could also provide some insight to second-level students who might be considering further education or a career in construction.”