Appreciation

Appreciation Cecil O'Riordan

Cecil O'Riordan, who passed away on 15th May 2006, headed the system planning function in the Operations Department for many years, the forerunner of National Grid. He succeeded the legendary Bob Cuffe in this role in 1975 - a hard act indeed to follow - and while Cecil's quiet determination was in marked contrast to his predecessor's ebullience, it soon became apparent that his own style was eminently suited to the challenges of the time.

And the times were indeed challenging. Demand growth fluctuated wildly from the high rates of the late 70s to a standstill during the recession of the 80s, and the gradual emergence of the tiger economy of the 90s. Successive oil crises gave rise to concern about Ireland's energy source dependence. Against this uncertain background some major projects were planned that have shaped the development of the Irish electricity system ever since: the coal-fired plant in Moneypoint, the introduction of 400 kV transmission, and the first moves into gas-fired combined cycle generation in Marina and North Wall, and later in Poolbeg.

Cecil's horizons were not limited to Ireland. He and his planning team became heavily involved in consulting work abroad, notably in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. It was no surprise that clients liked to deal with Cecil. He was not just knowledgeable: he was infinitely patient, good-natured and, above all, reliable. When he promised a report, the client knew that it would be delivered, on specification and on time.

Cecil played a large part too in international organisations, notably CIGRE, where his expertise was much appreciated. In a notable coda to his career, after his retirement in 1997, he authored a history of the development of Ireland's power system. This invaluable document records the step-bystep development of the generation and transmission system from 1927 to 1997. It is a testimony of significant achievement, and Cecil O'Riordan himself must be given credit for much of that achievement.

Cecil will be remembered as a quiet man, not given to exaggeration or bombast. He was always willing to encourage and support his staff, and yet had a steely persistence that drew the best from them. In short, he was a gentleman. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter and grandchildren.