Great sadness at death of leading academic from Athlone
Professor Ralph Kenna, a leading academic from Athlone who worked at Coventry University in England, has died at the age of 59.
His passing on Thursday last, October 26, was met with shock and deep sadness in his home town and much further afield.
The married father of one was originally from St Brigid's Terrace, and his funeral will take place in Athlone on a date which has not yet been announced.
A statement posted on social media on behalf of his wife Claire, daughter Róisín, and family stated that his death occurred after a brief illness.
"Although he left this world far too soon, the life he lived was a testament to his unwavering passion and determination. His vibrancy and influence will leave an everlasting legacy in our hearts and memories.
"We will come together to bid our final farewell to Ralph in Athlone, Ireland. Further details regarding the funeral arrangements will be shared with you in due time.
"At this difficult time, our thoughts and sympathies are with all of you who knew and cherished Ralph," the family's statement said.
Professor Kenna is the son of Irene Kenna and her late husband, Pat. His parents owned the Arden Bar in The Bawn, Athlone, for about 40 years, prior to Pat's retirement in 2000.
His academic career included the completion of a doctorate in Austria, at the Karl Franzens Universität in Graz, and the holding of postdoctoral positions at the University of Liverpool and Trinity College Dublin.
He lectured at Trinity from 1998 until 2002, when he moved to Coventry University. There he was awarded a Readership in 2006 and became Professor of Theoretical Physics in August 2012.
He was the author of numerous publications, including a book in 2017 which examined ancient stories through the prism of science.
More recently, he was a vocal opponent of the 'Mask of the Shannon' public art sculpture at Custume Place in Athlone, arguing that it did not represent Irish mythology or Athlone's heritage.
"Our river was named after Sionann – the granddaughter of Lir (of the 'Children of Lir' fame).
"This unfortunate sculpture therefore represents misappropriation of gender and aggrieves women worldwide whose names (Shannon) derive from our river deity," he stated in 2019.
A resident of Rugby, England, he is sadly missed by his loving wife Claire, daughter Róisín, mother Irene, sister Rhona, brother Barry, dearest cousins Andrew and Claire, aunts and uncles, and nieces and nephews.
He will be fondly remembered by his relatives, neighbours, and many friends in Ireland, England, Austria, France, Ukraine, Armenia and beyond.
May he rest in peace.