It is with the deepest regret that we announce the death of founder member of Astronomy Ireland, Colm J. Cannon, who died suddenly at his home in Co. Meath on Monday morning October 22nd, aged 38. He was born in Birmingham but spent most of his life since childhood at the family home in Dunboyne, Co. Meath.

Astronomer, writer, and broadcaster, Colm was the spaceflight correspondent for Astronomy Ireland since the foundation of the society in 1990. His knowledge on the subject of spaceflight, both manned and unmanned, was encyclopaedic. Whenever a spaceflight issue arose Colm could always be relied upon to provide exceptional insights into the subject.

Colm was something of an expert on solar observing. He ground his own mirror for a telescope and had his own backyard observatory.

He served on many Astronomy Ireland committees in a voluntary capacity and in 1997 he was employed as a full-time staff writer when Astronomy & Space magazine was launched in the UK. Before helping to found Astronomy Ireland in 1990 he served on the committee of the Irish Astronomical Society. He left full-time employment with A&S magazine to work for Ireland's first national interactive science centre based in Tralee Co. Kerry where he made many friends. More recently he went on to work for the OPW in the Phoenix Park.

Colm also gave many public lectures and appeared on TV and radio numerous times representing Astronomy Ireland. His enthusiasm is evident in the I.S.S Astronomy Ireland webpage www.astronomy.ie/iss.html

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and Astronomy Ireland wishes to convey our deepest sympathy to his family, his work colleagues in the OPW and to his many other friends.

Hear Colm talk to Pat Kenny on RTE RADIO 1 (Monday January 9th 2006) about the Space Shuttle before giving the Astronomy Ireland New Year Public Lecture 2006. www.astronomy.ie/audio/patkenny_20060109.mp3

Astronomy Ireland is awaiting details on Colm's funeral arrangements and on his family's wishes with respect to floral tributes. On behalf of all the members of Astronomy Ireland, the society will be organising an appropriate floral tribute or charity donation.

In addition to this, close friends of Colm in Astronomy Ireland will arrange a separate floral tribute (or charitable donation) which is being organised by David Grennan. If you would like to be associated with this tribute please contact David by e-mailing skydiary@astronomy.ie

A Book of Condolences will be opened in the Astronomy Ireland offices in Artane and will be open to the public Monday - Saturday up to 5.30pm (Map: www.astronomy.ie/map.html )