An inspiring leader
"An academic, an industrialist, an innovator, a designer, an internationalist, a manager, a teacher, eldest of a family of 10; he was broad, he was focused, he was tolerant, he was intolerant, he knew research processes, he knew technological processes, he knew business processes – he was a true leader." Dr Gerry Byrne, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Head of Department at UCD.
Seamus Timoney was a true leader, entrepreneur and an outstanding academic of international renown, whose various patents testify to his innovative talents. He was a leader who made a difference on the island of Ireland in challenging times.
He is an inspiration for the type of leadership that we at Timoney Leadership Institute would like to foster.
A love of learning: Seamus graduated from UCD in mechanical engineering in 1949, joining the university in 1954 and eventually becoming Professor of Mechanical Engineering in 1965 and also Head of Department in 1981. He obtained his PhD in 1961 for an original design for a variable-compression, multi-fuel engine. He was awarded a DSc in 1987 and became an international expert in the use of ceramics in engines.
In 1987 Seamus was the first Irishman to be elected a foreign member of the Fellowship of Engineering in Britain, and was the second person to win the “Irish Scientist of the Year” award. Many of his students over the years commented on his passion for learning which came across in his teaching.
An entrepreneur: In 1971 he set up an engine research facility in Dublin with his brother which grew into the Timoney Technology Group of companies of which he was chairman until he became ill in 1990. Though Ireland had no tradition, market or infrastructure for the design and manufacture of special purpose vehicles (fire crash tenders, armoured personnel carriers, forestry vehicles, airport rescue vehicles), they managed to win orders and contracts and sold licences to manufacture in Europe, the US and the Far East, simply because of the superior quality of their vehicles. It is a great example of aiming high and delivering high quality outcomes.
A social conscience: In 1981, seeing the value of technology transfer for developing societies, he devised what was then an innovative and farsighted project. Working with the Tanzanian government of President Julius Nyerere, he brought engineers and technicians from Tanzania to Ireland and taught them how to design and build a simple, rugged and economical transport vehicle suited to the challenging terrain of Tanzania. On his death, the Tanzanian Prime Minister referred to him as “one of the best and most sincere friends of Tanzania”.
A purpose filled life: Seamus was a profoundly spiritual man, who saw his professional work as part of his Christian calling: as service to God and to others in society and a place where he could put his talents at the service of many others. Seamus pursued a personal vocational commitment in Opus Dei in Ireland, helping countless others find a divine meaning and purpose in their working, family and social lives. Opus Dei is a personal prelature of the Catholic Church founded by Saint Josemaría Escriva in 1928 which helps people live their love of God and others in the day-to-day activities, work and relationships that we all experience. Saint Escriva has also inspired educational and social initiatives such as IESE Business School and the associate network of business schools around the world, including Timoney Leadership Institute.
Inspiring Timoney Leadership Institute: As we work to help leaders across the island of Ireland to develop themselves to be better people, build better organisations and contribute to a better society, we are grateful to Seamus Timoney's family for allowing us to name our Institute after such an impressive leader.
Interested in further background on Seamus Timoney? A colleague and a brother shared their experiences of him with participants at some of our events which we have reproduced below:
Dr Gerry Byrne, Professor of Mechanical Engineering in UCD, former College Principal, Dean of Engineering, and MD GBInnovation delivered a talk on Seamus Timoney at the inaugural Timoney Leadership Institute Masterclass in the Westin Hotel, Dublin, on 4 December 2012 which you can read here.
Eanna Timoney gave a talk about his older brother Seamus at an alumni Masterclass in the K Club, Co. Kildare on 20 March 2018 which you can read here.
You can also read a short piece on the UCD website here
