Farrington, Anthony (1893–1973)

Irish geologist who was responsible for major advances of knowledge in Irish glacial and vegetation history. Born in Cork, County Cork, into a distinguished professional family, Farrington trained as an engineer, but discovered his true métier on his appointment to the Irish Geological Survey in 1921. Together with Northern Irish natural historian Robert Lloyd Praeger he established the Irish Quaternary Research Committee, and from the late 1920s to the 1960s wrote many original research papers. Farrington was also active in broader fields: he was a member of the council of the Royal Irish Academy, editor of the Academy's proceedings, and a founder member of the Irish national heritage trust, An Taisce.