Reminiscences of Sir Robert Ball


Bobby Ball

Sir Robert Ball was the scientific advisor to Irish Lights from his appointment in 1882 until the early years of the 20th century and was practically omnipresent during Irish Lights' annual inspection cruises during that time. From 1903, he took a photographic record of these tours, which are now viewable online on the National Library of Ireland website. Several albums of panoramic photos are also included, Sir Robert probably being one of the first exponents of the art. Personally, I think they're no great shakes - mainly distant islands with a tower on them - but for the time, they were probably highly regaled. He was an all-round scientist, a famed astronomer, and was probably very useful to Irish Lights through his expertise in everything scientific. His 1876 treatise, The Theory of Screws, I have yet to read but its on my bucket list.
Towards the end of his life (he died in 1913 aged 73) he jotted down some reminiscences of his life, including his Irish Lights trips. After his death, his son collected them and published the book, Reminiscences of Sir Robert Ball. I attach a few snippets from this wonderful slice of lighthouse life from over 120 years ago.



Princess Alexander



The very overlooked Green Island lighthouse (or is it Vidal Bank? Always mistaking the two) in Carlingford Lough



Tory (photo courtesy Aiden Behan)




Tuskar (Photo courtesy Damien Mcaleenan)


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