Appreciation Eddie Heavey – exemplary engineer and industry mentor

It is with deep sadness that we note the recent passing of Edward (Eddie) Heavey, an industry figurehead and mentor who dedicated over 50 years to building services engineering and was a member of CIBSE for 50 years.

It all began when he left school with a Group Cert at 14, and then joined J A Kenny & Partners, aged 16, as a trainee draughtsman. Some five years later he moved to the Dublin office. While there, he began a three-year technician course in Bolton Street. He achieved first-in-class in each of the three years, after which he returned to Kenny’s Galway office.

In 1989, when the company was experiencing difficulties in the Dublin office, Eddie bought the Galway office for the princely sum of 2000 Punts and established his own practice, Heavey Kenny Associates. Among the projects he worked on were the Castlebar Hospital and numerous other hospitals, churches and hotels. He went on to achieve success beyond his wildest dreams, employing 14 staff at the company’s peak. He was involved in projects throughout the Connacht region and on the islands, and took real pride in his work, specialising in schools, an area in which he and his team were experts.

Known as an old-school engineer, Eddie believed in the philosophy of keeping building services simple and understanding the building thoroughly. He mentored numerous engineers and technicians throughout his long career, always emphasising the importance of prioritising the client at all times.

Eddie was actively involved in Engineers Ireland, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI) and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). He held a cherished Chartered Engineer status and received fellowships from several institutions. In 2017, CIBSE Ireland honoured Eddie with the CIBSE Bronze medal for his outstanding contribution to the Institution and to the field of building services in general.

Eddie eased himself gently into his retirement, handing over the reins to trusted employee and friend, John Carr. He enjoyed his retirement, spending time with his wife Kathleen his children and much loved grandchildren.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Kathleen, Brian, Conor, Claire and Donal, as well as their families.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dÍlis

IS3217:2023