P. J. Coffey (b. 1935)

P. J. Coffey was born and reared in Killarney and graduated from University College Dublin in 1964 with a degree in Science, Chemistry and Mechanics. Prior to this he has worked for a short period with the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. He was appointed to Bord na Móna in Newbridge and worked in the scientific laboratory. He discusses the major importance of the library there and the great work done by John Cooke, who was in charge of the library. P. J. Coffey’s brief was to ensure that the water was of a high quality in the briquette factories. He recalls his research work in Finland and Russia during his career with Bord na Móna. Products which P. J. and Jim Dalton initiated for sale by Bord na Móna were also detailed.