Matthew J. McDermott, who has died aged 95, was a former associate professor of architecture at University College Dublin. In the course of a teaching career that spanned five decades, it is estimated that he was involved in the education of three-quarters of Ireland's professional architects.
A private and self-effacing person, he was gentlemanly, courteous and patient. A former student (and later professor of architecture), Cathal O'Neill, described him as easily the most popular architect in Ireland of his time; he was "the glue that held the school of architecture together". This was recognised when over 400 graduates attended his retirement party. Among the students he taught were the former Dublin city architect, Daithí Hanley, film actor Dan O'Herlihy (who qualified but never practised), the painter, Patrick Scott, and the US-based architect, Kevin Roche.
He had a special interest in the history of architecture. A founder member of the Irish Architectural Records Association, he served for many years as honorary treasurer. He was a regular contributor to professional journals and was the author of Ireland's Architectural Heritage (1975), Irish Houses (1976) and Dublin's Architectural Development (1988).
He was born on April 16th, 1908, in Fairview, Dublin, the son of Patrick McDermott, a builder, and his wife, Margaret (née Smith). He was educated by the Christian Brothers, firstly at Marino, and then at O'Connell Schools. In 1925 he enrolled at UCD and secured a B.Arch in 1930, one of the first batch of graduates from the school of architecture. Having worked in London and Dublin, including a stint with the Board of Works, he returned to UCD in 1936 as a lecturer. He subsequently became principal assistant to Prof R.M. Butler.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, while the position of professor remained vacant, he was one of two lecturers who effectively ran the school of architecture. The main burden of teaching and administration fell on him. His core teaching responsibilities were the history of architecture, building construction and the final-year drawing studio. He concentrated on teaching and practice; for most of his career circumstances did not permit any serious exploration of architectural theory. Appointed associate professor of architecture in 1966, he retired in 1978.
One example of his work that has continued to attract passing glances is the Dublin GPO clock that he designed to replace the one destroyed in the 1916 Rising. A fellow of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, he was an associate member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
He remained active in retirement, writing and taking regular walks along the Bull Wall. Predeceased by his wife, Peggy (née Cassidy), he is survived by his daughters, Ann-Marie, Joan and Margaret, and sons, Patrick and Matthew.
Matthew J. McDermott: born April 16th, 1908; died December 26th, 2003