ESBComputer Section, Data Processing, 1986

Computers in ESB in the 1980s

ESB was a pioneer in the early days of computerisation and quickly recognised the value of new technology in enhancing customer service. See our previous post about first IBM computers installed in ESB in the early 1960s. We’ve included a selection of IT related photos from the 1980s in our slideshow above. All, except one,… Continue Reading


Europe at Work – Ardnacrusha Memories Virtual Collection Days hosted by the Hunt Museum

The Hunt Museum, Limerick in collaboration with ESB Archives, Europeana, EuropeanExpo2020 are hosting virtual collection days to collect stories, personal archives, objects and memorabilia about the Shannon Hydro-Electric Scheme at Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare. Jill Cousins, Director of the Hunt Museum said, “We are asking anyone with connections to the Shannon Scheme at Ardnacrusha and their… Continue Reading


Switched on, Plugged in, 1989

Educational documentary produced for ESB explaining the technical aspects of electricity generation and distribution and the contribution of ESB to Irish society.


Dan Bonfield

Meet 78 year old bachelor Dan Bonfield of Gurteeny, Woodford, Co. Galway. Dan installed  one light during the Rural Electrification Scheme so he could play cards with his neighbours.


Rural memories: Jerry Corbett, Cork

Jerry Corbett joined ESB at the age of 13 in 1932, meaning that he had 52 years of service at the time of his retirement in 1983 – one of the longest serving employees in ESB history. Shortly after the launch of our new website, Jerry’s son Tony got in touch to generously share some of his… Continue Reading


Thomas McLaughlin

Thomas Anthony McLaughlin (1896-1971) was born in Drogheda, Co Louth. McLaughlin graduated from UCD with a BSc (1916) and MSc (1918) in Physics, and following his transfer to engineering at UCG, a BEng (1922) and a PhD (1923). While at UCG, McLaughlin studied under Prof Frank Sharman Rishworth, professor of civil engineering, who greatly influenced… Continue Reading