Liam McCormick facts for kids

William Henry Dunlevy McCormick (born October 24, 1916, in Derry – died August 28, 1996) was a very important architect in Ireland. He helped start the modern Irish architectural movement. He was especially known for designing churches in Ulster.

McCormick designed 27 church buildings, along with many other buildings for businesses and the government. One famous building he designed is the Met Éireann building in Glasnevin, Dublin. Outside of work, McCormick loved sailing and was a member of the Irish Cruising Club.

Early Life and Education

Liam McCormick went to school at St Columb's College in Derry. After that, he studied architecture in Liverpool and finished his studies in 1943. When he returned to Northern Ireland, he started working for the Derry Corporation and later for the Ballymena Urban District Council.

While living in Derry, McCormick became ill and went to Greencastle in County Donegal to get better. In 1947, while he was recovering, he teamed up with Frank Corr. They won a competition to design a new church for Ennistymon in County Clare.

His Career as an Architect

In 1948, McCormick and Frank Corr started their own architecture company called Corr and McCormick. They worked together until 1968. After that, McCormick started a new company called McCormick Tracey Mullarkey.

McCormick continued to design churches until he retired in 1982. Even after retiring, he took on a few special projects, like designing a house near Greencastle for his good friend, the politician John Hume. In the 1970s, McCormick's office was damaged, and he lost many of his important work records.

Awards and Recognition

Liam McCormick received many honors for his architectural work. In 1999, his St Aengus' Church in Burt, County Donegal was voted Ireland's "Building of the 20th century" by readers of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland and the Sunday Tribune newspaper. This church featured beautiful stained glass windows created by artist Helen Moloney, who also worked on 10 other buildings McCormick designed.

He was also given the RIAI Triennial Gold Medal, which is a very important award for architects in Ireland.

His Lasting Impact

McCormick was one of the people who helped create the North West Architectural Association. He was also a member of several other important groups, including the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS), the Royal Society of Ulster Architects, and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. He also served as a trustee for the Ulster Museum.

In 1977, Coleraine University gave McCormick an honorary doctorate, which is a special degree recognizing his achievements. In 1984, he was made a Knight of St Gregory, an honor given by the Pope.

Notable Buildings by Region

Churches in County Donegal

• Milford church (1961)
• Murlog church (1964)
• Desertegney church (1964)
• Burt church (1967)
• Creeslough church (1971)
• Glenties church (1974)
• Donoughmore Presbyterian church (1977)

Buildings in Dublin

• Met Éireann Building, Glasnevin (1979)

Images for kids

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  St Aengus' Church, Burt, County Donegal

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  St. Patrick's Church, Murlog, County Donegal

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  Archangel Saint Michael Church, Cresslough Church, County Donegal

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  Donoughmore Presbyterian Church

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  Met Éireann Building, Glasnevin, Dublin