Minerva Winter 2020

WINTER 2020

HISTORY IN THE MAKING, SEE PAGE 6

FOR MEMBERS OF THE RDS

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EVENTS

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2

RDS MEMBERS' GARDEN PARTY AUGUST 2020

1 Marietta Doran and winner of the Ladies Day Prize Stephanie Johnston.

2 Claire Madden, Flor Madden and Kate Madden.

3 Colin Gordon and Sue Bunworth 4 Louise Grubb, John Brennan and Steffi Brennan 5 The RDS Singers 6 Classical guitarist and former RDS Music Bursary winner, Redmond O’Toole

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3

5

6

RDS MEMBERS' DAY TRIP TO LAMBAY ISLAND AUGUST 2020

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1 Gideon Nisbet on an RDS Members’ Trip to Lambay Island which took place during August 2 Millie Baring guided Members around Lambay Island, including the two walls that enclose the residence

For more information on upcoming events visit: www.rds.ie

06/11/2020 10:03

EDITOR Diarmuid Hanifin

CONTRIBUTORS Nicole Collins Susan Cox Colm Dolan Paul Farrelly Kerrie O'Connor Dara O'Leary Natasha Serne

PRODUCED BY Ashville Media Group ashville.com PRINT WG Bairds DISTRIBUTION Sooner than later

ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 T: 01 668 0866 www.rds.ie RCN 2002008 General: info@rds.ie RDS Membership: members@rds.ie Minerva, the magazine for Members of the Royal Dublin Society, is typically published tri-annually. Any views expressed are not those necessarily held by the RDS or its Council. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission.

WELCOME It is strange to welcome you to the first Minerva of 2020 in the 11th month of the year, but it has been a strange year. All of us have been affected by the societal turbulence caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It has caused many of us both personal anguish and professional difficulties. However, for the RDS it follows a very strong financial year in 2019. We have been well-placed by that performance, and wellserved by the RDS executive, to weather the situation.

In this issue you will find an update on the new Chief Executive. Geraldine Ruane will take over from Michael Duffy who retired as CEO earlier this Autumn after many years of service to the Society. You can also find out how, despite the trying circumstances, we continue to carry out our mission – many important elements of the RDS Foundation work programme adapted to the situation and managed to continue their impactful work.

We also found time to produce our first ever Impact Report, a taste of which is contained in this edition of Minerva. The Report is a great addition to how we tell the story of the RDS purpose.

Finally, in the current circumstances I have not been able to meet as many of you as I would have liked over the course of my first year as President, but I would nonetheless like to wish you all a very enjoyable and safe Christmas.

Prof. J. Owen Lewis RDS President

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS Library & Archives ....................................... (01) 240 7254 librarydesk@rds.ie Membership .................................................. (01) 240 7296 members@rds.ie Foundation . ................................................... (01) 240 7206 foundation@rds.ie

Contents 02

AWARDING YOUNG MUSICAL TALENT & RESEARCH Read how Soprano Ava Dodd and Dr Mary Hatfield are utilising RDS Bursaries

03

MAKING THINGS BEAUTIFUL The Heritage Council recently awarded a grant to the RDS to help restore a precious piece of Irish craft history

04

MEET OUR NEW CEO Geraldine Ruane to take up position in 2021

05

THE RDS IN NUMBERS Recently published RDS Impact Report shows how we deliver

06

HISTORY IN THE MAKING Heritage crafts made a comeback at the 2020 RDS craft awards

10

GOOD FOUNDATION The RDS Foundation, at the heart of the Society, represents our founding principles and is our very reason for being

12

CHANGING TIMES Prof. Owen J. Lewis on rising to the challenge of Presidency in these unusual times

15

BEST IN CLASS 2020 Meet some of this year’s winners of the RDS Spring Awards

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GIVING

AWARDING YOUNG MUSICAL TALENT Dr Mary Hatfield, 2020 RDS Library & Archives Research Bursary recipient

RESEARCH ON RDS CONTRIBUTION TO FOOD SCIENCE OF 19TH CENTURY “You are what you eat”. These days there are more and more scientific studies informing us of exactly what that means. Gut microbiome, inflammatory foods, paleo diets, etc., the wealth of knowledge (and pseudo-knowledge) is vast. But this isn’t just a modern phenomenon.

Dr Mary Hatfield is this year’s RDS Library & Archives Research Bursary recipient, worth €10,000, for her proposed investigation: “‘Eating like Irishmen’: the science of diet, health, and prosperity for Irish families 1770-1840”.

Her research will delve into the RDS Archives to explore the diets and food culture of Ireland in the pre-famine decades, a key early period in what we now term ‘food science’. The RDS archival collections will be used to understand how innovations in chemistry and agricultural debates at that time shaped views on nutrition and food. Her research will examine the role of the Royal Dublin Society in arbitrating and disseminating ideas about healthy diet and food culture for Irish families during the first half of the nineteenth century. The project will also consider the role of the RDS as an educational institution, drawing on material from the RDS Industry and Enterprise Archive on manufacturing exhibitions and the RDS lecture series to consider what themes dominated the imagination of early food science and how these ideas were presented to the public. It will also aim to resolve some interesting questions, or at least consider them further, such as, which figures were involved in the reformation of the Irish food industry? What debates dominated RDS membership and sparked wider public imagination?

What cognate manufacturing industries benefited from this interest in food production?

The key aims of his annual bursary are to promote the RDS archival collections to researchers and to develop relationships with external institutions with similar collections and research communities.

Dr Hatfield’s findings will be presented to the Society in 2021.

“It’s especially important for young musicians like myself to feel supported and encouraged during this difficult time.” That’s according to Ava Dodd, winner of this year’s RDS Music Bursary valued at €15,000. The 22-yearold soprano is the latest winner of the single largest annual classical music award in Ireland, and one of the largest in Europe. Judges of this year’s Bursary described Ava as ‘self-assured, confident, with a beautiful voice and instinctive musicality’.

The RDS Jago Award of €5,000, the second prize in the RDS Music Bursary Programme was awarded to viola player Séamus Hickey from Cork.

Both musicians will also receive professional performance engagements with RTÉ Orchestras as part of their prizes.

Ava has just completed her undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Music Performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music and University of Dublin, Trinity College. She studied with Professor Mary Brennan (Vocal tutor) and Dr. Dearbhla Collins (Répétiteur). She was offered places and scholarships to study a master’s degree in Vocal Performance in all three of the main Conservatoires in London. In September 2020, she began a two-year master’s programme at The Royal College of Music, in London studying with Professor Janis Kelly.

“We as musicians are so fortunate to have an organisation like the RDS. I am so proud to represent the RDS and look forward to being a lifelong ambassador.” – Ava Dodd Ava has won multiple awards including most recently in 2019, the ‘Most Promising Performer’ Award and Bursary at the Irene Sandford Competition (RIAM), and ‘Young Opera Voice of 2019’ at the Festival of Voice Competition, Northern Ireland Opera. A few days after her RDS Music Bursary win Ava was announced as the winner of the International Grand Prix of Romania, Romania’s most prestigious Opera competition.

The winner of the 2020 RDS Jago Award of €5,000 is violist Séamus Hickey, from Cork. His musical education began in CIT Cork School of Music and he is now half-way through a four-year bachelor’s degree at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam where is studying viola under Nobuko Imai and Marjolein Dispa. Séamus will use his cash prize to help fund the remainder of his tuition fees and to enable him to take masterclasses.

In addition to the €15,000 prize, Ava will also benefit from some key RDS partnerships in 2021. She will perform with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and with Irish Heritage in London. Ava will also perform with RDS Jago winner Séamus Hickey as part of an RDS Music Bursary Winners Concert in the RDS Concert Hall in late autumn 2021 with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

Ava Dodd, 2020 RDS Music Bursary Winner

RDS LIBRARY & ARCHIVES RESEARCH BURSARY AWARD The RDS Library & Archives Research Bursary is now in its fifth year and has previously been awarded for research into the RDS Foundation programme areas of music, agriculture, science, craft and equestrianism.

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THE MAKING OF

BEAUTIFUL THINGS THIS

THE DUBLIN-BASED CRAFTWORK COLLECTIVE, THE DUN EMER GUILD, GUIDING PRINCIPLE WAS ‘TO FIND WORK FOR IRISH HANDS IN THE MAKING OF BEAUTIFUL THINGS’.

DID YOU KNOW?

RDS Members can leave feedback on the RDS website. Simply go to the Members section of rds.ie to do so.

year, the RDS received funding from The Heritage Council and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to carry out vital repairs to our treasured Council Chamber rug. Christmas has come early!

Almost a century ago, the RDS handed the keys to Leinster House to the Provisional Government of Ireland and removed its remaining chattels to its Ballsbridge site.

Several of the exhibition halls had been constructed by then, but accommodation befitting RDS Members and the Council was wanting. And a new HQ required equally befitting soft furnishings.

Tasked with making a rug for the Council Chamber was the Dun Emer Guild. The Dublin-based craftwork collective was established by weaver Evelyn Gleeson along with Lily and Elizabeth Yeats in 1902. Its guiding principle was ‘to find work for Irish hands in the making of beautiful things’.

Inspired by the Celtic Revival in the visual arts and literature, and by women’s suffrage movements, the trailblazing trio reinterpreted Irish Early-Christian motifs and applied them to contemporary craft-making;producing carpets, tapestries, embroideries, handset printed books, ecclesiastical vestments and enamel, metal and silver works, while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for Irish women.

Multi-tasking at its finest!

With a blue central panel, yellow and pale blue foliate banded border and emblems representing the four regions of Ireland at each corner, the design of our rug mirrors the restrained Adam Style plasterwork of the ceiling. The neo-classical aesthetic is in keeping with the architectural character

of the Chamber and was perhaps chosen to reflect the style of the enlightened age during which the Dublin Society was born.

Lucius O’Callaghan was the architect responsible for the Chamber, and it was he who provided the scheme for the rug.

The bespoke design differs from the Celtic-knot motifs associated with the Dun Emer Guild, and there are some other peculiarities. Curiously absent is Minerva, whose image graces almost every surface at the RDS – be it stained glass, marble or mosaic. We can but wonder that this symbolic representation of the RDS was not weaved through the vast and vacant central panel of the rug.

Clearly present, however, are the coats of arms representing Dublin, Galway, Munster and Ulster; an undisguised visual expression of Irish identity or a veiled claim to all four regions during a time of great political upheaval? Why the Dublin and Galway county arms supplanted the provincial emblems of Leinster and Connacht is a mystery at present. We must scour the indispensable RDS Archives for clues.

Here comes the science bit. The warp threads (those strung vertically on the loom) are sound. However, the weft threads (those drawn over-and-under the warp) are not. The latter are made from hemp – a natural fibre which has desiccated with time, resulting in significant tears. Common to Dun Emer rugs, the substrate (or canvas) is loosely weaved, which means that it is easily distorted. This is exacerbated because there is no barrier between the rug and the slippery wood floor.

Treatment includes stitching a length of fabric to the underside edges of the rug to reinforce the weakened areas. Patches will also be stitched into the reverse to stabilise tears. An underlay to cushion the rug will be placed between it and the floor. Finally, the pile will undergo vacuuming and localised wet cleaning. It’s a huge undertaking, but worth it. We’ll keep you posted on progress.

Circumstances permitting, we might even stage a little red-carpet event for our big blue rug!

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PEOPLE

Prof. Lewis on Geraldine Ruane’s appointment as the new Chief Executive of the RDS

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE:

GERALDINE RUANE THE CURRENT COO OF TRINITY COLLEGE TO TAKE UP POSITION IN THE NEW YEAR.

G

eraldine Ruane has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the RDS and will take up this role in early 2021. Ms Ruane will oversee RDS commercial interests, as well as the significant work undertaken by the RDS Foundation and of course, RDS Membership.

She takes over from former Chief Executive Michael Duffy who recently announced his retirement.

Chief Operating Officer of Trinity College since 2013, Ms Ruane has responsibility for the overall strategic leadership, management and organisation of the university’s professional service functions.

She was previously CEO of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland (OSI), transitioning it from a Government-funded organisation to a self-financing business. Prior to this appointment Ms Ruane worked extensively across the pharmaceutical industry holding senior financial positions with brands such as Mallinckrodt and Novartis, before taking up the role of General Manager with Chanelle Pharmaceuticals.

During his time as CEO, Michael Duffy oversaw major expansions of the RDS Foundation work programme; diversified

income streams through the development of office accommodation, the introduction of Leinster Rugby and other new ancillary revenues; significantly expanded the number and type of events held in the RDS; successfully implemented major facilities and IT capital expenditure programmes; introduced new Members’ programmes and, in conjunction with the Equestrian Committee, developed the Dublin Horse Show to its current position of being one of the very best equestrian shows in the world.

Acknowledging the contribution of Michael Duffy, Prof. Lewis said: ‘’Michael made an immense contribution to all aspects of the Society over his years as Chief Executive, successfully developing and implementing programmes and initiatives that have proved critically important to us. During that time he guided the Society through a period of considerable change and development culminating in significant annual impact for our Foundation work programme and in a record financial performance in 2019. On behalf of the Council, Boards and Committees of the Society I would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to Michael for all he has achieved during his tenure.’’

“We are delighted to appoint someone of Geraldine’s calibre and experience to the role. Geraldine has shown she can lead with innovation, demonstrated by her track record of transforming complex, high performance organisations.

Not only will her natural people skills be so valuable, but her financial and operational experience will directly translate to the RDS. As importantly, her time spent in the private sector, in tertiary education and on boards such as Science Foundation Ireland, will be of distinct value to the work we do as RDS Foundation.”

ELECTIONS

Results of the RDS Annual Election will be made available on our website after December 3.

Members will also receive communications on this.

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INVESTMENT IN RDS FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES 2015-2019

€12,357,894 NUMBER OF PROJECTS 2015-2019

61

agriculture arts enterprise equestrian library & archives science & technology

NUMBER OF PARTNER ORGANISATIONS 2015-2019

50

FOUNDATION PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS, 2019

IMPACT REPORT

THE WORK OF THE RDS REACHES ALL 32 COUNTIES OF IRELAND AND BEYOND. IN 2019 THE RDS FOUNDATION PROGRAMME REACHED MORE THAN 12,000 BENEFICIARIES AND PARTICIPANTS.

ANTRIM

LIMERICK

ARMAGH

LONGFORD

CARLOW

LOUTH

831

100

202 CAVAN

153

CLARE

Over many generations the Society has had major impact, but never before have we collated this work together in one document: our first Impact Report.

The significance of the RDS Foundation work on individuals is highlighted in the report through personal testimonies. Their stories of progression, encouragement and enablement can serve to inspire us all in our endeavours with the RDS. But the sum of the parts is just as compelling and is not a way we have used before to convey the scale of our work.

These infographics represent our work over the past five years, giving us new insight to the power and the reach of the RDS Foundation. They give us new ways to share the impact of what the RDS does to realise our mission – a mission that we are continuing to realise in 2020, despite the turbulent circumstances. See www.rds.ie/impact for more.

ATTENDEES AT RDS FOUNDATION & LIBRARY EVENTS 2016-2019

24,346

184

PRIZE MONEY AWARDED 2015-2019

€627,050

101

156 MAYO

185 MEATH

381

308

CORK

MONAGHAN

DERRY

OFFALY

DONEGAL

ROSCOMMON

DOWN

SLIGO

DUBLIN

TIPPERARY

FERMANAGH

TYRONE

GALWAY

WATERFORD

KERRY

WESTMEATH

KILDARE

WEXFORD

KILKENNY

WICKLOW

1,326 175 81

176

3,517 100 412 182 455

RDS FOUNDATION & LIBRARY EVENTS 2016-2019

1,156

134

76

253 253 30

427 75

129

226

406 509

LAOIS

101 LEITRIM

OVERSEAS

6

29 TOTAL: 12,651

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IMPACT

HERITAGE CRAFTS MADE A COMEBACK AT THE 2020 RDS CRAFT AWARDS Lacework, saddlery and bookbinding may not be the first crafts that come to mind, but they have a long lineage on this island.

Fresh ideas are melding with old traditions to make these crafts anew – to breath new life into them and introduce them to a new generation. With a strong history of supporting Irish craft, the RDS was delighted to support some new faces in these areas through this year’s RDS Craft Awards. Earlier this year, five emerging Irish craftspeople were each awarded a €10,000 RDS bursary for the development for their burgeoning craft and business skills as part of the 2020 RDS Craft Awards.

Róisín de Buitléar chaired an experienced judging panel that awarded the total prize fund of €50,000.

These Awards form the largest annual prize fund for craft makers in Ireland and are awarded at a critical time in early professional careers. The RDS has contributed significantly to the development and growth of the craft sector in Ireland over many years. The RDS Craft Awards contributes to the RDS Committee of Arts goal of supporting emerging artists as they move into professional practice.

SUPPORTING MAKERS

Lucy Cushley

HISTORY IN THE MAKING Collar, Harness & Saddle Making

Lucy Cushley Lucy is dedicated to the craft of saddlery and plans to complete her City & Guilds Bridle, Saddle and Harness making exams before setting up her up own workshop with a small shop front area to display and sell products and discuss bespoke orders with clients. She plans to spend her bursary money on industrial quality new machinery and the purchase of essential leather and metal accessory materials.

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Bookbinding

Éilís Murphy In 2003, an American bookbinder came to Éilís’ college and taught a module in bookbinding - Éilís was hooked and has been binding books ever since. She has trained internationally and has volunteered with the Paper Conservation Department in the National Gallery of Ireland. Her bookbinding involves the use of traditional techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries combined with contemporary design and her own artistic innovation. Éilís plans to use the Bursary money to research and develop a ready-made range of handmade books as well as to undertake a 10-day course in book design and production in London. In the future she hopes to concentrate more on limited-edition art books.

Éilís Murphy

Fashion

Izzy O’Reilly The Overall ‘Student Future Makers Winner’ last year, Izzy graduated from the National College of Art & Design with a BA in Fashion Design in 2019. She aspires to provide tactile contemporary design which challenges the traditional concepts of fashion design, craft and tailoring in Ireland.

Her pieces are individually hand-made using materials sourced in recycling centres. Izzy will put the bursary money towards paying the tuition fees to complete her Masters in Fashion Design in either London or Antwerp before returning to Ireland to set up her own business.

Izzy O’Reilly

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IMPACT

Fashion

Róisín Pierce Róisín’s work draws from Irish historical references and traditional hand textile techniques, yet her method of making clothes is far from traditional.

Each piece of work is individually hand-crafted using her modernised hand-manipulation, finished and constructed through zero waste techniques she has developed. Focusing on an innovative approach to textiles and construction, she won the Overall ‘Emerging Maker Award’ in Future Makers 2019 and since has collaborated with three Chanel ateliers for a special project showcasing at the Villa Noailles in France, Autumn 2020. Róisín plans to spend the bursary money to commission Irish lace makers with the intention of creating new work that keeps Irish identity, culture and past heritage alive by implementing it in a contemporary way for a new generation. She will also be investing in sustainable fabrics and commissioning a graphic designer.

Jewellery

Mark Newman As well as making by hand, Mark also uses CAD and 3D printing to push the boundaries of his jewellery work. Mark draws inspiration from man-made systems and civil engineering. Winning the bursary will allow him to become an artistin residence at the Birmingham School of Jewellery for the next two years where he will continue to learn new techniques, make new ranges of work and gain experience as an educator. He will invest in new equipment and precious materials to create new work as well as branded packaging and display materials. He also intends to undertake another course in order to increase his breadth of skills.

Mark Newman

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THE RDS FOUNDATION, AT THE HEART OF THE SOCIETY, REPRESENTS OUR FOUNDING PRINCIPLES AND IS OUR VERY REASON FOR BEING.

THE

HEART OF THE MATTER

Elaine Hoey, RDS Taylor Art Winner

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IMPACT

MANY

organisations have Foundations that are ancillary to their core purpose, but the RDS Foundation is at the heart of the Society. It represents our founding principles, (hence the name). The RDS Foundation is not something on the margins of what we do, but our very reason for being.

However, the Foundation is now grappling with the devastating effect of Covid-19. This month, you may have received a letter from RDS President, Prof. J. Owen Lewis, asking you to consider supporting the work of the RDS Foundation during these difficult times. RDS Members have previously shown very generous support. In response to our 2019 appeal, Members donated in excess of €50,000 to help fund our programmes in arts and science, the RDS Library & Archives and the Spring Awards.

As we approach the end of a tumultuous year, we are again asking RDS Members to continue their support for our Foundation programmes, particularly in light of the Covid-19 crisis.

Many of the sectors our programmes operate in, particularly the arts sector, are struggling due to the restrictions we’re all enduring. As we as know from our own venue, events cannot take place, exhibitions have been cancelled, musicians and choirs are unable to rehearse, and craft-makers find it difficult to promote and sell their work. For many in the arts, careers are at risk and talents may be lost if they don’t get the support they need.

But despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we have good news to share too. As you can read in this issue of Minerva, since March, six RDS Craft Awards and two RDS Music Bursary Awards were presented to wonderfully talented makers and musicians. The Visual Art Awards received entries from graduates around Ireland, who would otherwise find it very difficult to promote their work during this pandemic. Our Spring Awards provided a significant boost to the many innovative farmers, foresters and rural enterprises who have had to contend with the unprecedented difficulties of 2020.

The Foundation Board, standing Committees and RDS executive are determined that the RDS continue with our efforts to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically.

A mission that has arguably never been more important.

The newly published RDS Impact Report, (which you can read more about on page 5) has illustrated the power of the generous support of RDS Members. In 2019, 12,651

Ailbhe Gerrard, Brookfield Farm, Coolbawn, Co Tipperary

individuals participated in Foundation programmes ranging from primary school pupils, to farming families, to equestrian course designers, to visual art graduates and craftspeople. Previous RDS Visual Art Award winner, Elaine Hoey, explained the significant impact the awards have had on her career, and believes that “the RDS can play an even more critical role now – a more urgent role – as we negotiate the enormous damage the pandemic is doing to artists and the creative industries”.

RDS awardees in agriculture describe the support and networking opportunities the RDS offers as being crucial in the development of their work. Ailbhe Gerrard of Brookfield Farm, Co. Tipperary, won an RDS Award for sustainable farming. She told us, “because of the pandemic, I believe the RDS is needed more than ever.

Our national economic and social ecosystem has never been as vulnerable – but ironically, the RDS’s potential

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If you would like to support the RDS Covid-19 Appeal you can make a donation in the following ways: Post: Send a cheque with your name and membership number, along with the programme you would like to support to:

to strengthen key areas has never been as powerful.”

The work of the RDS Foundation will continue in 2021.

As the Committees and executive adapted and innovated in response to Covid-19 this year, we will continue to ensure that we are reaching our target communities next year. For example, in 2021 ESB Science Blast, our pioneering STEM education programme for primary schools, will be an entirely virtual event, but with the ability to reach even more schools than before.

The support of RDS Members has always played an important part in the work of the RDS Foundation, from the generosity of your donations, to the volunteerism of Members on Committees. While events cannot take place right now, we look forward to hopefully seeing you again at some stage during 2021. In the meantime, your donations can continue to ensure the work of the Foundation will reach those who need our support.

RDS Foundation, RDS, Ballsbridge, FREEPOST F5176, Dublin 4

“The work of the RDS Foundation will continue in 2021. As the Committees and executive adapted and innovated in response to Covid-19 this year, we will continue to ensure that we are reaching our target communities next year.”

Bank Transfer: You can make a bank transfer to the RDS bank account using the following details: BIC: AIBKIE2D IBAN: IE04AIBK93136507058089.

Please use your name and membership number as a reference.

Credit Card: Please call 01-240 7297 to make a credit card donation.

For more information on how your support can help the work of the RDS Foundation, please contact Colm Dolan, RDS Fundraising Manager E: colmd@rds.ie or T: 01-240 7297

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PEOPLE

CHANGING TIMES TAKING OVER AS PRESIDENT OF THE RDS MIGHT BE SOMEWHAT DAUNTING IN NORMAL TIMES, BUT TO DO SO AS A PANDEMIC BITES IS A DIFFERENT KIND OF TASK ENTIRELY. STARTING THIS ROLE AS 2020 BEGAN, PROF. J. OWEN LEWIS COULD BE FORGIVEN FOR DESPAIRING OVER THE TIMING, BUT THAT ISN’T IN HIS NATURE. RDS STRUCTURE

Learn more about the RDS governing structure via www.rds.ie/about-rds/

“WE

simply have to keep going and keep doing what the Society has always done, that is to see our mission and our purpose come to life, to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically. In fact, arguably our mission has never been more important”.

Prof. Lewis is not, however, blinkered to the situation that the Society finds itself in, as does all of Ireland, Europe and beyond. “Covid-19 has utterly transformed 2020 across nearly every facet of society, beyond recognition in some situations. It has devastated our venue operations – there is no other word for it. The cruel fluctuations of the wider public health are of concern to all of us personally and I would encourage all Members to take the necessary precautions to further prevent spread of this virus. But those fluctuations also mean we have no certainty of when the situation may again become stable enough for our

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Professor J. Owen Lewis

PROF. J. OWEN LEWIS From student revolutionary in 1968 to RDS President in 2020, it has been an eventful journey for the new President of the Society. He joined the RDS following an initial request from a colleague. “I was teaching in UCD and Sean Dunleavy got in touch.” Owen had founded the UCD Energy Research Group in 1975. “The RDS Science Committee wanted me to speak about energy and buildings. I got involved and soon afterwards joined as a Member. I subsequently became a member of the Science and Technology Committee and eventually became Chair of that Committee.”

Some busy decades followed as he co-ordinated EU building energy research, became Professor of Architectural Science in UCD, ventured into University management as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture and then College Principal during the restructuring of UCD, before going on to work with Bord na Móna and eventually becoming Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Throughout these busy years, Prof.

Lewis was also a Member of the RDS, giving back where he could through the work of the Society.

Over the years he gained valuable RDS experience, serving six years on the Board of Management, before returning as Chair of the Board of Management. It was towards the end of this Chairmanship that he became Vice-President of the Society. “I remember I was on holidays in Greece when I was contacted about becoming Vice-President”. Speaking about his latest position, Prof. Lewis is unequivocal about the honour he feels in becoming President. However that wasn’t the only initial feeling he had. “In all honesty the first reactions were nervousness and feeling daunted. I was aware of some of the luminaries that have occupied this office in the past. However, I also thought to myself, how many Christian Brothers’ lads from Dublin’s Northside have been made President of the RDS!”

“We simply have to keep going and keep doing what the Society has always done, that is to see our mission and our purpose come to life, to see Ireland thrive culturally and economically. In fact, arguably our mission has never been more important”. venue operations to resume in a meaningful way. That is just the nature of the current situation, so we have to manage the Society through as best we can. And we will”.

Nonetheless, as President of the Society, it is important for Owen that the RDS mission continues to find voice during this year of disruption. “And it has done just that.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology I have been able to attend many Committee meetings, which have continued throughout by digital means, and the work of the executive has also continued. The result is that we have had a year not without successes and with more to come”.

SCALE AND IMPACT Just before the pandemic hit, Owen was able to experience ESB Science Blast and all its accompanying excitement, noise and dynamism. Owen talks glowingly of this RDS STEM programme. The effect on the children and teachers involved is obvious, but from his perspective it is also great to see buy-in from the public and private sectors who support the programme. The substantive impact of this relatively new programme is also one that Prof. Lewis feels other areas of the Society may like to look to for inspiration. “It could provide a model, with

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PEOPLE

analogous approaches being adopted in other areas of our Foundation Programme. It can be useful to think back over the history of the RDS and its impact on Irish society. The Committees under the Foundation Board are challenged to come up with initiatives of appropriate scale and impact.

I hope to see that ambition from the various Committees during my term as President and I look forward to supporting them in any way I can”.

That scale and ambition is something Prof. Lewis sees as being vital as we make our approach towards 2031 and the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Society. “It is quite a time away, but 2031 will be a significant event, so we need to start planning for it now. As we approach our 300th anniversary we want to be able to speak to the nation about who we are and what we have done. There is much to be proud of; however, we also have to make sure that our work is as relevant and distinctive as possible when we get to this landmark year.”

Prof. Lewis sees that work beginning with something that is innate to the RDS: the sharing of ideas. “I would see consulting and discussing how we can ratchet up our level of activity as the first step. So that the entire Foundation work programme is associated with very special work by 2031. But the first stage is quite a broad level of consultation, so that we talk to people and exchange ideas about what we should be aiming for.”

FOCUS As might be expected with his professional background, he is excited about some of the on-campus priorities of the Society. “There is a serious focus on the redevelopment of the RDS Main Arena. Our appointed architects are one of the world’s most distinguished firms in stadia design. Through this development, the Society can deliver a transformation of the services provided to visitors and to Members.”

The maintenance of high standards is a consistent theme for the new President’s term. With the Charities Regulator’s Code of governance in mind, maintaining the highest standards of Governance is another priority for Society.

“The Code of Governance has implications for the RDS.

We need to comply with the code from this year. Looking at some of the ways we do things, there will be necessary changes. We want to implement the highest standard of governance and to be exemplary in our compliance”.

MEMBERS Owen believes that the RDS is a Society of Members, not one for Members. Acknowledging that we live in an era where people expect value, Prof. Lewis understands that this isn’t always an easy sell. “When you ask people if they would consider joining the usual response is ‘well, what’s it going to do for me?” I think we have to constantly remind people of the purpose of the RDS. What the Society has done in the past, but more importantly what we are planning to do in the future. How we plan to contribute to a thriving Ireland.”

He cites the recently published Foundation Impact Report as a tangible example of this. “When people say: ‘well, give me an example’, that report is invaluable. It brings together our work of the last five years in a lucid and digestible fashion. It humanises the benefits of our work through the telling of people’s individual stories – that helps make it seem real.”

On the role of Members and how they can give back, Prof. Lewis is adamant that there are many ways for people to contribute. “Committees are the lifeblood of the Society, but some people might find it intimidating to join, or they may not be able to give that time on a consistent basis. However, there is great scope for new ideas, to develop ideas, as an RDS Member.” A proposition that works well with his plans of sharing ideas as we move towards the anniversary in 2031.

2021 “Unfortunately, as difficult as 2020 has been, we will not leave all the issues behind us as we emerge into 2021. The next 12 months will be trying in similar and in different ways to what we have just endured. A host of challenges await, from Covid-19, to Brexit, to the climate crisis. As a Society we can only control that which is within our powers and we must be adept at adapting to the ‘new normal’. Our Foundation work programme has already shown that it can do this and I expect that this will happen on a greater scale in 2021. Our venue operations will continue to shape themselves to market requirements, but fortunately they are not our sole source of income, the two office developments situated on our campus provide an important element of stability to our annual income.”

In the meantime, Prof. Lewis has a very clear communication for RDS Members: “My message to Members is very straightforward: ‘stay safe’. Some of our Members are among those most vulnerable to this virus and I would urge them and all our Members and staff, to stay safe.”

“We will get through this present crisis and when we do, I hope to engage with as many Members as possible, to facilitate a great exchange of ideas and to see the RDS grow in many innovative ways over the next two years and beyond.’’

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Award recipients were presented with their 2020 RDS Spring Awards on their farms and forests in recent weeks, as Covid-19 prevented the usual Awards ceremony in the RDS Concert Hall. The RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards have a total prize fund of €23,000, and they celebrate and promote the principles of climate-smart agriculture in Ireland. They were originally scheduled to take place in April, but the Covid-19 restrictions prevent this and has led to an ongoing delay for the sustainability awards, which will be awarded at a later date.

According to RDS President, Prof. J. Owen Lewis: “It is more important than ever to recognise the work of our farmers and foresters who are contributing to the sustainable development of Irish agriculture, which remains the most important industry in rural Ireland. This year’s Spring Award winners have achieved a balance between the economic and environmental needs of the sector and are highlighting what is possible when experience is combined with innovation. Many of this year’s winners can trace the history of their family farm back to the first half of the 19th century. This longevity is fantastic, but it is important to recognise that this is only achieved through continuous innovation and adapting to the changing needs of the sector.”

This year’s winners include farmers and foresters recognised for employing the principles of climate smart agriculture on their land, including sound commercial management, environmental protection and the encouragement of biodiversity.

Prof. Lewis added: “The genetic improvement of our national herd and increased carbon sequestration through effective forestry management are recognised as two of the most effective tools available in tackling climate change and in promoting sustainable agriculture. These Awards recognise the farmers and foresters who are setting the standard for others to follow in this regard. What they have been able to achieve is an inspiration to all involved in the future development of Irish agriculture.”

He continued: “The RDS Spring Awards are one of the highlights of the Society’s Foundation Programme.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to host our awards ceremony in the RDS Concert Hall this year, but it has been both enjoyable and educational to spend time with our winners on their farms and forests this summer.”

SUPPORTING RURAL IRELAND

Award winners receive a cheque for €2,000 an RDS Silver Medal and a Certificate of Merit. The runner up in each award category receive €1,000 and a Certificate of Merit. The RDS Awards are made possible by the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Teagasc.

For more information on the RDS Spring Awards, visit: www.rds.ie/agriculture

BEST IN CLASS

2020 WINNERS OF RDS SPRING AWARDS REVEALED

Sean O’Sullivan

Euro-Star Index Award (Best Beef Cow) Castleview Camelia Owner: Sean O’Sullivan, Castleisland, Co. Kerry Sean O’Sullivan’s Limousin cow, Castleview Camelia has been selected as the 2020 RDS Euro-Star Beef Impact award recipient based in ICBF indexes. Sean O’Sullivan is in the ICBF Whole Herd Performance Recording (WHPR) programme and Camelia’s Impact on the industry is colossal with her son ‘ZAG’ having so much progeny. ZAG is the sire of many stockbulls which again increases the impact this cow is having on the ground throughout the country. The Castleview herd was founded in 1988 and over the years Sean O’Sullivan has used the best bloodlines available through AI to produce top quality progeny. Speaking to the Irish Farmer’s Journal about the award and the data measurements behind it, Sean said: “The market needs them [data]. A lot of pedigree breeders and societies would be better off working to get the figures right, because they are here to stay”.

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IMPACT

LambPlus Breeders Index Award Edmond and Paul O’Gorman, Ballyporeen, Co. Tipperary

Michael and Geraldine Murphy

Economic Breeding Index Award (Best Dairy Cow) Coolnasoon Nuala 33 Owners: Michael Murphy, Coolnasoon, Co. Cork

The Lisfuncheon Charollais flock is based near Ballyporeen in Co. Tipperary. The father and son team of Edmond and Paul O’Gorman put great effort into producing animals that are of high genetic merit while also having the physical attributes to perform well in a commercial setting. Animals with high genetic merit produce more lambs and lambs that reach the desired weight quicker. Speaking on receiving the award Edmond and Paul stated: “We feel greatly honoured to have won the 2020 RDS LambPlus Award and appreciate the RDS recognising sustainable farming through its Spring Awards, considering its important historic role in the development of Irish agriculture. We try to improve our flock every year by using 5- star rams with a high genetic merit as identified by Sheep Ireland, and we are members of the Green, Low-Carbon, Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) which encourages good practice looking after the land. We also have 10 acres of forestry which benefits the environment.”

Michael and his wife Geraldine farm in partnership with their son Jerry, who lives next door with his young family. Through scaling up and using scientific best practice they have been able to generate enough income to provide for both families. Jerry and his family have completely renovated the traditional farmhouse that has been in the Murphy family for generations.

They can trace their family history on the farm back to the 1820s. On receiving his award Michael said: “I am delighted to receive this award in recognition of my focus on breeding profitable cows. When I began farming, the Spring Show at the RDS was the highlight of the farming calendar, with its promotion of excellence in all facets of farming. It is great to see the RDS continuing with that tradition by working with ICBF on these new awards”.

Edmond and Paul O’Gorman,

Beef Herd Index Award Eugene McKenna, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork The recipient of the 2020 RDS-ICBF Beef Herd Award is Eugene McKenna of Ballinhassig, Co. Cork. The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) scored Eugene’s herd highly across a number of key measures including calving interval, percentage of heifers calved between 22 and 26 months of age, spring 6-week calving rate, and Euro-Star replacement index. Eugene is an advocate of using data to help him farm in a sustainable way. He is also an active participant in the beef data and genomics programme, the beef environmental efficiency pilot programme and is a HerdPlus member.

Eugene McKenna

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Production Forestry Award Winner Peter and Patricia Farrelly, Kells, Co. Meath Located near the village of Kilmainhamwood, Peter and Patricia have a 46.2-hectare plantation that was planted between 1999 and 2001, comprising a mix of Sitka spruce, Norway spruce, Oak and Ash. There are many unique features to their property such as the Whitewood river which flows through the forest, two ring forts, and an old farmhouse which the Farrellys have begun to restore. The Farrellys have also established a number of forest roads which provide access so the local community can also enjoy the scenic beauty and peace of being with nature in the forest. Speaking on receiving the award Peter Farrelly, stated: “Having someone as prominent as the RDS in helping to raise this awareness is a massive and timely boost. Coming from a long line of farmers I have benefitted by inheriting sustainable methods which I would hope I am only improving on for future generations.”

Ross Buchanan

Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Winner Ross Buchanan, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal The 146-hectare farm has been in the Buchanan family for generations and was traditionally used for sheep production with some grain. Ross planted 48-hectares of the farm in 2006 with a diverse range of species. This has opened up new opportunities for farm diversification with a significant area planted with Sitka spruce in order to provide a medium-term cash crop. A considerable area has also been planted with oak, Scots pine, and European larch in order to develop a longer-term quality crop which ties in well with the ancient oak woodland that already existed on the property. In congratulating Ross Buchanan on his award, Professor Gerry Boyle, Director of Teagasc said “The RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award recognises farmers like Ross who are achieving sustainable integration of their forestry and farming enterprises. This will help farming families and the communities in which they live to build resilience by optimising the many economic, environmental, practical and social benefits that can accrue from farms and forests working together.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

John Sherlock

Production Forestry Runner-Up John Sherlock, Navan, Co. Meath Originally planted by his father Patrick in 2003, John took over the management of the forest in 2009. Comprising an area of over 18 hectares the forest includes a mix of Alder, Oak, Red Oak, Sitka Spruce, Norway Spruce, and Wild Cherry.

John, and Peter Farrelly, are actively involved in the North East Forestry Group. He is a strong advocate of the benefits of forestry and believes that having a forest should be an intrinsic part of every farm, small or large, in Ireland. John Sherlock commented: “The RDS awards are a fantastic way of promoting proper management of Private woodlands. Private woodland owners are providing a valuable resource against climate change and a future source of quality timber for Irish manufacturers. They provide a biodiversity sanctuary along with an intergenerational income stream.”

For a full list of this years winners or information on how to apply for next years awards, visit: www.rds.ie/agriculture

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