UCD Connections 2011

HoW Ucd looks Today The campus welcomes alumni Woodland Walks On the map: Belfield’s beauty spots

inside Business ConneCtions

The Magazine for uCD Business Alumni

Mission science

The Science District launches

global search local jobs

UCD 2011 – 2012

connections alumni magazine

Contents

university people

14

Milestone MoMents 28 born in 1911

8 a year in The

On Flann O’Brien’s centenary, we look back 100 years

SPoTLiGhT Who shone in 2011?

Many UCD alumni it seems ...

30 in The name of The Law The UCD Sutherland School of Law opens

14 naTionaL TreaSureS Honouring the nation’s greatest

50 down To a T A new James Joyce portrait is unveiled

18 Life SKiLLS To

Knife SKiLLS From economist to epicure: changing lanes to forge a new career

52 Team of The cenTury Votes are in for the fantasy rugby team of the century

34 Q & aLumni Miriam O’Callaghan on college days and career

52

46 Some ThinGS you

JuST can’T Teach Comedy on campus

49 QuoTe, unQuoTe A word from famous alumni and visitors

50

60 re-connecTionS Catch up with classmates, see who has had a book published, and read about births and marriages

46

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ON THE COVER: A section of the

UCD Alumni Campus Map, designed to highlight places of interest as well as Woodland Walks, five walks of differing lengths on campus. The map was designed

by Simon Roche and Daniel Frost.

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

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contents

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life on campus

BUSINESS

CONNECTIONS

20 SHERRY, ANYoNE?

THE MAGAZINE FOR UCD BUSINESS ALUMNI

UCD Law Society is 100 years old

IN THIS ISSUE

TAKING STOCK

38 UCd IN NUmBERS

AN OUTSIDER’S VIEW PAGE 76

Stats in action

THE MBA NETWORK Strength in Numbers PAGE 70

40 mISSIoN SCIENCE

ALUMNI ABROAD Doing the Business Overseas

UCD Science District launches today

PAGE 80

ENTREPRENEURSHIP THE KEY TO FUTURE SUCCESS PAGE 78

54 SpoRTS SHoRTS Triumphs on the field

56 ERA oF THE ELITE Medallists in the making: fostering achievement in sport

Bus_Cover_Final.indd 1

70

Business connections 70 THE mBA NETwoRk The value of an MBA

59 CENTRE oF EXCELLENCE Leinster Rugby takes up residence

alumni update 22 UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE How well do you know your University? Take the Alumni Quiz ...

16/08/2011 12:55

76 TAkING SToCk

eVents

Foundation Day Dinner (page 84); Business School Alumni Awards (page 85); Business Alumni Chapter Events (page 86); Ruby Jubilee (page 87); Newman Fellowship (page 88); Sigerson Centenary Dinner (page 89); Medical Gala Dinner and Robing (page 90); Kevin Barry Window (page 91); Characters in Conversation (pages 92, 93 & 94); Bloomsday (page 95); Engineering Events (page 96).

68 LEAVING A LEGACY Donate to UCD

95

Boston-based Desmond Mac Intyre on Ireland’s crisis

78 ENTREpRENEURSHIp The skills to make it happen: the role of the University in shaping an entrepreneurial mindset

36

80 ALUmNI ABRoAd Graduates doing business overseas

56

inteRVieW 24 FRom SCHoLARSHIp To SUCCESS Businessman George Moore on his UCD beginnings UCD Connections is published by Gloss Publications Ltd, The Courtyard, 40 Main Street, Blackrock, Co Dublin, 01 275 5130. Distributed by The Irish Times. To order a copy, go to www.ucdconnections.ie. Printed by Boylans. Colour origination by Typeform. Copyright 2011 Gloss Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. This magazine can be recycled either in your Green Bin kerbside collection or at a local recycling point.

In the compilation of this publication, every care is taken to ensure accuracy. Any errors or omissions should be brought to the attention of the UCD Development & Alumni Relations Office. However, UCD does not accept any liability to any person for loss or damage arising from anything contained in this publication or for any error or omission in it, even if such loss and damage is caused by the negligence of UCD or its servants and agents.

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UcD connections alUmni magazine

Promoting Ireland Are you a potential ambassador in helping secure inward investment for Ireland? Whether you are in business, government or academia you may have opportunities to sell the benefits of investing in Ireland to your overseas contacts.

Make sure you have all the information you need by downloading your copy of Investing in Ireland at kpmg.ie.

For further information about how KPMG can help when investing in Ireland, please contact Adrian Crawford, Conor O’Sullivan or Anna Scally at +353 (1) 410 1000. kpmg.ie © 2011 KPMG, an Irish partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity.

All rights reserved.

| letter |

ConneCtions ... and Re-ConneCtions Since the relaunch of UCD Connections, and its focus on alumni worldwide, not just in Ireland, we have been able to engage more effectively with our audience. As with all magazines, the contents should reflect the interests of the readers so, when a survey of our last issue revealed that alumni wanted to know more about what was happening on campus today – the nuts and bolts, the bricks and mortar – we wanted to address that demand.

That feedback could not have come at a more opportune time. Since the move to Belfield in the 1960s, there has been continuous development on campus – naturally, with a campus population of over 25,000, the size of Kilkenny, growth was inevitable. This year, however, sees some very significant plans crystallise: the new Science Centre, a 67,000-square-metre “science district” launches this month – it will be the biggest concentration of scientists in this country and will attract talent from all over the world. (Mission Science, page 40) A direct response to the government strategy to build on our science and technology infrastructure, this ambitious plan, so crucial for the future of this country, is testament to the important support we get from alumni on every level – from funding research and scholarships to developing the infrastructure. Likewise, the UCD Sutherland School of Law will break ground this year thanks to the valuable support of UCD law graduates and the legal profession. The new Sports Centre is also nearing completion – it will be a wonderful resource for all students but also a vital link in the chain of encouraging and fostering Ireland’s elite athletes, many of whom reside and study at UCD. Speaking of elite athletes, UCD is now home to Leinster Rugby (Centre of Excellence, page 59).

As well as UCD’s built environment, much work has gone into creating a landscape that everyone can enjoy in the heart of Dublin 4. This month sees the launch of our Woodland Walks – five walks of differing lengths and interest on the Belfield campus. Whether you run, walk or take a Sunday stroll, alumni and families are welcomed back to the University on Sunday 25th September to pick up our specially commissioned alumni campus map and take the route of choice. You never know, it could become another tradition for all the generations.

On a sad note, we fondly remember Garret FitzGerald as we read about National Treasures (page 14) in the feature If you haven’t already done so, please update your contact details on the UCD alumni website so that we can keep you informed about events, reunions and other opportunities to tap fond memories.

UCD Connections is being distributed with The Irish Times as a cost-effective means of reaching a large audience. We are happy to post a copy to any graduate who requests one – please don’t assume we have your up-to-date contact details. Update your details and let us know your views on our magazine at www.ucdconnections.ie. ÁIne GIbbons, Vice-president for deVelopment And AlUmni relAtions

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UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

photogrAph by JoAnne mUrphy

he inspired. He will be greatly missed.

WALK THE WALK If you haven’t already explored the lovely amenity that is the 133 hectares of green space on the Belfield campus, UCD would like to invite all alumni, family and friends To the launch of the

WooDLAnD WALKs On Sunday September 25, from 11am Join us at O’Reilly Hall, any time from 11am - 4pm on Sunday 25th and pick up your copy of the limited edition UCD Alumni Campus Map Take a stroll on one of five Woodland Walks of varying length (see below) 50,000 trees, 75 species, 9 hectares of woodland coverage Enjoy a post-walk cup of coffee or tea

MILLEnnIUM WALK: 3.2km – duration 35-40 mins BELfIELD WALK: 2.4km – duration 30-35 mins GLEnoMEnA WALK: 1.9km – duration 20-25mins RosEMoUnT WALK: 1.8km – duration 20-25 mins BoUnDARy WALK: 6.2km – duration 60-70 mins

TALK THE TALK Pre-register with your contact details on www.ucd.ie/alumni and get details of various short presentations on the trees, trails and points of interest of the Woodland Walks that will take place throughout the afternoon

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map

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The

UCD AlUmni CAmpUs mAp Walks, Trails & Places of Interest roebuck Castle

Owenstown Entrance

The Age of Freedom Sculpture

Figurehead Sculpture

Newman Building

Quinn School of Business

Sutherland School of law

Engineering and Materials Science Centre

Foster’s Avenue Entrance

Horse Sculpture

Ardmore House John Hume institute for Global irish Studies

Belfield House

Merville House

N11 Entrance

4

km

W

UCD MiCHAEl SMUrFiT GrADUATE BUSiNESS SCHOOl

UCD InvItes YoU In ...

e were inspired to create a limited edition map of Belfield following conversations throughout the years with our alumni about the striking enhancement of the campus. Developing Belfield as a green,

sustainable and modern 21st-century university is part of the overall campus master plan. This map features walks, trails and places of particular interest to alumni.

The Woodland Walkway was completed in 2011 and features

| map |

gh ea sk ce on an Cl ntr E d ea st e w anc Ne ntr E

O’Kane Centre for Film Studies (Magnetic Observatory)

Water Tower

Na Fánaí Fuachtmhara Sculpture

richview Entrance

richview

James Joyce library Student learning leisure and Sports Complex

University lodge

Science District

The lake Celtic Twilight Sculpture

Belfield Walk MIllennium Walk Rosemount Walk Boundary Woodland Walk Pedestrian Route Primary Vehicular Route

Bus Stop Parking Pedestrian-only Entrance

For a detailed building map and additional campus information see www.ucd.ie/campusdevelopment

NEWMAN HOUSE St. Stephen’s Green

4

km

8km of woodland paths with a series of walks developed to open up the beautiful 133 hectare campus to the wider community.

Our Period Houses have been sensitively restored over recent years and hold a special place in our hearts. Belfield House for example, purchased by UCD in the 1930s, is remembered as a

sporting location.

Of the 27 sculptures on the Sculpture Trail at UCD we have featured five. All of these public works are an integral part of the urban fabric of UCD, enriching the sense of place and the physical beauty of the natural environment.

illustration by smoke and mirrors

Glenomena Walk O’reilly Hall

| alumni achievement |

A year in the

spotlight

Many alumni had an annus mirabilis in 2010-2011.

We look at some of the movers and shakers. eOghan MurPhy TD

Mr Quinn announced a radical overhaul

the life room of the Royal Hibernian

(Ba english and Philosophy 2004)

of the Junior Certificate in April, saying

Academy. Hanley’s work is included in

Success in the March 2010 general

the exam is “no longer suitable as the

numerous public and private collections

election saw Eoghan Murphy (29)

main form of student assessment in

including IMMA, the Arts Council, AIB

become one of the youngest members

lower-secondary education”.

and the European Parliament. He is

ever elected to Dáil Éireann. Murphy

one of the few living artists whose work

first held political office when elected

is represented in the collection of the

to Dublin City Council in 2009 and

National Gallery of Ireland.

resigned his role as a speechwriter at the nuclear-test-ban treaty organisation in Vienna in order to take up office. He previously worked in international arms control, and the United Nations in London, Geneva and Vienna. Murphy also has an MA in International Relations from King’s College London.

ROLE of HONOUR

Dervilla Mitchell

nOel KilKenny(BCL 1974)

Consultant Engineer (Be 1980)

2010 saw the appointment of County Clare native noel KilKenny as irish Consul General in new yorK. havinG spent three years in the irish Department of JustiCe, KilKenny beGan his Career with the Department of foreiGn affairs in 1977. sinCe then he has taKen up posts all over the worlD inCluDinG stints in hollanD, China, washinGton DC, bosnia, lonDon, estonia anD molDova.

Dervilla Mitchell, the most senior female engineer in leading Irish consulting engineering practice Arup was awarded the Inspiration and Leadership in Business and Industry Award by the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering in London

ruairí quinn Minister for

in May 2011. A firm believer in gender

Education and Skills (Barch 1969)

equality in the workplace, Mitchell helped establish Arup’s women’s network,

The formation of a Fine Gael/

jaMeS hanley Artist

ConnectWomen, and is championing its

appointment of Ruairí Quinn (an active

(Ba history of art and english 1987)

Inclusive Leadership Programme. She also

member of the Labour party

James Hanley, widely regarded as one

headed up the company’s involvement in

while a student at UCD) as

of Ireland’s leading painters, hosted

the construction of Terminal 5 at

Minister for Education and

his first solo exhibition in over six

Heathrow airport.

Labour coalition government saw the

Skills. He has held high office

years in March. The show in

in the past, most notably as

the Solomon Fine Art

Minister for Finance

Gallery represented

from 1994 to 1997.

tD

ruairí quinn

a year’s work in

Minister for Education and Skills

artiSt

james hanley One of our foremost portrait painters

SeniOr engineer

dervilla mitchell

Helped establish Arup’s women’s network

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ucD cOnnectiOns alumni magazine

tD

eoghan murphy

One of the youngest members ever elected to Dáil Éireann

| alumni achievement | played a vital part in Leinster’s victory in

actor Brendan Gleeson, the two shared

the Heineken Cup Final in Cardiff and

their passion for drama as members of

ROckiNg ON

was named ERC player of the year in

DramSoc.

Danny O’reilly (BComm 2001)

25 suckling cows on the family farm.

Kevin O’Sullivan

O’Brien is quoted as saying, “Myself and

Editor of the Irish Times (BSc 1981)

this summer the Coronas playeD their biGGest heaDline GiG to Date in marlay parK as part of the @the parK series of intimate GiGs helD unDer Canvas in the leafy south Dublin parK. the meteor awarD-winninG banD formeD when its four members were Just 15 years olD. Danny o’reilly fronts the banD on voCals anD rhythm Guitar.

May. Yet he still finds the time to raise

John Hayes are always talking about

Kevin O’Sullivan was appointed Editor

cattle and stuff.”

of The Irish Times in succession to Geraldine Kennedy in June. He joined

PatricK hOnOhan

the newspaper in 1997, having previously

Governor of the Central Bank

worked on the Connacht Tribune and the

(Ba economics and Mathematics 1971,

Tuam Herald, and had held the position

Ma 1973)

of News Editor since 2006. Previously

Could it be the toughest job in Ireland?

he was night editor, special projects

Governor of the Central Bank Patrick

editor, editor of the health supplement

Kathryn reilly Sinn Féin Senator (MeconSc european Public

Honohan certainly has his hands full

and environmental and food science

managing the current banking crisis.

correspondent. A native of Tramore,

affairs & law 2009)

In March 2011 the former World Bank

Co Waterford, O’Sullivan is now a board

Having narrowly lost out in the general

economist said that he would like to see

member of The Irish Times Limited.

election in March, Kathryn Reilly

a lower interest rate charged on the EU/

(22) became the youngest candidate

IMF bailout loan than the then rate of 5.9

ever elected to the Seanad when she

per cent. It has since been renegotiated.

eMMa DOnOghue Author (Ba english and French 1990)

Ontario-based Dubliner Emma

was returned to the Industrial and Commercial panel after a marathon

Paul Mercier Playwright

Donoghue won many plaudits for her

count that kept all candidates on the edge

(Ba irish and english 1979, hDiped 1981)

seventh novel Room. In addition to

of their seats.

Earlier this year playwright Paul Mercier

being shortlisted for the prestigious Man

returned to the Abbey Theatre with

Booker Prize, and the Orange prize for

Sean O’Brien Rugby player

two new plays, The East Pier and The

Fiction, this compelling exploration of

(Diploma in Sports Management 2007)

Passing, both set in modern-day Dublin

the effects of incarceration on a mother

One of the most talked about Leinster

and reflective of the difficult times the

and her child was awarded the Hughes &

and Ireland rugby stars of the current

country is experiencing. Mercier made

Hughes Irish Novel of the Year, the 2011

season, O’Brien made his Six Nations

a name for himself in the 1980s as

Commonwealth Prize for Fiction and the

debut against Italy in February and went

writer and artistic director with Passion

Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize.

on to play in every game

Machine Theatre Company, for whom

in the series. The Tullow

he directed eleven of his own plays in

native, Carlow’s first

addition to work by writers like Roddy

Irish rugby international

Doyle and Michael Harding.

of the modern era, also

A UCD contemporary of

a rOOM OF her Own

emma donoghue

Awards season for the author

SenatOr

rugBy Star

sean O’Brien

Six nations debut against Italy in February

kathryn reilly Youngest ever candidate

heaDline act

danny o’reilly The Coronas hit the big time

ucD cOnnectiOns alumni magazine

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| alumni achievement | James NolaN Ireland Athletics

Professor JosePh BergiN

Team Manager 2012 (Bsc sports

Historian (Ba 1970, ma 1972)

management 2009)

Joseph Bergin, Kilkenny-born Professor

Acclaimed middle distance runner and

of Modern History at the University

former two-time Olympian James Nolan

of Manchester, has become the first-

was appointed Head of Paralympic

ever recipient of the silver Richelieu

Athletics by the Paralympic Council

Medal, awarded by the University of

of Ireland. The former UCD athletics

Paris-Sorbonne to scholars who have

scholarship student takes responsibility

excelled in their field. This is just the

for implementing the High Performance

latest in a series of accolades recognising

Programme for our paralympic athletes

the contribution Professor Bergin has

as they prepare for the London 2012

made to the study of French history:

Paralympic Games. He will also act

in February 2010 he received the

as Ireland athletics team manager.

‘Antiquities of France’ medal from the

Nolan led the Irish team to great

French Academy of Inscriptions and

success at the 2011 IPC Athletics World

Belles-Lettres for his most recent book,

miChael NooNaN Minister for Finance (Ba 1966, hDiped 1967)

Championships in New Zealand. The

Church, Society and Religious Change in

Limerick’s Michael Noonan, a former

team of eight returned with two gold and

France 1580-1730. He was also made

leader of Fine Gael, has taken on the

one silver medal. He remains involved in

an “officier” of the French Order of the

onerous role of Minister for Finance and

the coaching of top level middle distance

Palmes Académiques.

is charged with getting us out of the mire.

runners at UCD.

innovator Dr CoNor haNley (BE 1990) In July, IrIsh medIcal technology company BIancamed ltd, set up In 2003 By ceo dr conor hanley, dr phIlIp de chazal and professor conor heneghan was acquIred By resmed, a us-Based manufacturer and dIstrIButor of medIcal equIpment.

BIancamed, a ucd spIn-out company, headquartered In novaucd, developed an InnovatIve noncontact devIce for the monItorIng of sleep and BreathIng.

Noonan has been a minister in every Fine

write stuff Neil JorDaN (BA Irish History and English 1972) decemBer 2010 saw the puBlIcatIon of a fIfth novel from fIlm maker and novelIst, neIl Jordan. Mistaken, a comIng of age novel set In the 1960s, was favouraBly receIved By the crItIcs. he Is currently dIrectIng and producIng tv serIes the BorgIas.

Dr BriaN o’Doherty

Gael-led government since 1982 and has

Artist (mB BCh Bao 1952, DPh 1955)

held the offices of Minister for Justice,

Until 2008 artist and novelist Brian

Minister for Industry and Commerce and

O’Doherty was better known by his

Minister for Health. He spoke bravely and

assumed name, Patrick Ireland. This

poignantly about his wife’s battle with

year he and partner Barbara Novak,

Alzheimer’s disease on RTÉ’s The Frontline

the renowned American art historian,

in May 2010.

stunned the art world with their generosity when they donated their

JoaN BurtoN Minister for

collection of post-war American art

Social Protection (BComm 1970)

to IMMA. Comprising 76 works,

Minister Joan Burton showed dignity

the collection reflects the couple’s

in the face of controversy after being

intimate involvement with the art

apparently passed over for a Finance

movement in the US. A pioneer of 1960s

ministry and given the role of Minister for

conceptualism, O’Doherty studied

Social Protection instead. In her new role

medicine at UCD and painted in his

she is committed to eradicating tax non-

spare time. He is also a Booker prizenominated author.

Writer iN resiDeNCe

compliance and social welfare fraud, and has vowed to offer a “hand up rather than a handout” to the unemployed.

moNey maN

neil jordan

michael noonan

Fifth novel published

In charge of the coffers

ruNNiNg mate

james nolan

Ireland athletics team manager

10 |

ucD connections alumni magazine

sleeP matters

conor hanley

Company acquired by US firm

| alumni achievement | miCk WallaCe TD, property

to hold the post of Master in a Dublin

developer and football manager

maternity hospital in the history of

(Ba history and Philosophy 1978,

the State. Dr Mahony graduated from

hDiped 1983)

UCD in 1994, with first-class honours

Mick Wallace, who had previously been

in obstetrics and gynaecology and was

well known for his construction business

awarded the John F Cunningham Medal

and his passion for Wexford soccer,

in obstetrics and gynaecology from Holles

entered the Dáil as an independent TD

Street Hospital in 1995.

DJ

2fm dJ dave fannIng puBlIshed hIs autoBIography the thing is In septemBer 2010. long-tIme frIend Bono penned the IntroductIon. musIc was fannIng’s passIon from an early age and he left ucd determIned to forge a career In Ireland’s fledglIng musIc Industry. he certaInly succeeded.

in April. The Wellingtonbridge native topped the poll with a resounding 13,329

Professor JohN CroWN

votes.

Senator (mB BCh Bao 1980, mBa

DaVe faNNiNg (BA English and Philosophy, HDipEd 1975)

health services management 1999)

stePheN hiNey (Be 2005) aND JohN mC Caffrey (Dip sports

Professor John Crown, a tireless

management 2007) Dublin Senior

of cancer services in Ireland, holds

Hurling Joint Captains

professorships in cancer research from

In May 2011 Dublin became the new

Dublin City University and UCD and was

national hurling league champions.

elected to the Seanad on the National

and taught equality studies and politics

During the campaign McCaffrey took

University of Ireland (NUI) Panel earlier

at UCD before serving on the Mountjoy

over as Dublin senior hurling team

this year. The founder of Ireland’s first

Prison visiting committee from 1996-

captain due to an injury sustained by

national cancer treatment research group

2000, becoming Chairperson and later

regular captain Stephen Hiney. The team

(ICORG) in 1997, has vowed to donate

Executive Director of the Irish Penal

overcame Kilkenny in the final by 0-22 to

his Seanad salary to cancer research

Reform Trust.

1-07 to win its first league title since 1939.

and to continue his campaign for

campaigner for the improvement

DaViD ColemaN

healthcare reform.

Clinical psychologist (Ba 1992,

Dr rhoNa mahoNy Dr Valerie BresNihaN

ma 1995, mPsychsc 1997) Clinical

Non-Judicial Appointee to the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board (Bsocsc 1985, ma 1989, PhD

psychologist and popular RTÉ presenter

been appointed Master of the National

1997, DipeurConv & hr law 2004)

overdue spotlight on the issue of bullying

Maternity Hospital, Holles Street. She is

Dr Valerie Bresnihan has been appointed

in Ireland. He will also examine best

the first woman to be appointed to this

to the Judicial Appointments Advisory

anti-bullying practice here and overseas,

Board by Minister for Justice Alan

including the award-winning KIVA

Shatter. Dr Bresnihan was previously

programme in Finland. The series of

Master of the National Maternity Hospital (mB BCh Bao 1994, mD 2005) Highly respected consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Rhona Mahony has

role since the founding of the hospital in 1894 and the first woman

an NUI Seanad candidate in 2002 and 2007

David Coleman is working on a new television series that will shine a long

three programmes is scheduled to be broadcast on RTÉ One early in 2012.

PolitiCal PersoN

joan burton Accepted her new portfolio with grace

CliNiCal PysChologist

david coleman Tackles bullying

raDio heaD

hurliNg leaque ChamPioNs

stephen hiney & john mccaffrey

dave fanning In his own words

Dublin Senior Hurling team joint captains

ucD connections alumni magazine

| 11

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UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| 13

|

heroes

|

Garret FitzGerald Statesman (with economist TK Whitaker)

National Treasures Who are the men and women who deserve to be called National Treasures? Who are the idealists, the achievers and the original thinkers who make us proud to be Irish?

Bridget Hourican calls the roll.

D

efinition of a national treasure: “a piece of architecture, a

posted a photograph of him helping tally

landscape, document, or other artefact that is considered to be of

the vote at the RDS polling station. Hair

national significance and an embodiment of the national heritage;

dishevelled, he’s wearing an extraordinary

by extension, a public figure accorded this importance”. (OED).

garish tie and peering over his glasses as

For instance: the Ardagh Chalice, the Book of Kells, the Cliffs of

he jots down stats on paper. The caption

Moher – and Garret FitzGerald.

ran: “Garret FitzGerald. Totting them up

I started writing this piece in early May around the time of the death of Garret

as he has done since the Renaissance.

FitzGerald and just thinking about him helped me define the qualities of a national

When you’re an elder statesman you can

treasure. During this year’s election in March, the satirical website, Broadsheet.ie,

wear any damn tie you want.”

14 |

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| heroes | No

further

explanation

given

or

story, familiar to readers of

required. Broadsheet knew that everyone

his memoirs, of compiling

in the country seeing that photograph

a list of suitable girls in his

would register: “Garret – nutty professor –

third year of UCD. [The

statistics – stamina – patriotism – political

first refused; Joan was

objectivity”.

second on the list.] This,

All national treasures are famous,

for me, is a quintessential

loveable, and embody what we like to

“Garret story”. There’s his

consider our best national traits (eg grit and

remarkable memory (he

wit) but most importantly they’re authentic.

asked not just after me but

In every situation they’re themselves. They

after all five of my siblings),

may be grumpy or eccentric; they’re never

his humour, his warm

smarmy or insincere. A national treasure

interest in the most human

is someone whose image is at once highly

and

idiosyncratic and highly recognisable,

that list (with Garret there

someone whose qualities are manifest from

was always a list), and his

one photograph.

pragmatism (he was dead right about

important

matters,

Maeve Binchy Author

Comfortable with my definition, I

college; as a friend said on hearing the

started on this piece. Then Garret died

story, “Yes! It’s like being in a sweet shop.

and all the papers rushed to crown him

You think it’s going to be like that for the

W

with that title, “national treasure”. Death

rest of your life, and it isn’t”). But Garret,

Dalkey, close to her siblings and a few

always brings new layers of understanding

though only 19 at the time, didn’t assume

hundred yards from where she grew up. In

– from my reaction and the reaction of the

it would be like that for the rest of his life –

a world of angst-ridden Irish writers, with

country I got a deeper insight: a national

he ran the stats and acted decisively.

their terrible, abusive childhoods, Maeve

hy leave a good place?” asks UCD history and French graduate

Maeve Binchy

rhetorically of her decision to live in

treasure is someone with whom everyone

And of course, as a child having had the

is a relief, a happy reminder that you can

feels a personal connection. In my case I

privilege to meet Garret, I was his for life.

have an idyllic Irish childhood, adore your

did have a personal connection to Garret

I’ve seldom met anyone with more time for

parents, and still write compelling family

because my father was press secretary

children, and they responded like Pavlov’s

dramas. She’s borne a charmed writing

in his first government, so I’ve known

dog to his natural charisma. My six-year-

life – her letters home from a kibbutz

him since I was small. But I don’t think I

old brother sent him all his Communion

landed her a job in The Irish Times; her

actually met him more than ten times in

money and was proud to receive in return

first novel, Light a Penny Candle, earned

my life, not enough times, on paper, to

an official letter thanking him for his

what was then the biggest sum ever paid

explain how bereft I felt. In the days after

contribution to the state coffers. Which

for a first-time novel (£52,000stg in

his death I kept coming across people

brings me to the last quality of a national

1983). Her writing has no airs and graces

who like me had met him infrequently

treasure: children are crazy about them.

– “Always write as if you are talking to

and briefly but felt they knew him, and

So when I consider the four other

someone. Don’t put on any fancy phrases

he them. Some of these stories were

UCD national treasures we’ve chosen

or accents or things you wouldn’t say in

intriguing.

(yes, only four, a national treasure is a

real life” – and she’s adored because she’s

The last time I saw him was 18

rare accolade), they’re all very different.

as down to earth in life as in art. When the

months before he died, at the launch

What connects Maeve Binchy to Brian

money came in she paid off her mortgage

of the Dictionary of Irish Biography. He

O’Driscoll or Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh?

but didn’t move house: “What would two

asked with warm interest after my love

Garret FitzGerald to Rosaleen Linehan?

middle-aged people do that for?” She

life. I told him it was all over the place.

The similarity is in the idiosyncrasy. They

remains not only stoical but positively

He roared laughing and said in that

are too much themselves to resemble each

jolly in the face of often crippling pain

inimitable, high-speed, super-energetic

other, but each is similarly authentic.

from osteoarthritis. And she’s more than

voice: “You should have settled the

In BOD’s words they “stopped trying

just an Irish national treasure – the UK-

question at college. At no other time in

to please everyone a long time ago”, and

based Romantic Novelists Association

your life do you have so much time and so

in so doing found themselves pleasing

has claimed her as their own, while Oprah

much choice” and then he recounted the

everyone.

couldn’t get enough of her ...

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| 15

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heroes

|

T

Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh

Broadcaster

I

his UCD graduate of arts and

switch from English to Irish is trademark,

commerce never moved from

his off-the-cuff humour legendary: “Seán

radio to television; he didn’t need

Óg Ó hAilpín, his father’s from Fermanagh,

to – his fans simply “turned the sound down

his mother’s from Fiji, neither one of them

on the telly and turned up the radio”. For

a hurling stronghold” ... “Pat Fox has it on

60 years, Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh

his hurl and is motoring well now ... but

brought GAA into the kitchen, his rich

here comes Joe Rabbitte hot on his tail ...

Kerry timbre quickening in excitement

I’ve seen it all now, a Rabbitte chasing a Fox

when the pace picked up: “Has any human

around Croke Park!”

being ever needed so little oxygen?” asked

When he retired last year, aged 80

journalist Mary Hannigan. He digressed

(but looking 50), the switchboards were

seamlessly into players’ lives and county lore

jammed with tributes. What other sports

at slower moments: “He can take the ball

commentator is on YouTube reciting a

from one end of the field to the other with

Prince song and ad-libbing the line: “But

just the player’s occupations,” says Kerry

he’s a fool, an amadán, because nothing

footballer, Jack O’Shea. Ó Muircheartaigh’s

compares, nothing compares to you.”

n 1981, after decades of making Ireland

me to have a career in external affairs” –

laugh, Rosaleen Linehan decided

but she joined Dramsoc on her first day

it was time to go straight and took the

and started acting professionally within

part of Arkadina in Tom Kilroy’s version

two years of leaving college. “I was never a

of Chekhov’s tragedy, The Seagull: “When

glamour type; I haven’t the face for it.” Her

I came on and said ‘Constantine has been

long-term comedy partnership with Des

shot’, the audience started laughing.” But

Keogh, in revues written by her husband,

within a decade she was being nominated

Fergus Linehan, made her a household

for a Tony award for her role as Kate in

name in the 1970s – and a national

Friel’s heartrending Dancing at Lughnasa.

treasure. Tony awards? They come and go,

Linehan had achieved the impossible for a

but who could forget the song Soap your

comedian: kept her audience and stopped

Arse and Slide Backwards up a Rainbow?

them laughing.

“I’ve arranged to have my son play it as a

She studied economics and politics in UCD in the late 1950s. “My father wanted

e can prove that not all

stoicism, directness, and humour, and

national treasures are at

because he grew up in the public eye – he

retirement age – although

made his debut for Ireland aged 20, just

admittedly, at 32, and with 112 caps

out of UCD and before even signing for

for Ireland (75 as captain),

Brian

O’Driscoll is a senior statesman among sportsmen.

Irish International Rugby Player 16 |

Actor

deadpan as ever.

W

Brian O’Driscoll

Rosaleen Linehan

Bach fugue at my funeral,” says Linehan,

Leinster.

We’ve seen him transform from a dyed-blonde, baby-faced novice to a

He has more records than HMV:

calm, restrained captain who (literally)

highest scorer of all time in Irish rugby,

shoulders injury, disappointment, and

highest try scorer in the Six Nations,

victory. He “stopped trying to please

eighth-highest try scorer in Rugby Union

everyone a long time ago”, which includes

history, and the highest scoring centre

telling Prince William that, sorry, he can’t

of all time. Phew! But that wouldn’t be

attend the royal wedding because he’ll be

(quite) enough to make him a national

training for the Heineken Cup semi-final.

treasure. He earns that title for his

As a result: “In BOD we trust”. n

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

|

fooD for thoUght

|

Life Skills to Knife Skills From a Michelin-starred restaurant to a state-of-the-art fruit growing and distribution business and an award-winning bakery ... alumni apply everything they learned at university to successful careers in the food industry. Eleanor Fitzsimons reports.

BARRY FITZGERALD Head Chef, The Harwood Arms (BComm 2004)

B

arry Fitzgerald has been “food mad” ever since he can remember.

“My mother tells me I would ask what was for dinner before I had finished my breakfast. Eating good food was always an important part of family life, but especially for me. One Sunday, aged 14, I decided to make the whole roast dinner from scratch – that became a fairly regular occurrence.” Barry enjoyed economics at school and like many 17-year-olds didn’t know what he wanted to do in the future.

He almost took a course in hospitality, but opted for a BComm, as it would provide more career options. “I always envisaged myself running my own business and was interested in the entrepreneurial side, so it seemed the most obvious choice. I graduated with honours but could never see myself working in an office so I decided to follow my passion and took a summer job after university in Mint restaurant in Dublin, at which point I realised how much I needed to learn. I went to Australia, did a crash course in culinary arts and ended up in London working at some of its best restaurants.” Fitzgerald’s CV includes a spell in the kitchens of the innovative St John’s restaurant in Clerkenwell as well as

18 |

three years as sous chef at the Michelinstarred Wild Honey restaurant in Mayfair.

He was recently appointed head chef at the Harwood Arms in Fulham, London’s only Michelin-starred pub where, with the help of Brett Graham (Harwood Arms co-director and head chef of the twostarred Ledbury), he devises and cooks seasonal British menus. The day is long and challenging but customers leave with a smile and return for second helpings. Of his degree he says: “My BComm hasn’t had a major impact yet. The first few years as a chef are about perfecting skills. However, as I’ve progressed I’ve thought more about the bigger picture: cost, profit margins and business strategy. My goal has always been to set up my own food business, and my background in BComm will become more useful in the future.”

to us.” She believes that a degree in science is particularly helpful: “Understanding the science and biochemistry of our products enables us to ensure high quality produce. We have several international accreditations that acknowledge these high standards, including certification for our packing and grower processes.”

Keelings is

dedicated to sustainable

growth and uses renewable resources, including coconut coir, in which all of their soft fruit is grown. “Our production of strawberries accounts for 50 per cent of all Irish-grown strawberries, approximately 150 million a year! Our state-of-the-art glasshouse is designed to be highly energy efficient and even captures rainwater to

C

aroline Keeling fondly remembers her childhood on the family farm. “The Keeling family have strong and deep roots in food since 1896.

I grew up on a farm and spent a lot of time picking fruit in the summertime. Also, as a young child I cooked a lot. That’s how I developed my passion for food.” The BSc undergraduate degree course suited Caroline perfectly. “As I hadn’t decided which area I wanted to focus on, I choose to study science at UCD as I could wait until my second year to choose a discipline, when I opted to specialise in chemistry. I think it was one of my best decisions. Even today, when Keelings are seeking to recruit graduates – either directly or as part of our graduate manager scheme – a candidate with a degree from UCD is of great interest

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

cARoLInE kEELInG Managing Director, Keelings Ltd (BSc 1990)

water the crop. This kind of innovative work is set to continue as the company makes improvements in production and R&D.” Caroline remembers more than her time in the lab at UCD. “The main thing about doing a degree at UCD is the friends you make for life. My 20-year class reunion took place this July – I travel a lot but I was sure to make it back to Ireland to catch up with the friends I made.”

| fooD

O AIDAn coTTER

Cheif Executive, Bord Bia (BAgrSc 1975, MAgrSc 1977, MEconSc 1978)

A

idan Cotter was appointed CEO of Bord Bia, the trade development and promotion organisation for the Irish food, drink and horticulture industry, in July 2004.

He had previously held the position of Director of Operations and had also served as Bord Bia’s European Director.

Cotter acknowledges the challenges facing all business at the moment but feels the food industry is uniquely placed to weather the storm. “In a year in which the world’s population will reach seven billion, growth in global demand is set to underpin food markets well into the future, albeit with the exception of some volatility. The challenge for the Irish food and drink industry is to maintain its current momentum, particularly in the areas of cost competitiveness, innovation and marketing.” Cotter has a masters degree in both economic science and agricultural economics from UCD. He retains close links with his alma mater and last year oversaw an innovative collaboration between Bord Bia and the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, offering 25 marketing fellowships which allow participants to be based full-time in overseas markets, working on commercial assignments on behalf of 100 Irish food and drink companies, while also completing academic modules and assessments at the Smurfit School.

Fellows can avail of a fully-funded bursary and tuition fees and upon successful completion will be awarded an MSc in marketing practice from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.

wen Doorley and his Italianborn wife, Valentina, opened Il Valentino Italian Bakery and Café in Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, just over three years ago. A brave move in a downturn but one that has proven successful due to the couple’s commitment to quality, natural ingredients and the invaluable experience that Owen gained during his years working overseas. “We opened at the worst possible time,” Owen laughs, “and spent the first couple of years spreading the word and building up customer loyalty.” After graduating with a BComm from UCD, Owen completed a diploma in export marketing at the College of Marketing in Parnell Square.

He was chosen to participate in the Export Orientation Programme and went to Germany to work with a distributor in the Irish Distillers Group. He stayed for five years before heading for Italy where he gained experience of a business start-up as a partner in an Italian coffee roasting company. “I was marketing director and export director too. Over eight years we grew from exporting to five countries, to 45.” In 2005, keen to set up his own business and faced with the choice of

owEn DooRLEY

Owner of Il Valentino Italian Bakery & Café (BComm 1982) moving to Florence or Dublin, he chose the latter and opened Il Valentino. “I had worked in the coffee industry for a long time and seen a lot of different business models. The chains operating in Ireland all offered the same, quite limited thing, and good bread was hard to find.” Il Valentino’s range of artisan bread, cakes and delicious coffee has earned the operation a Top 50 Store Award in the 2010 Retail Excellence Awards, and a loyal and growing customer base. Of his

for thoUght

|

time in UCD, Owen says, “I was with a good group; we shared a lot of great experiences.” An active member of UCD rugby club, he values the networking opportunities that college life affords.

G

roup Managing Director of Glanbia, John Moloney graduated with a BAgrSc degree from UCD in 1978 and subsequently added an MBA to his qualifications.

During his time at Glanbia, he has held a number of senior management

john moLonEY

Group Managing Director, Glanbia Plc (BAgrSc 1978) positions, including Chief Executive of Food Ingredients and Agribusiness. He was appointed to the Board in 1997 and was appointed Deputy Group Managing Director in 2000. He became Group Managing Director Designate and Chief Operating Officer in April 2001 before succeeding Ned Sullivan as Group Managing Director in July 2001. Glanbia is a leading international dairy foods and nutritional ingredients group and employs almost 4,500 people worldwide across its three operating divisions of Agribusiness and Property, Consumer Foods and Food Ingredients. The group, whose headquarters are in Kilkenny, has operations across Europe and in the USA and Canada. Glanbia is also involved in international joint ventures in the UK, USA and Nigeria and opened a facility in China in 2008. When picking up the Business & Finance Company of the Year Award at a function in O’Reilly Hall in 2008, Moloney modestly said: “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it – and this to a degree could be said of this win.” n

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| 19

| law society |

SHERRY, ANYONE? As the UCD Law Society celebrates its centenary, former auditor Eugene McCague remembers the atmosphere of fun and formality and the fierce debate.

T

he UCD Law

The list of auditors over the 100

Society, which

years includes two who would become

In the Law Society, the committee clung

is celebrating its

Chief Justice, TF O’Higgins, auditor in

to the “tradition” of black tie for the

100th session,

1936/37, and Thomas Finlay, auditor in

gentlemen and evening dresses for the

was established

1942/43, as well as many other judges

ladies, each debate preceded by copious

as the Legal and

of the High Court and Supreme Court

amounts of cheap, tepid sherry, a tipple

Economics Society. As with its great

and numerous Attorneys General, most

none of us would have considered

rival, the Literary and Historical Society,

recently Michael McDowell. O’Higgins,

drinking on any other occasion.

which was founded shortly after the

McDowell and Declan Costello (auditor

opening of the Catholic University in

in 1945-46) combined careers in the

show or, worse still, did show and were

1854, the new society followed the

law and in politics. As Mr Justice Donal

truly dreadful. There were nights when

establishment of a new university, UCD,

O’Donnell of the Supreme Court gave

hardly any audience turned up and

a constituent college of the National

elegant testimony to, in a wonderful

those who did quickly left. I have erased

University of Ireland, having opened its

address to the centenary dinner earlier

those nights from my memory. What

doors at 86 St Stephen’s Green in 1909.

Little is known of the early days of the society as, regrettably, the records are no longer available. James Meenan, in his biography of George O’Brien, one of the early auditors of the society, stated that “it discussed papers; it held

I remember Paul Kelly and I collecting Lord Longford at the airport in Paul’s Fiat 127.

serious debates. It was, by comparison

which decades of history were foisted.

There were nights when guests didn’t

I do recall is the sheer fun of it all, the innocence of it all. The weekly comedy routine that was the supposed report on the previous meeting, the rivalry with the L&H over speakers and audiences, the post-debate analysis in the Montrose, the plotting and scheming at election time, the elaborate election candidate “stunts”

with the L&H, highbrow. It aimed at the

this year, there were many members of

(comedy sketches) and, the Law Ball,

serious discussion of serious subjects

the society who did not become auditors

the debating often secondary to intrigue,

and everybody spoke as well as he

but who were equally distinguished and

politics and occasional romance.

possibly could”.

deserving of recollection.

There were also great debates. I

It is clear, from the roll call of

By the time I joined UCD in

recall a packed Theatre L in David

early auditors, including Cecil Lavery,

1975,the college was going through

Hardiman’s year for the first Oscar

Cathbar Davitt and Arthur Cox that,

yet another rebirth of sorts. Belfield,

Wilde debate, when the guests

from the outset, the society attracted

apart from a few pioneers in the science

included Hilton Edwards and Michael

many students who would go on to have

faculty, was only five years old, a

MacLiammoir. I remember Paul Kelly

distinguished careers in the law.

modern, forbidding concrete place onto

and I collecting Lord Longford at the

20 | UcD connections alUmni magazine

| law society |

Clockwise from left: At the 1965 Inaugural Address (left to right) Professor Sidney Z Ehler, Mr Vincent Grogan, Professor WD Finlay SC, Mr Harry Whelehan (Auditor), Mr Sean McEntee TD, Mr John A. Costello SC TD; PIctured at Nominations Night 1974, (left to right) Mr John Costello, Mr Tom Slattery, Ms Cliona O Tuama, Mr Gerry Cummiskey (63rd Auditor), Mr Frank O’Riordan, Mr Michael McDowell (62nd Auditor).

and the inaugural address not

manner in which they have marked the

necessarily on a serious legal

centenary. The Society is in good hands

topic. I doubt the sherry has

as it enters its second century.

survived either. Celebrities

One hundred years ago: society proceedings in 1911. Document kindly lent by Niall Webb.

On thinking back on my time in the

are enticed to come to receive

Society, I thought of those who are no

honorary life memberships

longer with us. My direct contemporaries

of one of the largest student

Rory Brady, Eamonn Leahy and Declan

societies in Europe. There is

Madden all passed away much too

airport in Paul’s Fiat 127, when Longford

significant corporate sponsorship,

young, as did former auditors Peter

was known for, and invited to speak on,

something which had its roots in my

Shanley and Helen O’Connor who I

his views on pornography rather than as

time when we cajoled a modest few

knew. Since the centenary celebrations

a distinguished historian.

bob from Pat O’Shea, Student Officer at

got underway, we have also lost Declan

Bank of Ireland.

Costello, a TD, Attorney General and

The annual Northern Ireland debate had become bland, invariably themed around the merits of power sharing or the repeal of Articles Two and Three.

We opted for a much more controversial motion condemning the British Government’s treatment of the H-Block protest, then in its early stages. To their

The paranoia, the ego and the

unadulterated hackery of it all is still there in abundance.

discredit, not one of the main political parties in Dublin was willing to volunteer

President of the High Court, Colm Allen SC, auditor in 1970/71, who took part in the centenary debate in November of last year and Judge Vivian Lavan, Auditor in 1967/68, who ajudicated that debate.

They are in my thoughts as I wallow one more time in the happiest of memories from the best of times. n

On my rare returns to the society it

Eugene McCague was auditor of the

a speaker. A packed house witnessed an

seems that, in many other ways, little

68th session of UCD Law Society 1978-79

extraordinarily powerful speech from

has changed. The paranoia, the ego and

and honorary vice-president of the society. He

Bernadette McAlliskey, a demonstration

the unadulterated hackery of it all is still

is chairman of Arthur Cox Solicitors.

of how oratory can sway a crowd whose

there in abundance. In these times of

instinctive beliefs were strongly against

remote communication, through various

the protest due to the IRA campaign of

social media, and seemingly infinite

the time.

access to opinions on every possible topic

The black tie is now gone, the

via the internet, the need for real debate

Montrose is no more, the debates

in a face-to-face setting has never been

moved from Thursday, the auditorship

more acute. The current generation

no longer the preserve of law students

have much to be proud of, not least the

At the 1965 Inaugural Address (left to right) Mr John A Costello SC TD, Mr Sean McEntee TD, Mr Harry Whelehan (Auditor), Mr Vincent Grogan BL.

UCD Connections alumni magazine

| 21

| University Challenge |

Trivia

Pursued Take our trivia quiz and see how well you know your alma mater, its alumni and why they matter to the world ...

Q1

James Joyce’s middle name was?

Q2

John henry newman’s father was:

a B C D

augustine?

a B C D

a builder?

Q3

When was the Kevin Barry memorial window first unveiled in earlsfort terrace?

Q3

the science Building was the first building erected at Belfield.what year did science move from earlsfort terrace?

a B C D

1961?

a B C D

Plotinus? aristotle? aquinas?

1934?

1935?

1936?

1937?

a property developer? a banker? a politician?

1962?

1963?

1964?

Take the full quiz online at www.ucdconnections.ie and be in with a chance to win an iPhone 4 courtesy of Vodafone.

Entry is limited to UCD alumni and only one entry per person is permitted.

The closing date is October 31 2011.

22 | UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

Win an amazing

Overnight Break

in a Radisson Blu hotel of your choice in Ireland

The Radisson Blu St. Helen’s hotel is giving you the chance to stay in one of 13 Radisson hotels across Ireland...

Simply send an email to alumni@ucd.ie quoting ‘Radisson Blu’ in the subject line, let us know your full name, degree and year of graduation and you will be entered into the draw to win a luxurious overnight stay for two at any Radisson Blu Hotel in Ireland including super buffet breakfast.

This competition is open to UCD Alumni only. Terms and conditions apply. Winners will be notified in Oct 2011.

Prize includes one night bed and breakfast for two people.

Radisson Blu Hotels have 13 hotels around Ireland in prime city locations including Athlone, Cavan, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Letterkenny, Limerick & Sligo.

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220 complimentary car spaces, 150 of which are underground Complimentary WiFi & internet access 11 unique function rooms catering for up to 350 delegates each with their own character and style.

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Find out more today call us on 01 218 6039 or email reservations.dublin@radissonblu.com facebook.com/radissonblusthelensdublin www.radissonblu.ie/sthelenshotel-dublin

|

interview

|

From

ScholarShip to SucceSS

A scholarship to UCD in the 1960s was just the first step on the path to success for businessman Dr George G Moore, who left Ireland after graduation to make his fortune in the US. The Virginia-based founder and CEO of marketing software company Targusinfo and owner of The Belleek Group, tells Margaret E Ward the story.

W

hen

Louth

businessman

George

Moore was just a boy in Pearse Park,

dabbling in a few angel investments, his wee county origins are still important to him.

Dundalk a local priest was inspired by a Cooley peninsula legend to launch a

The ScholarShip kid

hurling competition. In the epic Táin

As a young man, he worked hard at school and says academic

Bó Cuailgne the Irish warrior Cúchulainn, who was then a boy

scholarships played a key part in shaping his future. “If I did

called Setanta, set out from his home by hitting his sliotar (ball)

not have that I’d probably be a bank teller in Dundalk. It was significant. I was always a scholarship

before him and then running ahead at great speed to catch it.

In 1961, the first Poc Fada distance hurling competition took place over a 5km course in the Cooley Mountains.

Contestants then, as now, must hit the sliotar as far as possible and the person who finishes the course in the fewest pucks wins. George Moore did it twice.

Growing up with legendary competitions

As a young man, he worked hard at school and says academic scholarships played a key part in shaping his future.

kid. After school [De La Salle College, Dundalk] I won a scholarship to uCD.” At university College Dublin, he studied economics and commerce and he was mentored by Professor Tony Cunningham and Cooley Distillery Chairman, John Teeling. Thanks to another scholarship, this time to George Washington university, Moore found himself in America’s

like that, perhaps it’s no surprise that George Moore’s life has gone further, faster, than anyone in

political power centre, Washington DC. Although the 1970s

Dundalk might reasonably have expected.

was one of the most turbulent decades in American history, the

Although the 60-year-old entrepreneur now spends most of his days working as chairman and chief executive of his

newly married young Irishman kept his head down and quickly completed a PhD.

Washington DC-based real time information services company

After graduation, he and his wife Angela, originally from

Targusinfo, overseeing his investment in The Belleek Group and

northern Ireland on the other side of the Cooley mountains,

24 |

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

|

sought their fortune on the west coast. he worked for California Analysis Centers Inc (CACI) International, a good training ground for entrepreneurs.

In 1983, he started at national Decision Systems (nDS) in San Diego, a marketing software company. The innovative company did extremely well and seven years later Moore sold it to equifax for more than $100 million.

Shaping The BUSineSS: from software to pottery illustration by brendan o’rourke

Twenty-one years on, Moore’s business interests range from high-tech software to traditional pottery reflecting both the new and old images of Ireland abroad. how did it all come about? The proceeds of the sale of nDS became Moore’s springboard into a number of businesses. It was also fortuitous for struggling county Fermanagh-based Belleek Pottery Limited. Moore was already running a new software company but he was never one to shy away from a challenge. Besides, he thought he could turn Belleek around

n

interview

By The nuMBerS

|

n

Targusinfo, a privately held company, had an estimated

value of D200 million in 2005 and has grown 25o per cent since then. The company employs close to 500 people in 13

offices ... Belleek was purchased for around $6.1 million in 1990. Today the combined Belleek Group has estimated sales of $28 million a year ... awards: In 2007, Queen elizabeth II awarded him an honorary CBe in recognition of his contribution to northern Ireland’s economy and his international work supporting Ireland .... he has also been awarded the influential Irish America magazine’s “US Top 100 in Business: 1991-2006” and university College Dublin’s “Outstanding Alumnus 1991 Award” ... scholarship funds: In 2009, Moore announced a D100,000 third-level scholarship fund over five years for qualifying students at his alma mater, De La Salle College in Dundalk.

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

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interview

|

quickly and flip it for a profit. he bought the legendary pottery producer for an estimated $6.1 million.

Since then, Belleek has been rebranded from the ornamental porcelain with shamrocks displayed by your granny to everyday pottery through its Belleek living range. the company, which is overseen by a fermanagh-based executive team, has also expanded to more than ten times its original size. things are ramping up at Belleek in 2011, with a new USbased sales and distribution operation just outside Washington

n

A dAy in the life

n

Rising time: Moore is an early bird. “i’m up at 6.15am; in the office by 8am.”

Turning off the lights: “i like to go to bed at 11pm … i sleep seven to eight hours if i can.”

dC in northern Virginia. the Belleek Group, which comprises

On the way to work:

Belleek Pottery, Galway Crystal and Aynsley China, has estimated

he might use his iPad to read the newspapers.

sales turnover of $5 million a year. the company is projecting a 15 per cent growth in sales over the next three years. targusinfo is also once again expanding its headquarters and offerings in Vienna, Virginia. Although Moore sold a percentage of targus to a private equity firm a few years ago, he remains in charge and seems to have little taste for selling it and running it as a public company. “i’m going to run it the way i think it should be run. if shareholders want to run it they should choose a different CeO.”

LOOking FOR The nexT big ideA his advice for anyone looking to start their own company? “When

Relaxation: Swimming in a pool or walking in the mountains.

Reading material: Moore likes popular novels by detail-oriented authors like tom Clancy, Robert ludlum and Bill flynn.

Something you might expect: he has a knack for anything mechanical and likes to figure out how it all works.

i started my own companies, i never took on debt or external

Favourite quote:

equity. the concept is to prove your idea first with prospective

“‘do what you love and love what you do.’ if you don’t

customers, see if they will make commitments, then over-deliver

like what you’re doing, do something else.”

on the promise. Once you have proven the concept, get money to accelerate the growth.”

Meanwhile, the self-confessed explorer keeps looking for new things to play with or fix. “for me, there are shades of grey between working and relaxing. i have a number of investments that i really enjoy.” his latest business baby, called eades, is a single malt whiskey producer based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Advice for students: Study the hard sciences if you can. “in all developed economies we’ve seen a trend of graduates going into business and law. We need to make sure there is a balance between hard science and business. the cross-over between those two disciplines is where all economies have grown.”

“We’re producing a boutique whiskey in the US. it will mirror the styles of Scotland and ireland,” says Moore. initiative divided into three distinct phases. Phase i will open

giving bAck TO ucd

in September 2011. Phase ii development will commence

Such is Moore’s passion for UCd and for education, he and

in autumn 2011, thanks in no small measure to the generous

Angela made a gift of $5.3 million to realise the dream of the UCd

support of George and Angela Moore.

Science Centre. Moore explains their reasons for support. “We live in information and technology economies – the tremendous

nO pLAce Like hOme

productivity and affluence growth over the past 20 years has

Moore had a few landmark events earlier this year: he turned 60

been fuelled by great achievements in these areas. ireland as a

and became a grandfather. his two daughters and one son have

small nation must compete by excelling in the sciences and, just

all completed their education; the youngest just graduated with

as importantly, compete to share in the commercial upsides. the

a degree in medicine from UCd. Carlingford, where they have

UCd Science Centre will be a tremendous catalyst to achieving

a second home, remains the place they choose when they want

these goals and Angela and i are delighted that we helped ‘pave the

a break. “for the last 30 years, we’ve come back to ireland five or

last mile’ to make the UCd Science Centre a world-class facility

six times a year for a couple of weeks. the US is home – it’s where

and a key national resource for science.”

our kids live – but when we come home to ireland i’m not sure we

the new UCd Science Centre (see page 40) is a d300m

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UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

ever left,” he says. Cúchulainn would be proud. n

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born in 1911

|

Born in1911 As we celebrate Flann O’Brien’s centenary we wonder what life was like in Dublin in 1911.

What were the issues of the day and which other well-known UCD graduates share his birth year?

Eleanor Fitzsimons looks back 100 years.

I

King George V and Queen Mary parade through Dublin.

t is 1911 and the world is unwittingly poised on the

the only presidential birth in February

brink of war. An arms race between Britain and

1911 – Ronald Reagan was born six

Germany has infected the rest of Europe and between

days earlier.

1908 and 1913, European military spending increases

The Irish Women Workers’ Union.

The vibrant labour movement was

dramatically as major powers devote their industrial

pioneered in the early twentieth century by James Larkin and

resources to weapons production. In September

James Connolly, foreigners born to Irish parents who radically

1911 Italy declares war on the Ottoman Empire. Europe is

changed the experiences and expectations of Irish workers. The

characterised by ambition and unrest.

Irish Women Workers’ Union is founded in 1911. Its first general

Gender conflict is evident too. On March 19 International

secretary is Delia Larkin, sister of Jim. His ITGWU, established

Women’s Day is celebrated for the first time and more than

in 1909, has 18,000 members by 1911. A wave of unrest and

a million men and women take to the streets to demand equal

strike action will lead inevitably to the lockout of 1913.

rights, including suffrage, for women. Lorna Reynolds is born in

In the midst of this turmoil Sean (Jackie) Brosnahan (1911-

Jamaica in December of that year. She returns to Ireland aged ten

1988), teacher and trade unionist, is born. As a young teacher he

following the death of her father and later studied English at UCD,

was central to the 1946 teachers’ strike, later serving as General

where Cyril Cusack, Brian O’Nolan and Mary Lavin were among

Secretary of the INTO. He enrolled as a night student in UCD

her contemporaries. She obtained a BA in 1933, an MA in 1935

in 1961, graduating with a BA, and served as an independent

and completed her PhD thesis on the Bible in 1940. Education

Senator from 1969 until 1977.

became her passion and she taught for 30 years at University

UCD historian Paul Rouse describes

College Dublin before being appointed Professor Emeritus of

the Dublin of 1911 as “a city of genuine

Modern English at the National University of Ireland, Galway. A

diversity: rich and poor; immigrants

committed feminist, she also wrote poetry and was the author of

and natives; nationalists and unionists;

a critical biography of novelist Kate O’Brien.

Catholic and Protestant and Jews

Revolution is in the air. In China an uprising against the

and Agnostics and so many more, all

ruling Qing Dynasty in the city of Wuchang sparks the Xinhai

bound together in the life of this city”.

Revolution that will lead ultimately to the emergence of the

All rubbed shoulders amidst the wide

Republic of China. Mexican President Porfirio is deposed and

boulevards and crumbling tenements

the bloody Mexican revolution is underway.

of our colonial port city.

Flann O’Brien.

There is unrest here too. Sinn Féin holds a meeting at the

The census of 1911 reveals that

Customs House condemning Irish participation in coronation

the waiting staff of the Shelbourne

ceremonies for King George V. On February 12 a son is born to

Hotel comprised eight Germans,

the Ó Dálaigh family. His shopkeeper father has little interest in

three Austrians, one native of Bohemia (now

politics but Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh (1911 – 1978), graduate of UCD

the Czech Republic) and one Englishman.

(BA Celtic Studies) and former auditor of the L&H, becomes

Alois Hitler, half brother to Adolf had left the

Chief Justice and fifth President of the Irish Republic. His is not

hotel’s employ the previous year.

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UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

Dublin Airport.

| born in 1911 | Paul Gottfried Johannes (John) Hennig (1911-

Bocht, and his Irish Times column, Cruiskeen Lawn.

1986), born in Leipzig on March 3 1911, fled Nazi

Fr Michael O’Carroll (1911-2004) joined the teaching staff

Germany in 1939 with his Jewish wife, Kläre Meyer.

of Blackrock College in 1939, too late to encounter past pupil

They were offered a safe haven in Ireland. Hennig

Brian O’Nolan. He had studied philosophy in UCD and theology

became a journalist, author and leading authority

in Fribourg, Switzerland and taught religion, French, English

on German-Irish literature and intercultural

and history to generations of Blackrock boys who affectionately

studies. He was on the academic staff at UCD and

called him “Doc”.

was elected to the Royal Irish Academy in 1947 but left Ireland for Switzerland in 1956.

The

government

established

the

Irish

Manuscripts

Commission (IMC) in 1928, a public body charged with the

Peter Birch (1911-1981) Catholic Bishop of

preservation of original source materials documenting the history

Ossory, was a passionate educationalist with a well developed

and cultural heritage of Ireland. Donal Francis Creegan (1911-

social conscience. He became provincial director of UCD’s extramural course in social science in 1949 and established the Kilkenny Social Service Centre alongside Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, a social science graduate of UCD. In March 1911 Dublin County Council votes in favour of extending Greenwich Mean Time to Ireland. Dublin Mean Time

International Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time. Men and women demanded equal rights, including suffrage, for women.

Chairman of the IMC, graduated from UCD in 1933 with a BA, later obtaining an MA and PhD. Appointed Prefect of Studies in Castleknock College in 1944 and College President in 1950, he was Chairman of the Catholic Headmasters Association from 1952 until 1957.

Another important documenter of Irish history was Franciscan priest, Fr

– 25 minutes behind London – remains until 1916. A

Canice Mooney (1911-1963). The historian and Irish language

speed limit of ten mph is proposed for Dublin that

scholar graduated from UCD with an MA (Celtic Studies) and

year. The Titanic leaves Belfast on April 2 and Roald

authored a plethora of authoritative books.

Amundsen’s expedition reaches the South Pole on December 14.

UCD Roald Amundsen.

1995), a Vincentian priest and former

In July 1911, King George V spends six days on a royal visit to Dublin. Another imperial outpost, Southern Rhodesia, now

Desmond

Zimbabwe, later played host to Bishop Donal Lamont (1911-2003)

Fitzgerald (1911-1987) studied town planning in

a staunch opponent of white minority rule. Armed with an HDipEd

London before joining the staff of the Department

and MA (English) from UCD, he arrived in Southern Rhodesia as

of Industry and Commerce in the 1930s. He headed

a missionary in 1946 and strongly opposed the separatist policies

the OPW team of architects that

of Prime Minister Ian Smith. Deported to Ireland in 1977, he was

designed Dublin airport and later

nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978.

The Titanic.

Architecture

graduate

held the chair of Architecture at UCD from 1954-1973.

Music and drama has always formed a vital element in the fabric of Irish life. Thomas Joseph Walsh (1911-1988), medical

One of Ireland’s most celebrated

doctor, UCD graduate and passionate amateur musician, founded

authors, Brian O’Nolan (1911-1966),

the Wexford Opera Festival in 1951. The theatrical Rex Mackey

is born on October 5 in Strabane, Co

(1911-1999), born in Bray, Co Wicklow, was a keen and talented

Tyrone. He is later an enthusiastic

boxer for UCD. As a history undergraduate he earned pocket

member of the UCD L&H and a

money playing minor parts with the Gate Theatre Company, later

contributor to and rotating editor of

joining the Abbey. He was called to the Irish Bar and practised

the student magazine Comhthrom Féinne. After completing an

law until the end of his life, becoming Dublin’s oldest practising

MA thesis on Gaelic nature poetry he joined the Civil Service,

barrister and having a hand in several celebrated cases.

serving as Private Secretary to the Minister of Local Government

The year 1911 was a significant year in our history; in a wider

and later as Principal Officer for town planning.

world characterised by unrest we were part of an empire but

He wrote prolifically, often under the pseudonyms

poised on the brink of independence. Many extraordinary people

Myles Na gCopaleen and Flann O’Brien, to hide his

were born that year and a comprehensive census of the citizenry

endeavours from his overseers. His literary legacy

of Ireland allows us to trace the origins of the few mentioned

includes such masterworks as At Swim-Two-Birds,

here and their many thousands of compatriots. Find out much

The Third Policeman, the Dalkey Archive, An Béal

more at www.census.nationalarchives.ie n

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| 29

|

LAW

|

IN THE NAME OF THE LAW The first purpose-built law school in Ireland in 200 years, the UCD SUTHERLAND SCHOOL OF LAW is an exciting new departure.

T

he UCD School of Law will mark 100 years of

provide new opportunities for clinical legal education at all

Law graduates at UCD with a year of celebrations

levels of study and for new forms of research, made possible by

starting this month. From small beginnings it

the innovative design and facilities of its new home. All teaching

has grown into the leading university law school

and related activities will take place under one roof, reflecting

in Ireland and, in the process, has produced

the commitment to excellence in scholarship and teaching with

several generations of graduates who have gone on to become

student break-out spaces for study and space for collaborative

lawyers, judges, legal scholars, politicians, public servants,

research projects.

business people and journalists, many leaders in their fields, nationally and internationally.

With clinical legal education now seen as fundamental to legal education in many common law jurisdictions, it is entirely

The start of its second century will see a major new expansion

appropriate that at the heart of the UCD Sutherland School of

for the School with a change of name and a move to a new site at

Law there will be a clinical legal education centre with court

the heart of the campus. The name will change to ‘UCD Sutherland

and preparation facilities, as well as client counselling learning

School of Law’, to honour the founding gift of the family trust of

activities. It will facilitate mock arbitration, use of simulation

Peter Sutherland which kick-started the campaign to raise funds

software (SIMPLE) and mooting in a purpose-built moot

for the new building and which has been fundamental in making

court room.

it happen.

The new building represents a major commitment by UCD

The UCD Sutherland School of Law will be the first purpose-

both to legal education and to the enhancement of the Belfield

built law school in Ireland in more than two centuries. It will

campus. The campaign to raise the d27m necessary to build the

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UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| LAW |

new school commenced with the substantial gift from the trustees

fostering of the links between the study of law and public service

of the Sutherland family trust acting in response to the wishes of

and its positive engagement with the European and international

Dr Peter Sutherland SC, one of the School’s most distinguished

dimensions of law and public affairs. The strategic development

alumni. It has been supported generously by the Government

of its clinical education capabilities will ensure the School remains

and by the major law firms – A&L Goodbody, Arthur Cox, Mason

at the forefront of legal education in Ireland. To fully realise the

Hayes & Curran, William Fry and Matheson Ormsby Prentice

vision for the new School of Law, UCD Foundation is seeking the

– as well as prominent members of the legal profession and law

support of UCD alumni to complete the campaign on schedule

graduates from every generation.

this autumn.

The campaign has been a great success; so far it has raised d26,300,000 with only d700,000 to go to completion.

The new Sutherland building will enable the School to realise its ambitions and to build on its historic strengths, such as its

If you would like to make a donation to the UCD School of Law Campaign, for key facilities within the UCD Sutherland School of Law and for much-needed scholarships, please fill out the donation form overleaf. Your support is greatly appreciated.

WHO’S WHO IN THE UCD SCHOOL OF LAW is director

Governance. She joined UCD following an international career

of UCD’s Institute of Criminology and is

in Australia and the UK. Her research straddles the two domains

Ireland’s foremost expert and commentator on

of competition law and EU law.

PROFESSOR

IAN

O’DONNELL

criminology with a worldwide reputation in his field. Professor O’Donnell is an active researcher and is widely published.

SUZANNE EGAN is a barrister and lecturer in

International and European Human Rights Law at the School of Law since 1992. Egan has been a

PROFESSOR IMELDA MAHER is Sutherland

Professor in European Law at UCD and a leading international expert in European Law and

member of the Irish Human Rights Commission since 2000 and is recognised internationally for work in Human Rights law. (continued overleaf)

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| 31

|

LAW

| PROFESSOR BLANAID CLARKE, is Professor

of Corporate Law at UCD. Her main research

He has also held appointments at Warwick University and in Australia and has published widely.

interests are corporate governance, securities law and takeovers regulation. She has published

TJ MCINTYRE is a barrister, a solicitor and

widely in these areas. She has been a visiting

a lecturer at the School of Law where he

scholar at the Universities of Queensland, Sydney and Toronto.

specialises in issues involving information

A founding member of the Centre for Corporate Governance at

technology law and civil liberties. TJ is chairman

UCD, she has been involved both at national and international

of the independent civil liberties group Digital

level in the regulation of takeovers and a member of the Central

Rights Ireland and regularly appears in the national media

Bank Commission.

discussing issues of law and technology.

PROFESSOR COLIN SCOTT is Dean of UCD

ANTHONY KERR is a barrister and senior

School of Law and Professor of EU Regulation

lecturer at the School of Law. He is one of the

& Governance. He is the founding director of

country’s leading experts on employment law

UCD’s Centre for Regulation and Governance.

and has published widely on the subject. He is

He is also a research associate of the ESRC Centre

on the Executive Committee of the International

for the Analysis of Risk and Regulation (CARR), based at the

Society for Labour and Social Security Law, and is a member of

London School of Economics where he previously lectured.

the Council of the Financial Services Ombudsman.

UCD SCHOOL OF LAW CAMPAIGN I wish to donate: t 50

t 100

I would like to donate by: VISA

t250

t500

MasterCard

t 1,000 Laser

Other amount ______________________________ (In words) Cheque

(Cheque or Postal Order made payable to UCD Foundation)

Name on Card _________________________________________ Card Number __________________________________________ Expiry Date _________________ Signature _____________________________________________ Date _______________________

YOUR DETAILS

This gift is from: Name (title, first name, surname) __________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Class of _____________ Degree ___________________________ Name on Bookplate _______________________________________ Tel Number _________________________________________ Email ______________________________________________________ *All donors will be acknowledged on the Donor Roll on our website. If you wish your gift to remain anonymous, please tick here Please send your gift to: UCD Foundation, Room 102, Tierney Building, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.

For more information email: info@ucdfoundation.ie.

University College Dublin Foundation Ltd. Registered in Dublin. No. 266667 Chy 12448

32 |

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| LAW |

L

e ceiliúradh a dhéanamdh ar 100 bliain a bunaithe

foghlama comhairleoireachta cliant. Beidh an deis ann eadrán

déanfaidh Scoil Dlí UCD comóradh ar feadh

bréige a chleachtadh, leas a bhaint as bogearraí ionsamhlaithe

bliana ar an scoil, comóradh a thosóidh an mhí

(SIMPLE) agus beifear ábalta cúirt bhréige a reachtáil i seomra

seo. Cé gur beag a bhí nuair a bunaíodh í tá an

cúirte saindéanta.

scoil anois ar an scoil dlí ollscoile is fearr in Éirinn

Léiriú é an foirgneamh nua ar thiomantas ollmhór UCD

agus sa tréimhse ó bunaíodh í tá oiliúnt curtha sa scoil ar ghlúnta

d’oideachas dlí agus do Champas Belfield a fhorbairt. Bronntanas

céimithe – dlíodóirí, breithimh, scoláirí dlí, polaiteoirí, fostaithe

suntasach ó ‘Intaobhaithe Iontaobhas Theaghlach Sutherland’ ag

sa tseirbhís phoiblí, lucht gnó agus iriseoirí, go leor acu ina

éirí as iarratas ón Dr Peter Sutherland, duine de alumni céimiúla

gceann ródaithe sa réimse lena mbaineann siad, go náisiúnta

UCD, a chuir tús leis an bhfeachtas le d27m a theastaíonn leis

agus go hidirnáisiúnta.

an scoil nua a thógáil. Tá tacaíocht ghnaíúil faighte ag an Scoil

Anois is an scoil sa dara céad tá síneadh mór le cur uirthi,

ón Rialtas agus ó ghnólachtaí móra dlí - A&L Goodbody, Arthur

déanfar a hainm a athrú agus lonnófar í ar láthair nua i lár an

Cox, Mason Hayes & Curran, William Fry agus Matheson

champais. ‘Scoil Dlí Sutherland UCD’ a thabharfar anois uirthi

Ormsby Prentice – chomh maith le lucht dlí agus céimithe dlí de

mar aitheantas ar an gcabhair a thug iontaobhas theaghlach

gach glún.

Peter Sutherland a chuir dlús le feachtas chun airgead a bhailiú don fhoirgneamh nua agus a bhí ríthábhachtach don tionscadal.

D’éirigh thar cionn leis an bhfeachtas; go dtí seo tá d26,300,000 bailithe agus gan ach d700,000 de dhíth lena chríochnú.

Beidh Scoil Dlí Sutherland UCD ar an gcéad scoil saintógtha

Cuirfidh foirgneamh nua Sutherland ar chumas na Scoile a

dlí in Éirinn le breis is dhá chéad bliain. Leis sin cuirfear

cuid uaillmhianta a bhaint amach agus cur leis na láidreachtaí a

deiseanna nua ar fáil maidir le hoideachas dlí cliniciúil ag

bhí aici riamh – naisc idir léann an dlí agus an tseirbhís phoiblí a

gach leibhéal staidéir agus éascóidh sí bealaí nua taighde nach

chothú mar shampla chomh maith le ceangal dearfach le gnéithe

mbeadh ar fáil murach leagan amach nuálach an tí nua agus na

de dhlí na hEorpa agus go hidirnáisiúnta agus gnóthaí poiblí.

saoráidí a bheidh ar fáil. Déanfar an mhúinteoireacht agus na

Cinnteoidh an fhorbairt straitéiseach a dhéanfar ar chumais

gníomhaíochtaí ar fad a bhaineann léi faoi aon díon amháin,

oideachas cliniciúil na Scoile go leanfaidh sí de a bheith ina

léiriú é seo ar thiomantas UCD don scoth a bhaint amach ó

ceannródaí in oideachas dlí na hÉireann. Chun fís na Scoile nua

thaobh scoláireachta agus múinteoireachta agus beidh áiteanna

Dlí a thabhairt chun fíre tá Fondúireacht UCD ag lorg cúnaimh

stáidéir ann do mhic léinn chomh maith le spás le tabhairt faoi

ó alumni UCD chun an feachtas seo a thabhairt chun críche, de

thionscadail i gcomhar.

réir sceidil, an Fómhar seo.

Anois go bhfuil an tuiscint ann go bhfuil oideachas dlí

Más maith leatsa cúnamh airgid a thabhairt d’Fheachtas Scoil

cliniciúil ina chuid thábhachtach d’oideachas dlí i go leor dlínsí

Dlí UCD ar mhaithe le saoráidí tábhachtacha laistigh a chur ar

den dlí coiteann tá sé thar a bheith oiriúnach go mbeadh ionad

fáil i Scoil Dlí Sutherland UCD agus i dtreo scoláireachtaí atá go

oideachais dlí chliniciúil i lár Scoil Dlí Sutherland UCD ina

mór de dhíth a chur ar fáil comhlánaigh an fhoirm thall. Táthar

mbeidh saoráidí ullmhúcháin chomh maith le gníomhaíochtaí

fíorbhuíoch as do thacaíocht. n UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| 33

| in the hotseat |

Q&Alumni A Favourite Alumnus Quizzed

Why Law at UCD?

Broadcaster or journalist?

I did my leaving when I was 16. I

I am a journalist. A lot of students

remember being in Dingle when I

come here looking for a job – I

got my results and my father said I

hope they’ll say, ‘I really want to

should be a doctor but I said I didn’t

be a researcher on Prime Time’ and

like the sight of blood. Veterinary

they go, ‘I want to be a presenter on

was next up, but my father’s a

Prime Time’ and my heart sinks. It’s

Kerryman and he goes, ‘No, not

like saying, ‘I want to be a model’. It

great with animals.’ And then he

won’t last. I look at people like Katie

said, ‘Law?’ I said, ‘OK, I’ll be a

Couric of CBS and those who were

lawyer!’ I went to UCD at 16 with

originally journalists and who then

my best friend from school, (which

became presenters. I would say to

was great) but I was pretty miserable

those students, ‘Go and do a real job

initially. I didn’t join many societies.

before you become a presenter.’

I finished the degree by 18 and a half, then went to Blackhall Place.

Law to television?

I assumed I was going to be a solicitor for the rest of my life but I had no actual love of law. I was too young. Then I saw a job advertised in The Guardian and became a researcher with Eamonn Andrews. I had great fun there but realised I needed to get a bit serious so I applied for the producer course and became a BBC producer and worked on different current affairs shows. Then,

Current affairs broadcaster and chat show host Miriam O’Callaghan, (BCL 1979, DipEurl 1981), studied Law at UCD, later doing a postgraduate diploma in European Law. After beginning her television career at the BBC in the UK, she left to join RTÉ in 1993.

Is your legal training useful?

Very useful. Much of what I do is mastering a brief. For instance, when I interviewed Brian Cowen or Brian Lenihan or Enda Kenny on the bailout, I knew everything I needed to know at that moment, but don’t ask me about it the following morning. I park it on a bit of my brain for when I need to take it out again. I don’t use notes when I’m on air. I have a bit of a photographic memory, which I got from my father – it’s very handy.

of course, if you don’t look like the

Saturday Night with Miriam and

back of a bus and have half a brain,

Prime Time – they’re so different?

everybody says, ‘Ah, you need to be

Which do you prefer?

on television’. I started working as a

I don’t think they are that different.

presenter on youth programmes and

It’s still me interviewing people. I

was spotted by the guy who runs

prefer doing Prime Time. I wouldn’t

Newsnight for the BBC. I worked for

give it up.

Newsnight for the next ten years.

You’ve been with the programme

34 | UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| in the hotseat | since 1996, during some of the most

Garret’ and he’d suddenly go, ‘I’ve found

Look, it’s very hard to judge people. I’m

interesting periods of modern history.

it’. I loved it because he was so relaxed on

not sure how history is going to judge

Was there ever a time when you felt you

air. He was an exceptional person.

him now.

were experiencing a part of history?

I always had a soft spot for Brian

Your sister Anne passed away in 1995

Yes. The Good Friday agreement. I was

Lenihan because all I could think when

when you were relatively young. Did

very emotionally involved with the North

I was interviewing him was ‘You’re ill’

that change your life?

because I covered the Northern story for

and maybe that’s where my chat show

Profoundly. I was a different person

Newsnight in the 1990s. People forget

‘Miriam’ crosses over into my current

afterwards. Because we were a year apart

how horrible it was. I always remember

affairs ‘Miriam’. Because I couldn’t

in age and we had kids at same time,

covering the whole story on the day of

divorce the minister from the man and

it changed me completely. The lovely

the Good Friday agreement and literally

I often used to end my interviews on

thing is that our two babies are now best

being reduced to tears in the studio

Prime Time, having given him grief for 20

friends. That doesn’t usually happen

because it meant so much to me. My

minutes and adding to his stress, I used

with cousins. My parents were of that

husband Steve [Carson] is a Northern

to say, ‘And how are you?’ I think it’s very

generation – my father was a senior civil

Protestant and we had covered it a bit

hard to separate the two.

servant, my mother, a national school

together so it meant a lot. It’s also why I

Your company produced a

teacher and principal – both worked all

recently campaigned to get John Hume

documentary on Charles Haughey and

their lives, came from poor families, who

‘Ireland’s Greatest’ award. John Hume

Bertie Ahern?

believed that if you had a strong work

is one of the politicians I spent my life

I met Haughey but as he was just slightly

ethic and you were good, and you went

being tough on. It’s the only aspect of my

before my time, I never got to interview

to mass on a Sunday, life would treat you

career I have real qualms about.

him for Prime Time. He had kind of

fair. But it didn’t. I was so angry.

That you were too tough on him?

slipped out of politics around 1992 and

Has it changed your view of religion?

He’s busy trying to prevent people being

I was only coming into RTÉ around

No, I’m quite religious. Do I go to mass

killed and this smart-ass presenter comes

1993, with a financial programme called

every Sunday? Did I baptise all my

along picking holes in his deal.

Marketplace so our paths never really

kids? Yes. Did they make their first Holy

But isn’t that part of your approach.

crossed. For our documentary series,

Communion? Yes. Did they make their

You can’t give people a free ride?

both myself and my husband said we

Confirmation? Yes. Do I say prayers and

It is, I suppose. But it still makes you feel

must interview him. The programme

encourage them to say a prayer going

bad.

would be Hamlet without the prince.

to sleep? Yes. Do I pray when there’s

What would you say to the fact that

Unfortunately, the entire world was

turbulence on an aeroplane? Oh, boy. Do

someone like Vincent Browne takes

trying to get him to do an interview.

I? – Yes. Jeremy Paxton said, ‘I hate you

sides on his programme?

We used to go and see him at his house

Catholics, you always have that bloody

He does that brilliantly, but he doesn’t

in Kinsealy, to try to persuade him. I

Memorare to say when there’s turbulence

have the same requirements I do. I am

found him fascinating, I have to say. I

in an aeroplane!’ If there’s some guy

a public service broadcaster. I think his

remember one very moving scene, when

running down a street after me, or I’m

show is brilliant, it’s incredibly engaging

he went into his office and The Irish Times

scared at night, I’ll say the Memorare.

television but if I held opinions like that I

and the Irish Independent were on his

Before I go on air to the leaders’ debate

wouldn’t last a second in Prime Time. The

desk and the headlines were all about

– I’ll say the Memorare. But, yes, the

rules are different.

him. He often used to say he didn’t read

death of my sister was utterly the most

People you admire?

the papers but no-one believes that. On

profound experience of my life because

There was a very moving time just a

top of his laptop were some Lotto tickets.

it really makes you not sweat the small

couple of weeks before Garret FitzGerald

He was sitting in his office, and there he

stuff. If I presented my show without

died; he was on Prime Time and he had

was doing the Lotto. It was actually quite

any preparation and I didn’t even know

the desk in the studio covered with

poignant.

who was on, I’d be grand. I’d get through

papers like an eccentric professor. I

I have interviewed Bertie Ahern a

it. It’s not life and death. When you

turned to him to ask a question and he

number of times in a number of leaders

come across death so harshly early in

continued looking through his papers. A

debates. I’ve interviewed him on my chat

life it changes you. Sadly it changes us,

minute on television is a very long time

show and in different circumstances and

the people left behind, for the better. I

so I would say, ‘I’ll come back to you,

we interviewed him on our series Bertie.

always say to my husband, whose mum

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| 35

|

in the hotseat

|

died of cancer when he

expect anyone to work

was four, that you often

my hours, so one will

don’t think of the person

come in during the day

who died because you’re

and one will come in

so sad thinking about

during the evening if I’m

your own loss. They’re

not there because I don’t

not around to moan or be sad. I don’t hang out

get home till eleven after

with people who are

Prime Time, even if I

negative. I don’t like

dash out of the studio.

negativity.

What are your

Do you despair for

interests?

Ireland at the moment?

We have a husky who

I feel very anxious for

we take on long walks.

the people I interview who have lost jobs and who are in dire financial

I play the piano a lot at the weekend – I’m

O’Callaghan covering the Good Friday talks in Belfast.

delighted my kids play

straits, whose kids are emigrating. But maybe it comes back to my sister Anne’s death. I feel if you can get up in the morning, if you can walk, talk and be with your family you will get through this.

No matter how bad the situation is, even if you have to leave the country

I’m seen as incredibly competitive because I am hardworking. You couldn’t do what I do and not be incredibly competitive.

to get a job for a couple of years, it isn’t that bad. I went to England for ten years. It wasn’t the worst thing I ever did. Actually, it was a good thing to do. If you’re having trouble with the mortgage, talk to the bank. And if they won’t talk to you, talk to us. We’ll publicise it if they try and put you out of your home.

What makes you angry?

good job and a good income now and

too. I actually love to hang out and do nothing. I don’t go to the gym. We always go out on a Saturday night. I love sitting down with a glass of wine. I am not one of those people who’s always cleaning.

I like to relax when I can.

Miriam as President. Any interest

I got that largely through my own hard

in that particular gig?

graft. I’ve brilliant help in my life and I’m

It’s such an extraordinarily important

blessed with eight healthy children. There isn’t a day I don’t thank God for that. I keep saying to my kids, 99 per cent of life is hard graft if you want to get where you want to be. You can always be – as

role. I am flattered and honoured, I know this sounds like PR, that anyone would consider me for it. I said I wouldn’t stand because my youngest is five and I don’t

my sister Anne was – unlucky. But, by

want a Euan Blair scenario where one of

people with special needs in particular

and large, it’s hard work that gets you

my kids could be falling out of Wesley

and sometimes I feel sorry that people

anywhere you want. I have a good job

with too much Lucozade on them. You

should have to beg for things that should

which I never want to give up.

do have to think of that. I did say that if

be theirs as of right. I know it’s not

Are you competitive?

people still like me in seven years, you

Utopia we live in and it’s frankly worse

I remember seeing Pat Kenny sitting in

never know.

in some countries, but I do feel angry

my seat, nicely minding it for me, when I gave birth to my twins in Holles Street

Your thoughts on any of the

when I see the parents of an autistic child having to beg to get a special needs

– I said I’m going to get out of this bed

assistant in their school. I have to stand

now. I’m seen as incredibly competitive

back because I’m meant to be an objective

because I am hardworking. You couldn’t

anchor and yet I do get angry about that

do what I do and not be incredibly

role and people want someone they will be

because it’s about kids and kids’ lives.

competitive. I have two women who

proud of who will represent them well both

How do you do it all?

have worked with me at home since

here and abroad. It’s going to be fun. We’re

I am very privileged because I have a

1997. They job-share because I wouldn’t

going to have to get a bigger studio. n

I do a lot of charity work for children and

36 |

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

candidates?

Like I’m going to tell you ... I’m going to be interviewing them. It’s a very important

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| STATS IN ACTION |

UCD in NUMBERS

Brush up on your figures: you’ve seen the data, but do you know your stats?

We can reveal that with almost 25,000 people enrolling in courses last year, there’s a lot more going on than you’d think …

100

TOP UNIVERSITIES

FT

1

With just short of 25,000 students enrolling last year, UCD is the most popular destination for Irish school-leavers. UCD has developed the highly innovative and flexible UCD Horizons undergraduate curriculum to promote university life as a journey of academic and personal discovery.

The University’s graduates have had a significant impact on Irish political life - 4 of the 8 Presidents of Ireland and 6 of the 13 Taoisigh have been either former staff or graduates.

UCD is included amongst the top 100 universities. In 2010 UCD was ranked 94th in the world and 26th in Europe, according to The Times Higher Education Supplement.

The Financial Times European Business School Rankings 2010 places the UCD Smurfit Business School 30th in Europe. The Economist 2010 Full time MBA ranking places UCD Smurfit 31st globally and 13th in Europe.

The Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2011 places the UCD Smurfit full-time MBA 78th in the world. In 2010 the Executive MBA was ranked 54th globally.

7,000 25%

2

The University has student papers; the University Observer (co-founded by Dara O’Briain) which has to date won Irish Student Media Awards, and the College Tribune (founded in 1988 with help from Vincent Browne).

29

157

The oldest student society is the Literary and Historical Society, which is currently in its 157th session. The University College Dublin Law Society holds the largest membership of any society; having 5,248 members in the 09/10 Academic Year.

1

UCD also has radio station,

6

Postgraduate Students.

of staff members employed

by UCD are from overseas.

OVERSEAS PROGRAMMES

UCD runs overseas programmes in partnership with leading international universities and private higher education providers in 6 jurisdictions - China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, and Sri Lanka.

60 SP RTS CLUBS AND 50 STUDENT CLUBS AND SOC ET ES.

Belfield FM,

broadcasting across the campus on 89.9 FM and online at the station’s website. The station is funded by the students’ union, and current RTÉ presenters Ryan Tubridy and Rick O’Shea cut their teeth there.

38 |

There are 122 nationalities on campus, the same number as are represented at the Université Catholique de Louvain – recognised as one of the most culturally diverse universities in the world.

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

365

The Belfield campus covers an area of acres, one for every day of the year.

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| sCienCe |

Mission science

As UCD’s vision to create a world-class teaching, research and innovation “science district” becomes a reality, this month sees the opening of Phase I, with the iconic development of Phase II to start later in the year …

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UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| sCienCe | << Science Strategy for the future The new UCD Science Centre is Ireland’s most ambitious capital project in the history of third-level education – an iconic 67,000-square-metre building with 20 lecture theatres and dozens of state-of-the-art labs, home to 2,000 undergraduates, 1,500 masters and PhD students and 1,000 researchers. With more than 200 industry partnerships already fostered, the Science Centre supports the the scientist

life-cycle

of

from student to career scientist, not just on a fieldspecific basis but with a major interdisciplinary focus. According to Dr Hugh Brady, President of UCD, this strategy is aligned with Ireland’s needs: “By creating a critical mass of the brightest scientific minds, we will mainstream innovation into science and engineering and propel Ireland to the next level of competitiveness on the world stage.”

The UCD Science Centre will support the objectives of the smart economy and the development of this country as a destination for foreign direct investment.

The refurbishment of existing buildings completed Phase l. Construction of new facilities form the cornerstone of Phase ll. Forming Global Minds, a multi-million euro fundraising campaign to provide the infrastructure for this innovative plan for education, has been successful. The University has mobilised the support of its most successful and entrepreneurial alumni to help realise its vision of creating one of the world’s most dynamic science districts: an environment that will inspire future generations to engage in science.

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| 41

| sCienCe |

42 |

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| sCienCe |

<<

science and society Research initiatives to improve human health are underway in the new Science Centre. Professor Mike Gibney, Director of the institute of Food and Health, focuses on four research themes: processing for safe and healthy foods, functional food ingredients, targeted nutrition and the sustainable food chain. From analysing food intake in Ireland to teasing out the interactions between food and genes or collaborating with UCD Earth Systems to log the carbon footprint of the Irish diet, the discipline is at the forefront of the country’s aims for science. Dolores O’Riordan, Professor of Food Science and lead researcher, is working closely with industry to develop functional foods that combine health, convenience and taste for consumers. “The importance of this for Ireland is that we have some of the largest dairy producers in the world here,” she says. “They are working closely with us to develop commercial advantage. We can give them access to excellent research facilities and together help Ireland become a world leader in the field.” Likewise, the link between molecules and medicines is key. “It is important that we work on areas of science that are important for humanity,” according to Pat Guiry, Professor of Synthetic Organic Chemistry.

“Chemistry plays a really important role in society in terms of drug development. The new Science Centre facilities will help us train and enthuse the chemists and scientists of the future.”

<< drug discovery One of the key objectives in the design of the new Science Centre is to support collaborations between scientists working in the Centre and colleagues in the pharmaceutical and food industries. People working in different areas of science can interact – not just in the labs but in the social spaces within this “city-like” environment. Students will witness firsthand the avenues that can open up in terms of research, the exciting prospects offered by academic-industry collaborations and the broad spectrum of opportunities to work with international teams of scientists. Based in the Science Centre, the newly opened Centre for molecular innovation and Drug Discovery encompasses nanoscience, food and health sciences, and biopharma and drug discovery; three distinct areas with many opportunities for overlap. For Professor Gil Lee, a nanoscientist and Professor of Physical Chemistry at UCD, it was the Science Centre that attracted him from the US: “Ireland wants to build high-tech jobs to keep their best and brightest – we have a facility here that is one of only a dozen in the world, where everything is integrated.”

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

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| science |

research clusters The new Science Centre will bring together some of the world’s most talented scientists under one roof with the intention of forging links. One example of a strategic collaborative environment is the complex and adaptive systems laboratory (CASL) where 30 principal investigators and 170 postgraduate and postdoctoral students from nine different disciplines are located. Professor of Physics and CASL Director, David Croker, believes the days of research being a predominantly solitary pursuit are gone: “We have research clusters that bring biologists together with mathematicians, computer scientists and others to tackle big problems – it’s a real synergy.” Likewise, the earth sciences mission to find solutions to key challenges in sustainable energy, climate change, natural hazards and nature conservation means that engineers, agronomists, economists, computer and computational scientists are all involved. One of the Science Centre’s core objectives is the strategic integration of science with related disciplines, including information and communications technology. Professor Barry Smyth leads a groundbreaking research body, clarity, within the Science Centre, which focuses on the “sensor web” and aims to develop systems that can sense, process and analyse what is happening in the real world and respond in an appropriate manner. “The team we have brought together in Clarity provides a unique combination of multi-disciplinary expertise – essential for progress in this field.” <<

44 |

UcD connections alUmni magazine

| science |

<<

centre of excellence The Science Centre acts as a highly visible, high-quality centre of excellence with the capacity to deliver on the scale required to meet the national objectives, including those set out by the government in the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation.

As well as providing top thirdand fourth-level education and world-class research programmes, executive education programmes led by guest academics from the highest echelons of global science are aimed at providing Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industrial and scientific leaders with exposure to the best of thought leadership.ď&#x20AC;ź

UcD connections alUmni magazine

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|

people at UCD

|

Some thingS you juSt can’t teach

Comedians on campus – UCD has bred so many, from Chris O’Dowd to Dara O’Briain to Fred Cooke.

What’s so funny about Belfield, wonders Rory Egan.

46 |

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

U

| people at UCD | CD doesn’t list comedy

that being auditor of the Literary and

The L&H was also the scene of a

as part of its varied

Historical Society was the best stand-

“light-bulb moment” for Jarlath Regan,

and comprehensive

up comedy experience a comedian

the author and stand-up comedian who

curriculum but the

could have. There is no society in the

eventually went on to be auditor as well.

evidence suggests that

country that can match the L&H for

“It was love at first sight, getting on

it has certainly turned out more than

sheer biting satire and stinging rhetoric.

stage and giving your seven minutes of

its fair share of comedians, stand-up or

The legendary battles between Gerry

funny. I found that, in a debate, it was

otherwise. Dara O’Briain, Frank Kelly,

Stembridge, Gerry Danaher and Frank

more powerful to be funny than to be

Dermot Morgan, Karen Egan, Jarlath

Callanan in the 1970s did much to make

right and that really spoke to me.”

Regan and many more, are all alumni

it the most popular, and yet feared,

But then again Jarlath also did

of UCD.

venue in the University’s social life.

his degree in philosophy and politics

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what has

As auditor, O’Briain knew that he had

and we know that all comedians are

contributed to this fact but perhaps it is

to have new and funny material every

philosophers. Or to be completely

that humour thrives on irreverence and

week or his audience would tire of him.

truthful, all philosophers are comedians

UCD has always had a healthy measure

“Most stand-ups have to travel around

– without the sense of humour.

of that. There’s a respect for ceremony at

to comedy clubs and pubs around the

However, what you study in UCD

UCD, but no devotion to pomp.

country, to new and sometimes hostile

doesn’t seem to affect whether you go on

There is no doubt that humour

audiences. At the L&H you have a loyal

to a career of comedy or not. O’Briain

cannot be taught – but it can be

crowd waiting for you to perform every

studied mathematics and theoretical

learned. Parents and family are

week.”

physics and occasionally refers to

usually the strongest influences but

O’Briain’s career has been nothing

it in his routines. It has to be the

our environment, our schools and

short of meteoric since then. Having

environment, not the course topic, that

universities inevitably play a huge

worked the Irish comedy scene he

has been the influence.

part. Humour alone won’t make you

conquered the UK with appearances on

a stand-up comedian. It is humour

the topical satire show Have I Got News

an impressively successful summer this

colouring real experiences, observed or

For You and QI, and recently hosted

year is Chris O’Dowd, opposite, star of

participated in, that creates the magic of

Mock the Week and The Apprentice: You’re

the ITV comedy series FM and Channel

a good routine.

Fired on BBC.

4’s The IT Crowd. He studied politics

Another UCD alumnus who has had

In many ways, a career in comedy is one of the hardest paths to follow.

There’s an old stand-up line used occasionally to start routines that goes – “When I told my friends I was going to become a comedian, they all laughed …

Well, they’re not laughing now!”

It is possible that UCD has been a bigger influence than we think on our successful comedians. Most comedy is honed on trial and rejection. Comedians lie awake at night trying to think of an angle on anything that is original, true and can make people laugh. You’re never sure about the last part until you try it in front of an audience, no matter how small. UCD has some unique venues that may well have given them the ambition to take their talents further.

Dara O’Briain, right, probably our most successful comedian ever, claims

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| 47

| PEOPLE AT UCD | for his degree but went on to carve out a

The comedienne, musician and cabaret

controversial was it that RTÉ famously

Hollywood career. Not only is he starring

artiste, Karen Egan, found Dramsoc a

denied they had axed it because it was

alongside Jack Black as General Edward

real help to her career. Egan, one of the

too politically cutting. “The show is not

in Gulliver’s Travels but he is also in the

funniest women on the comedy scene,

being axed,” RTÉ said, “it’s just not being

genuinely funny comedy hit Bridesmaids,

saw her career take off as one of The

continued!”

which came out this year.

Nualas in the 1980s. A former UCD

Fred Cooke of The Republic of Telly studied music in his student years but

Later, of course, Morgan became

law student, Karen’s more subtle and

the star of Father Ted, one of the most

incisively dry humour thrived in Dramsoc

successful comedy series in British

“In a debate, it was more powerful to be funny than to be right,” says Jarlath Regan.

television history but he too always talked about how he honed his skills in college.

Whether it’s Dramsoc, the L&H or even the Student Union Bar, the truth is that UCD has always had a penchant for

comedy has been a more rewarding

rather than the brash, all-out war of the

humour, whether deliberate or not. It’s

career for him as both a writer and

L&H debating chamber. “Perversely, as a

also fair to say that humour gravitates

performer. Cooke is regarded as one

law student, the L&H was not a success

towards humour and so it’s certainly no

of the most respected stand-ups in the

for me. I found out I’m a terrible debater.

accident that so many comedians have

country despite the near fatal handicap

Not the greatest confidence boost to a

emerged from the campus.

of bringing life to the persona of the

potential barrister.” However this small

gormless Fergus, in the embarrassingly

setback didn’t prove too off-putting.

ingredients in the comedy mix. Perhaps

successful Spar advertising campaign.

“UCD was full of comedy and really

it is just part of a culture that was not

Not exactly what you would expect from

funny people but Dramsoc was a great

stifled and, in some respects, was actively

an accomplished musician. So subject

experience for me. It made me want to

encouraged. And while many people like

matter is not the common quality of our

learn more.”

to think that students do nothing but party

comedians. Even Frank Kelly, Father Jack of Father Ted fame, studied law.

There’s no doubt that it has had many

Perhaps the venues are only half the

in their spare time, others are observing,

successes. The late Dermot Morgan first

refining and incubating stories they

worked with Gerry Stembridge there and

may later entertain the world with. And,

education, then environment seems to

they went on to create Scrap Saturday,

eventually, to the delight of audiences all

be the common factor. However, the

the greatest political and satirical radio

over Ireland, a Mara, a Gobnait O’Lunacy

L&H wasn’t the only creative incubator.

show this country has ever produced. So

or a Father Jack emerges years later. ■

If it isn’t common interests or

DEGREES OF HUMOUR KAREN EGAN Law

CHRIS O’DOWD Politics

DARA O’BRIAIN Maths and Theoretical Physics DERMOT MORGAN English and Philosophy

FRANK KELLY Law

JARLATH REGAN Philosophy and Politics

48 | UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

FRED COOKE Music

|

QUOTABLE UCD

|

Quote, Unquote Over more than a century, hundreds of writers, politicians, barristers, actors and broadcasters have passed through the halls of Earlsfort Terrace and Belfield, their memories giving rise to many a bon mot.

We’ve raided the archives …

“The L&H ... was as exciting to us as sex – and remember, we hadn’t had sex. There was a huge frisson about who you were going to meet.” Author Maeve Binchy

congregated in the Belfield Bar on a Friday night, to drink and chat up girls and talk about Nicaragua.” Author Joseph O’Connor ● “I was profoundly

● “I began directing plays

grateful ... when I learned

at UCD – it feels like three

this Institute was to be built

weeks ago. It’s what I’ve

in my name. I still can’t

being doing ever since.”

get used to anything with

Playwright and director Conor

my name on it.” Former US

McPherson ● “For me UCD

President Bill Clinton at the

was exhilarating. I came from a convent school, I was 17, punk was in. I met all sorts of people. I was involved in Dramsoc, societies, magazines, everything.”

Commissioning Editor for young people’s programming in RTÉ, Sheila de Courcy ● “I am honoured to be in the same company as the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Noam Chomsky ... and Sporty Spice.” Comedian Will Ferrell

Clinton Institute ● “UCD is good at accommodating sports people at various levels.

But at the end of the day, you still have to do the essay; you still have to do the exam.” Leinster and Ireland Rugby Player Gordon D’Arcy ● “I wasn’t Dr Evil sitting with my cat and plotting how to take over the world. I was simply a comfortable nerd. I drank and met girls and read books and had a ball.”

accepts the James Joyce award at an uproarious session of

Broadcaster Ryan Tubridy ● “I spoke first and Gerry [the

LawSoc ● “I had absolutely the most blissful four years. I

late Gerald Barry] second, but Gerry was so enthusiastic

was able to indulge all my interests. I was in Dramsoc and

Lord Denning said that the UCD team, while being by

the Literary and Historical Society.” Mary Finan, Chairman

far the best, had exceeded the time limit so much that it

of the ESRI and Director of Cheshire Ireland ● “My friends

couldn’t be considered. We had such a good time it didn’t

and I were all interested in politics, especially in Latin

matter.” Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman ■ UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| 49

| james joyCe Centenary |

Down To A

An irregular-shaped canvas, the trompe l’oeil effect, a hyper-surreal style – Robert Ballagh’s centenary portrait of James Joyce is uniquely personal, says Ciarán Carty. he sports a red polka-dot bow-tie.

paint his father. He was so pleased with the result he agreed

The portrait is vertical but on a T-shaped canvas, allowing a wide

to sit for a portrait of himself. As Tuohy muttered on about

view of Howth Head on the horizon where Molly Bloom uttered

hoping he could capture his soul, Joyce silenced him saying,

her soliloquy. The tide is out and pages from Portrait of the Artist,

“Never mind my soul, make sure you get the tie right.”

He would hardly quibble with the image of him now conjured

Ulysses and Finnegans Wake are scattered on the rippled sand like stepping stones, perhaps blown by the wind.

up by Robert Ballagh. We see Joyce, as if interrupted during a stroll

“I was trying to create the mood of a Dublin day where skies

on Sandymount Strand, where his protagonist Stephen Dedalus

can be ‘as unpredictable as a baby’s bottom’,” says Ballagh. “I think

once walked. He is leaning forward on a cane, perhaps about to say

Joyce liked to present himself as a dapper fellow, ‘a hand-me-down

something, a quizzical smile on his face. His hair is slicked back and

dandy’, so I decided to give him a nonchalant pose. There’s a funny,

50 |

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

photograph by pau l rattigan

J

ames Joyce once commissioned the artist Patrick Tuohy to

| james joyCe Centenary | almost vaudevillian vibe about it, with the

Noel Browne in a cruciform – so too is his

cane and the bow-tie.”

use of trompe l’oeil effects.

Archival photographs frequently show

“I like to emphasise the connection

Joyce wearing a bow-tie, but the red-polka

between art and life by introducing a three-

dot version is invented by Ballagh to echo

dimensional element on a two-dimensional

the red of the Poolbeg lighthouse in the

surface, whether in giving Louis Le Brocquy

background. The pose was prompted by a

a real palette or putting a 3D pint in Michael

contre jour shot by Giselle Freund showing

Farrell’s hands. Thus one of the pages in the

Joyce standing with Sylvia Beach, his hand

Joyce portrait, the title page of Finnegans

leaning against the doorway of her Paris

Wake, actually slips off the picture plane into

bookshop. The lavish rings on his fingers

the actual world of the spectator.”

were suggested by other photographs.

He achieved this effect by using a very

“But, to get his stance right I persuaded

thin sheet of cast bronze, which was then

a friend, Gerry Keenan – who is about the same size and weight as Joyce – to put on a suit and pose for a photo session,” he says.

sand-blasted and painted over with several glazes to give it the same satin feel of the other pages.

“I’m nearly embarrassed to admit that the idea of pages as

The portrait, which he worked on while successfully undergoing

stepping stones came from a very early pop video of Michael

chemotherapy, has a strong personal resonance for Ballagh who

Jackson singing ‘Billie Jean’. He’s moving along a sidewalk and

grew up in nearby Ballsbridge. “I was a frequent walker on the

every paving stone he steps on lights up so he leaves behind this

strand all those years ago without knowing I was emulating Stephen

pattern of lights.”

Dedalus,” he says. “The view hasn’t changed, and in the 1950s the

This is not Ballagh’s first portrait of Joyce. He painted him for

streets hadn’t really changed either. The shops Joyce talked about

the £10 Irish banknote in 1992, which was in currency until Ireland

were still there, like Helys, where I’d buy model aeroplanes. These

adopted the euro in 2002. The Central Bank insisted Joyce should

connections are terribly strong and that’s why it was such a joy to be

be smiling and with his eyes clear, although they were anything

asked to do this portrait by Joyce’s own university.”

but clear. “He was tormented by bad eyesight and as a relatively

Joyce has been a recurring inspiration in Ballagh’s emergence as

young man wore very thick glasses. I was determined this time not

one of Ireland’s foremost and most controversial artists. His 1988

to falsify. His right-hand eye is pretty clear whereas the other eye is

painting, In the Heart of the Hibernian Metropolis, shows Ballagh,

nearly twice the size because of the lens, and it’s also slightly out of

wearing jeans, joining Joyce in a walk along Sackville Street on

focus, which is very difficult to paint.”

June 16 in 1904, the day Ulysses takes place, while his 1981 book of photographs of Dublin uses quotes from Ulysses as captions.

Often a distinguishing physical imperfection brings a portrait alive. Ballagh achieves this with Joyce’s bad eye, just as he did with

“Joyce succeeded in making a statement of universal significance

James Watson’s distorted lip. Such meticulous attention to detail

by dealing honestly with his own experience and by concentrating

has earned Ballagh a reputation as a realist painter. The paradox

on things he knew intimately,” he says. “Ulysses is terribly important

is that his portraits couldn’t happen in reality. For instance, Joyce

to me. When I go away for any period of time I take Ulysses with me,

never came to Ireland in his forties as Ballagh depicts him, nor had

just to read a few passages to remind me of the city that I remember

he published the books from which the pages are taken.

but is not there anymore.”

Ballagh prefers to be seen as a hyper surrealist, or what in

Just as irregular-shaped canvases are characteristic of Ballagh –

literature is called a magic realist. “It seems very real when you’re

for instance, his portrait of scientist James Watson, the man who

reading it but it’s juxtaposing utterly impossible things,” he says.

cracked the DNA code, is a diamond format, while he framed Dr

“I’m kind of comfortable with these terms.” n

RobeRt ballagh’s portrait of uCD’s most famous graduate, James Joyce, was hung in the o’reilly hall on June 16 as part of the university’s bloomsday celebrations. after the unveiling of the painting – a commission by Deirdre and thomas lynch via the uCD Foundation, which is indebted to them for their generosity – ballagh and professor Declan Kiberd answered questions on art, Joyce, literature and Dublin from those who had travelled to belfield eager to view the t-shaped portrait for the first time and listen to the critic and the artist. uCD curator, ruth Ferguson, said the painting was a “great addition” to the university’s art collection. “the portrait by a Dublin born, bred and based artist and depicting the archetypal Dubliner, James Joyce, is a fine tribute to the author and uCD alumnus,” she said. “it is proving a very popular image throughout the university community.”

Earlier in the day, uCD had bestowed its highest honour, the ulysses medal, on poet Seamus heaney, as well as conferring honorary doctorates on the five holders of the ireland Chair of poetry: John Montague, nuala ní Dhomhnaill, paul Durcan, Michael longley, harry Clifton; poet Ciarán Carson and cartoonist garry trudeau.

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| 51

| looking back |

Team

~ of the ~

CenTury When UCD’s rugby club gathered to select its

Dream Team of all time, there were few surprises ...

T

he 2010/2011

A shortlist of 222 nominated

rugby season

players from every era since 1910

marked the

was circulated to club members

centenary

and scrutinised by selectors

of the

Edmund Van Esbeck and Jim

establishment

Glennon, both experienced

of University College Dublin

rugby people from outside the

RFC and, as part of the Club’s

Club. The 15 starters and seven

Centenary celebrations, a Team

substitutes ultimately selected were

of the Century was selected from

announced at the Club’s Centenary

among the many outstanding

Dinner in March at the O’Reilly

players that have worn the St

Hall, Belfield, attended by more than

Patrick’s blue down through the decades.

600 members and friends. UCD President,

“We looked for nominations from each

Dr Hugh Brady, who is also President of

decade of the Club’s existence from fellow

UCD RFC, spoke warmly of the special

players and others closely involved with

attributes, ethos and culture of the Club

the club,” says Billy Murphy, a longtime

and presented UCD RFC Alumni Awards

member of the Club and coordinator of the

to Billy Murphy and Paul Keenan for their

initiative. Although many of the names that

service to the Club.

made the final list are familiar, players from

On the night each selected member of

the very early years of the club’s history

the UCD RFC Team of the Century or

were harder to identify. “Nominations from

their representative was given a special

earlier decades came from individuals who look after the historical records and have a keen appreciation of the history of the Club,” Murphy explains.

52 |

presentation to mark their selection From top: Ray Mc Loughlin – Ireland vs The All Blacks, 1973; Tom Grace scores at Murrayfield, 1972. Opposite: Aidan Bailey with LB McMahon in close support, Ireland vs Scotland, 1937.

UcD connections alUmni magazine

and a souvenir brochure was produced, sponsored by marketspreads.ie, and circulated to all Club members. n

| looking back |

Team of the CenTury 1910 – 2010

1.

Winner of five caps for Ireland between 1960 and 1964, loose head prop, pJ DWyer.

2.

Capped nine times as hooker in the 1970s, John canTrell.

4.

Capped 35 times for Ireland, touring in 1959 and 1962 with the Lions, Bill mulcahy.

6.

Capped 20 times for Ireland, the late micK Doyle featured on the 1968 Lions tour to South Africa.

3.

Eight times Captain of Ireland and twice a tourist with the Lions, ray mcloughlin.

5.

Connacht stalwart who played for Ireland versus Argentina in 1973, leo galvin.

8.

One of the leading players of the 1950s, capped 35 times for Ireland, ronnie Kavanagh.

7.

A Lions legend who captained Ireland 17 times, Fergus slaTTery.

9.

Captained Ireland out of UCD winning 11 caps in the early 1960s, Jimmy Kelly.

11.

Captained UCD in 1957/58, a Lion in 1959 and 1962 winning 20 Irish caps, niall Brophy.

12.

Played 25 times for Ireland and toured twice with the Lions in the 1960s, Barry Bresnihan.

10.

A legendary player in the 1920s and 1930s with 35 caps at out half and centre, eugene Davy.

13.

Captained the Lions and his country with 111 caps to date, Brian o’Driscoll (Captain).

14.

A tourist on the 1974 tour to South Africa and 25 times capped right winger, Tom grace.

15.

With a quarter of a century of caps thus far, starting in all tests in the 2009 tour to South Africa, roB Kearney.

16.

Winner of eight caps at hooker, harry harBison.

19.

Winning 20 caps for Ireland, during the 1990s, second row gaBriel Fulcher.

17.

Captained UCD in 1970 and Ireland in 1977 winning eight caps at flanker, shay Deering.

20.

Scrum half who made his international breakthrough in the late 1990s, ciaran scally.

18.

Winning six caps in the early 1950s prop Willie “BolDy” o’neill.

21.

A Lion, with a stellar Irish career winning 62 caps, Denis hicKie.

22.

Utility back par excellence for Ulster and Ireland, paDDy Wallace.

UcD connections alUmni magazine

| 53

sports shorts 2011 was another successful sporting year at UCD. GoLF

UCD golfers had a fantastic year, enjoying both team and individual success. The UCD first team won the Irish Intervarsity Strokeplay Team event in Enniscrone, while in the individual strokeplay, John Greene won the Roger Greene Cup. Stephen Walsh won the 2010 Ulster Youths Amateur Open Championship and was crowned South of Ireland Amateur Open Champion this year.

John Greene and Stephen Walsh have recently been selected for the Irish four-man team

Stephen Walsh.

piCTURe COURTeSy iRiSh eXAmiNeR

| news |

Orlagh O’Shea.

that will represent Ireland at the World University Games in China this summer.

HoCKEY

the Men’s AnD lADIes’ ClUbs hosted a very wellorganised University Championships in Belfield last October, with the Ladies securing the Chilean Cup after a 2-0 victory over reigning

First XV after winning the Leinster Senior Cup.

champions, University of Ulster, Jordanstown.

rUGBY

It Is fIttIng that in the club’s centenary season, UCD’s rugby

teams enjoyed tremendous success. The first XV won the Leinster Senior Cup and retained the Dudley Cup. They finished second in Division 2 of the Ulster Bank All Ireland league and were subsequently promoted to Division 1B. The Under-21 team won the All Ireland Cup for the first time in the Club’s history and beat Lansdowne to win the Fraser McMullen Cup. The Smurfit School team beat Harvard Business School 13-10 in the final of the MBA Rugby World Championship.

GAA

UCD gAA and UCD Sport hosted the final stages of the centenary Ulster

Ciaran Lyng in action in The Sigerson Cup Semi Final.

Bank Sigerson Cup competition in Belfield in March. The Sigerson Cup is the premier Gaelic Football Competition for third level institutions, named after Dr George Sigerson who was Professor of Biology in the Catholic University School of Medicine and later the National University. In addition to hosting the Ulster Bank Sigerson Cup, UCD also hosted the latter stages of the Trench Cup, Corn na Mac Leinn and the Further Education Championship.

BAsKEtBALL

thIs UCD ClUb had a remarkable year winning the elusive double – the University Championships and the Superleague National Cup. The Cup victory was a first for the club, beating reigning champions Killester 60-57 in a nail-biting game in the National Arena in January. The club then went on to secure the University Championship in Belfield on April 4 when they beat the reigning champions NUI Galway 69-51 in the final.

soCCEr

UCD National Cup Winners.

the A teAM won the Football Association of Ireland A

League, beating Bohemians 2-1 in the final in November

2010. The freshman team won a remarkable double by winning both the Harding Cup and the Leinster Senior League Premier 1 Saturday Division title. The club also completed a magnificent double in May when the Leinster Senior League Sunday side picked up the

UCD Soccer A Champions.

Gilligan Cup following their 2-1 defeat of Templeogue United.

UCD Rowing Champions.

rowinG

the UCD boAt ClUb swept the premier races in the 2011

National Rowing Championships, winning both the Men’s

and Women’s Senior VIII events. This year’s victory in the Men’s Senior VIII event was the first in 37 years. President of UCD, Dr Hugh Brady, said the wins were “inspirational”.

54 |

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| sport |

era of the elite Time was when the terms “Corinthian Spirit” and “give it a lash” largely defined Ireland’s approach to sporting glory. We grew up with haphazard systems which took whatever talent was available, trained it and called it “Celtic Passion”. Nowadays, even the most amateur of GAA junior teams understands the requirements of scientific preparation. Strength coaches are no longer confused with upmarket buses that go to Croke Park and, in an age where there is a growing consensus that you are what you eat, there is an ever increasing focus on nutrition. PJ Cunningham explores the role of UCD’s Elite Academy.

U

CD and sport have

the UCD Institute for Sport and Health,

would indeed give it a lash against the All

been synonymous

arrived first in our consciousness in the

Blacks or France or South Africa for 60

for many decades,

back-room team of a former Ireland

minutes before being overrun in the final

but particularly

rugby coach called Jimmy Davidson. In

20 minutes. Over the last decade or so it

from the time the

the sporting culture of the late 1980s,

became increasingly clear that success

University relocated

where planning on the hoof was about

at elite sport level could no longer be a

as much as Ireland could aspire to,

hostage to the vicissitudes of fortune.

to Belfield over 40 years ago. Since then, if it wasn’t Eugene McGee blazing a trail winning Sigerson Cups in the 1970s, it was his soccer counterpart, the late Dr Tony O’Neill, getting the UCD team to punch way above its weight in the League of Ireland (even winning an FAI Cup ) or on the rugby front, a legion of names

To compete at the highest level, Ireland has to seek out its talent and develop it systematically.

Furthermore, there was a growing acceptance that general planning had to be supplemented by rigorous, systematic science, as in medicine, or many other areas of life.

To compete at the highest level, Ireland has to seek out its talent, engage it and

including the late Mick Doyle, playing and

Davidson’s preaching of scientific analysis

develop it much more systematically than

coaching Ireland, and bringing credit by

and statistical evidence drew the wry

countries such as the US, where the high

association to the University.

comment: “That’s all right in practice,

school and college network is so vast, it

now let’s see how it will work in theory.”

is only a matter of time before the cream

As events would unfold, it became

rises to the top. Australia was one of the

That has been UCD’s gift to Irish sport.

The University prides itself on spreading sport to as wide a student body as possible

clear that the late Ulsterman suffered from

first nations to follow the systematic

and it has always placed an emphasis on

Martin Peters syndrome – he was indeed

approach and the results are there for all to

recreation as well as having a great elite

ten years ahead of his time.

see. The UK is also catching up fast on a

athlete tradition.

Professor Colin Boreham, Director of

Boreham also knew there was a reason other than ethnicity why Ireland

56 | UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

number of levels.

“I would say one of the critical

| sport |

moments in the development of Irish

for Sport and Health, with Professor

sport came with the professionalisation

Boreham appointed as its director.

critical in the transition from junior to

The Institute has three main

senior elite. Students enter university

Professor Boreham. “Rugby is a big game

programmes with an emphasis on

at 18 having represented their country

in Ireland and the rugby authorities

research into health, exercise and

at junior level, but the step-up to senior

simply had to adapt or die. There was

sporting performance. It also majors in

level can be very challenging – the

no choice. So they had to catch up with

teaching and helping undergraduates

university years are when that takes

the Australians, the All Blacks, the

who have access to the laboratories and

place. The Elite Athlete Academy plays a

South Africans who had been using this

gym facilities. The other area – service

vital role during that particular period of

approach through the amateur years.”

provision – includes the development

an athlete’s development.

of rugby in the mid-1990s,” explains

The years between 18 and 22 are

To their credit, the IRFU saw what

of elite programmes, the monitoring

was needed and provided the framework

of performance and the generation of

Why ElitE AcAdEmy Works?

to allow the sport here to catch up. The

excellence within the University setting.

The average undergraduate attending

effective way they did it is testament to

Nurturing and developing talent

the fact that any society can undertake

is good for the University but also for

environment and comfort zone. Arriving

such improvement. There’s nothing

wider Irish society. With the setting up

into a much bigger pond can be quite a

special about New Zealand; it’s the proper

of the BSc programme and the Institute

challenge for them.

approach that counts.

for Sport and Health, the Elite Athlete

For the first time, life is experienced

As it happened, there was a confluence

University is out of his or her normal

Academy was born. Universities play

away from the cocoon of home. Often the

in UCD which expedited the birth of the

a critical role in incubating sporting

students are away from their coach and the

Elite Athlete Academy. The University

talent. Probably half or more of our

support systems that have been in place.

started a BSc undergraduate programme

Olympians are in third-level education so

The Elite Athlete Academy is an attempt

in Health and Performance Science and

by definition, third-level education must

to soften that transition and to provide

around the same time set up an Institute

have a part to play in elite sport.

back-up across a range of important areas

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| 57

| SPORT | to benefit their sporting goals.

Chief of these is the availability of

The Academy also provides physiological testing and monitoring of

practical financial assistance where living

fitness on a regular basis in the state-of-

on campus for the first year is an advised

the-art human-performance laboratory.

option. Some of the University’s elite

Hand in hand with that is the access to a

names get up at 5.30am, train for five or

high-performance gymnasium staffed by

six hours a day, must get to swimming

well-experienced and qualified strength

pools or other practice areas and literally

and conditioning coaches. When these

don’t have either the time or the energy to

are underpinned with a top level sports

cook or shop for themselves. There is also

medicine back-up, including a sports

study to be considered – and UCD puts

psychologist, it is a package which caters

huge emphasis on the academic side of

for the A-Z of the modern performer.

life too.

There is an acknowledgement that

The Elite Athlete Academy is part of a wider fourth-level education scheme

athletes have to sacrifice a significant

within the University called the Ad Astra

amount of time to their sport and the

programme, established to offer unique

University allows a small concession

opportunities and support to highly

in terms of CAO points. This is to give

talented students. Through membership

them a little buffer in recognition of the

of the Academy, students displaying elite

time spent training and competing. Yet it

potential in academic pursuits, sports

is worth stressing that the vast majority

or performing arts will be encouraged

of athletes do not need that concession

to further develop their talents. Eligible

because they are already very goal-

students will join the Academy on

orientated, disciplined and good at time

acceptance of a place on a UCD

management.

undergraduate programme, but there

WHO’S WHO IN THE ACADEMY There are three Ireland U-20 rugby players in the Academy. Athlete David Campbell is hoping to get to the Olympics next year in the 800 metres event. Three of the lady hockey players in the national squad are in Olympic preparation. The Gaelic intake contains intercounty players only with Laois star John O’Loughlin the most recognised name on that list. The one modern pentathlete in the stable is Arthur Lanigan-O’Keeffe who is training hard in the hope of making it to next year’s Olympics. The Academy contains two international rowers, both of whom have already rowed at the world championships. There is genuine hope that one will get to London in 2012.

will also be opportunities for outstanding

UCD ELITE ATHLETE ACADEMY

to help balance students’ academic

students to join the Academy as they

and sporting lives is key. It can mean

progress through their studies.

2010: back row, from left, Niamh Atcheler, Chloe Watkins and Brenda Flannery; middle row, from left, Sean Jacob, Arthur LaniganO’Keeffe, John O’Loughlin, Robert Hynes, Luke Chadwick and David Campbell; and front row, from left, Matthew O’Hanlon, Sam Coughlan Murray, Eoin Joyce, Robert Hynes and David Doyle.

Supplying an academic mentor

anything from getting a little bit of extra tuition if necessary to facilitating exams

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

and assessments if they clash with a

Students who are competing at the

particularly important competition or

highest level in their sport and who

schedule.

have identifiable potential for further

This is a critical part of the scheme

improvement are eligible. The following

because the demands on young

minimum standards of entry are required.

sportspeople now are considerable. A

ATHLETICS: Junior international

Leinster Academy and Ireland U-20

representation.

rugby player could be absent for long

RUGBY: Age grade international and/or

stretches on Six Nations duty when

provincial representation.

training camps beforehand are factored

SOCCER: Junior international

in. The rugby authorities understandably

representation/attached to an academy.

are limited in what they can do because

GAA: Normally county minor level and

they have to slot it in to a strict schedule,

capable of competing at a higher age level.

which puts the onus on the University

HOCKEY: Junior international

to facilitate students so that they are not

representation.

disadvantaged.

ROWING: Junior international

Other major areas of support are

ROWING - Claire Lambe

representation.

nutritional advice and monitoring, which

OTHERS: As defined by the recognised

are very important.

sporting body.

58 | UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

RUGBY

HURLING

James Tracey

Joseph Lyng

| sport | UCD’s Centre of

and people in UCD like Professor

exCellenCe opens its doors

Boreham want to ensure they

to rugby’s elite this autumn as the

maintain their status as kingpins by

Heineken Cup champions leinster

keeping ahead of the game.

write a new game plan which brings

Increasingly that means a

sport, science and learning into the

more sophisticated, science-based

one set scrum. Brian o’Driscoll,

approach, not just to training but to

Jonathan sexton, Jamie Heaslip,

monitoring of training, monitoring

rob Kearney et al turn up on

of performance, nutrition, sports

CENTRE of EXCELLENCE

psychology, facilities and so on.

Internationally recognised researchers and practitioners, a world class human performance laboratory and exceptional training facilities draw Leinster rugby to the campus this season.

PJ Cunningham reports.

win games; UCD’s research will aim

campus this season as part of their daily work routine.

It’s a mix that works on several levels for both sides. “Just having the presence of those great players on campus, training, mixing … I think it’s going to add a tremendous buzz to the campus, ” explains Director of UCD’s Institute for sport and Health, Professor Colin Boreham. the University is very keen that this isn’t merely a case of a major team parachuting in and using the facilities and not interacting in other ways with the University. the good news is that leinster are very keen that doesn’t happen either.

Already there are a lot of synergies

between the University and leinster. for example, UCD runs a series of educational programmes which are very suitable for athletes in general, and rugby players in particular. there is even an Msc programme in rugby Management. since the professional era was ushered in over 15 years ago, there was a fairly instant dawning that rugby players would need two careers – during their

prioritised longer term player welfare.

Becoming part of an educational establishment with a strong sporting component gives players the opportunity to engage with degree programmes in a flexible way.

It could be that a player wants to do as little as one module a year, but at the end of the five or six years, that would be one year of their degree out of the way, if they are doing an undergraduate degree.

Players can cut their academic cloth to suit their particular measure and then at

research is something which is at the core of any university programme but this is an area where leinster would have no expertise. leinster’s goal is to to help them on that score.

“All of these things have to be brought together in an integrated way,” says Professor Boreham. “We plan to play our part with leinster because we can provide some of the bits of the jigsaw that they can’t,” he emphasises. leinster in turn will show

the hundreds of athletes from the various sports in Belfield an example of preparation and dedication that will be like a daily class in observation. A case of, if you want to get to the top of your own sport, this is what Jonathan sexton and his teammates do. sexton studied at UCD as a regular undergraduate before the notion of “elite” status became operational. He knows the two sides of study and sport and would have a huge wealth of knowledge to deliver to those wanting to get to the top.

time on the pitch and life after they hang

the end of their playing careers, top up

up their boots.

or indeed enhance their studies to degree

that the Centre of excellence is just

level and beyond.

an oval ball thing. the Irish Hockey

Unlike big-league soccer, the level of wages and other earning possibilities via

on a more hands-on basis, the sports

It would be wrong, though, to think

Association is also based on campus,

sponsorship doesn’t stretch far enough.

science side at UCD can be of great benefit

and the University plays a central part in

You only get one Brian o’Driscoll

in providing facilities to test players on a

their olympic preparation programme

every generation, meaning that for the

regular basis in the human performance

by providing sports science support and

overwhelming majority of players, it is

laboratory. there are plans to expand that

gym facilities for them. UCD also works

important to keep one eye on the ball and

range of services to them.

with Ireland’s modern pentathlon team

one eye on life after the final whistle is blown on their career.

It is to leinster’s credit that it has

they say that the hardest thing in

and triathlon Ireland. there are already

sport is not reaching the top, but staying

many governing bodies based at UCD but

there. that’s where leinster are now

leinster brings the wow factor. n

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| 59

|

RE-CONNECTIONS

| James McBennett BSc Architecture 2007.

Grainne Barron MBA 2007.

Conor Magee, BE 1984, MBA 2000.

2000s

John Jennings, BA 1999 HDip EqualSt 2001.

Emma Ross, BSocSc 2004.

Martin Colreavy, MSc Urban Design 2004.

Naboth Namara HDip Remedial and Special Education, 2002 MA Women’s Studies, 2004.

Alan Keating BBLS 2001, LLM 2002.

VISIT www.ucd.ie/alumni to RE-CONNECT with more classmates

RE-CONNECTIONS

Whether it’s four years or 40 since you graduated, find out what your fellow classmates are up to. Our thanks to all who submitted details, some of which are reproduced here. For more, see www.ucd.ie/alumni.

2000s

strategy. I will also be responsible for

goods and pharma industries.

EMMA ROSS

the ongoing communication between

Prior to this, I was service

BSocSc 2004

the AIIHPC and its key stakeholders.

line leader with IBM Ireland’s

The All Island Institute for Hospice

I have over six years’ experience in

Application Innovation Services.”

and Palliative Care is an all-island

the PR and communications industry,

organisation comprising a consortium

and prior to my appointment with

of hospices and universities, all working

the AIIHPC, I was a senior account

to improve the experience of palliative

manager at Bespoke with Direction.”

and end-of-life care by developing

MARTIN COLREAVY MSc Urban Design 2004 Chief Architectural Advisor for the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and the co-chair of the

knowledge, promoting learning, and

BARRY WHELAN

influencing and shaping policy. “I have

MBS 1998, MSc 2010

been appointed as communications

Associate Partner with IBM Global

and information officer for the newly

Business Services. “My role involves

established AIIHPC, where I will be

business development and programme

built heritage and architectural policy

responsible for developing its profile

delivery leadership of IBM’s services

functions have now been transferred

and establishing a press office function,

and solutions across the travel and

into a new department under Mr Jimmy

as well as shaping the communications

transport, retail, consumer packaged

Deenihan TD, who is Minister for

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UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Government Policy on Architecture Committee (GPAAC). “Following new departmental structures agreed

by Government in March of this year,

| Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. It is

University in south-west Uganda.”

RE-CONNECTIONS

|

research confirmation. In addition to academia, I enjoy spending time with

anticipated that he will further advance the objectives and strategies within the

JENNIFER SULLIVAN

my family, and I will be travelling to

policy in tandem with the GPAAC.”

BA 2005, MLitt 2007

Europe for a conference and holiday

“I received a PhD in Linguistics from

in the fall and winter, respectively.”

DESMOND GIBNEY

the University of Edinburgh in June

MBA 2007

2011. I am now working as a lecturer and

JAMES MC BENNETT

“I am currently taking a PhD at

consultant in linguistics and transferable

BSc Architecture 2007

Manchester Business School in the

skills. I am extremely grateful to the

“I recently spoke at the TED Full Spectrum

University of Manchester on the topic

NUI for awarding me a Travelling

event in New York. I presented my project

of public sector budgeting. I was

Studentship to fund my PhD studies.”

on digitally printed bricks, proposing

runner-up in the Irish Accounting &

evolving the regular construction brick

Finance Association Doctoral Funding

GAVAN REILLY

from six sides to 60. The talk was well

Competition for 2011, which was held as

BComm 2009

received, and director of TED, Chris

part of the IAFA Annual Conference in

“Since graduation I have moved into the

Anderson, asked me to apply for a

UCC. In June 2011, I presented a paper

field of journalism, first as full-time deputy

prestigious TED fellowship. I am also

at the ENROAC Conference in Lisbon.”

editor of The University Observer and more

preparing to swim the English Channel

recently as a senior writer at TheJournal.

this summer, and have recently completed

KAYAWE NKUMBWA

ie, an online publication specialising in

the NYC swim in the Hudson River.”

HDip DevStudies 2000, MDevStudies 2002

breaking news from Ireland and abroad

“After graduating from UCD, I worked

in current affairs, business and sport.”

GRAINNE BARRON MBA 2007

as regional coordinator for the ECMicroprojects Programme in Zambia.

ANDREW O’BRIEN

Foxframe went head-to-head with other

When the project was phased out in

BA 2000, HDip EntrepS 2001

shortlisted companies to secure the title

2004, I took up an appointment at

“I recently accepted a position as sales

of Best Investment Proposal for 2011 and

the University of Zambia as strategic

director at Little Dish, which is located

a prize of d10,000 at the 2011 Docklands

planning manager under the vice-

in London. Little Dish is embarking on

Innovation Park Enterprise Awards.

chancellor’s office. I live in Kaoma

the challenge of doubling its business

“I am a media industry professional

in the western part of the country. I

over the next two years. The high-quality

with more than 15 years’ experience in

recently graduated from the University

product, which I have been using every

traditional video advertising, production

of South Africa with an honours

day for my two-year-old, has huge

and digital media coupled with sales

degree in development studies. I plan

potential to support working parents

management expertise and I am the

to pursue a PhD in this subject.”

in giving their children variety in their

founder of Foxframe. Foxframe enables

evening meals. Little Dish is available in

businesses worldwide to create their own

CONOR MAGEE

Superquinn and Tesco in Ireland, but we

professional video ads online using its

BE 1984, MBA 2000

are looking to expand its presence. The

Content-as-a-Service (CaaS) software

Recently promoted to Managing

company was started by John Stapleton,

application, which automates the entire

Director at Cargotec China, which

who got his BSc from UCD in 1986.”

video production and distribution process. Foxframe is currently part of the

is based in Shanghai. “I previously worked as plant director of Cargotec

PETER FRANCEV

Bolton Trust Incubator Programme.”

at Moffett Engineering in Dundalk.”

MA 2001

www.foxframe.com

“2010 to 2011 has been another busy

NABOTH NAMARA

academic year. I continue to research

NIAMH MULHOLLAND

HDip Remedial and Special Education

and publish journal and book articles on

BBLS 2006

2002, MA Women’s Studies 2004

Lord Byron and Camus. I have assumed

“I am taking a senior leadership role in

“I graduated with a PhD in gender

the general editorship of the Journal of

the Rotary International organisation in

and education from the University of

Camus Studies, as well as the presidency

Ireland this year. It is a voluntary position

Limerick in January 2011. I am currently

of the Albert Camus Society of

and I will be one of the youngest ever

the director of a research unit at Kabale

the US, and I am waiting on PhD

holders of this office. Our motto in Rotary

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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RE-CONNECTIONS

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is to use our abilities and skills to assist

PAUL PRENDERGAST

those less fortunate locally, nationally and

BA 1992

internationally. As an organisation we

“After several years of

run several educational programmes; our

working in London and

flagship in this regard is the Ambassadorial

the Far East, I got myself

Scholarship, which grants an Irish student

together and took off

circa $26,000 to study abroad (usually

to Flanders to follow a

at masters level). We welcome and host

long-standing ambition

scholars from abroad to study at our 3rd

of working towards

level institutions. We currently have a

an MA in European

scholar on the MBA programme in The

studies at Leuven.”

is ‘Service Above Self ’ and our core focus

1990s

Gillian Doherty BA German, Linguistics 1995.

Irene O’Gorman BA 1989, DBS 1990, MBS 1997.

UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School.”

MARY BRENNAN JOHN JENNINGS

BE 1998

BA 1999, HDip EqualSt 2001

“I have recently been awarded my

“Since my last update, I have been

PhD by Newcastle University. On

making more movies and writing. I

completion of my degree at UCD, I

am now a published haiku writer. I

moved to Newcastle and have been

have had haiku published in Galway

there ever since. I am currently a senior

Xposed, Old Moore’s Almanac and Ropes

lecturer in food marketing, and I am

2011, a postgraduate review of English

looking forward to a number of new

studies. I have also set up an online

challenges now the PhD is finished,

haiku magazine called Haiku J.”

including directing a food marketing

www.haikuj.blogspot.com

and nutrition degree programme. I am

1990s

also looking forward to spending more time with the friends and family who

IAN GRAHAM

have supported me over the last eight

MA Film Studies 1994

years while I was working on the PhD.”

Film and television director. “I have

of the Institute of Directors in Ireland.”

Ian Graham, MA Film Studies 1994.

IRENE O’GORMAN BA 1989, DBS 1990, MBS 1997 “I am director of marketing and business development in Deloitte. Deloitte won the award for best student marketing campaign at the gradireland Graduate Recruitment Awards 2011. The firm was also announced as Ireland’s most popular graduate recruiter. We are truly delighted to be recognised at these important awards. Deloitte is extremely committed to its graduate recruitment programme and we recognise its importance to our own future success and to that of the Irish

directed four documentaries about James

GILLIAN DOHERTY

Joyce for RTÉ, which have been screened

BA German, Linguistics 1995

at film festivals throughout the world.

“I have been appointed director of

Other films include Conscience of A City

education for Accounting Technicians

about the Irish writer James Plunkett,

Ireland, the professional body for

and The Troubled Dean on the subject of

accounting technicians. I will have

PETER MATHEWS

Jonathan Swift. I have received a number

responsibility for the development and

BComm 1972, MBA 1995

of Arts Council awards and a Gregory Peck

implementation of the educational strategy

TD Dublin South. “I have decades of

Scholar Award. I was involved in various

for the professional body. The organisation

experience in business, accounting and

arts initiatives in connection with Dublin:

represents over 10,000 people working

finance. I am a chartered accountant and

One City, One Book in 2009, and several

in accounting and finance roles on an

a member of the Institute of Taxation

of my films on Irish literary subjects were

all-island basis and currently has 5,000

Ireland. As a new face in politics, I believe

screened at 2010 Bloomsday events.

students and its syllabus is taught in over

it is time for people who have the necessary

Following on from my previous writing

80 colleges nationwide. I was previously

ability and integrity to step forward and

and academic research on the subject,

the director of professional services with

help clean up the mess in our political

I have written a biography of Dublin-

the Insurance Institute of Ireland, where

institutions and economy. For the last few

born Herbert Brenon, one of the leading

I worked for ten years. I was a founding

years, I have challenged the government’s

creative forces in early American cinema.”

member of the Professional Standards

reckless banking and economic policies.

iangraham@alumni.ucd.ie

Advisory Board, and I am a member

I am one of the very few individuals who

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UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

economy. Recruitment of top performing graduates remains highly competitive among professional service firms.”

| RE-CONNECTIONS |

1980s THOMAS G TREANOR

leading corporate law firms, since 2008.

B Comm 1978, DipPrAcc 1980

I have over 20 years’ experience as a

“Uniting the areas of communication and

corporate lawyer, advising Irish and

organisation have been my main interests

international companies and their boards

since graduation and I have written several

on corporate finance projects, corporate

software and cloud-based solutions. I

governance and general compliance. I am

analysed the crises

am currently setting up Zen Telecom as

a director of the Road Safety Authority

correctly and got

I would like to bring business-quality

and a number of private companies.”

the figures right as

VoIP and hosted PBX to a wider market.

far back as 2008. I

I also run eClubOrg, which manages

SUSAN TOWERS

have made many

sporting clubs, aids communication and

BA 1987

appearances on

collects the members’ subscriptions all

“In 2010, I co-founded a business called

Vincent Browne

from one source that can be controlled

OMHU (Danish for ‘with great care’) that

and Prime Time. I

by the designated committee. Lately I

is bringing style and design to products

have also written in

have been accepted to the Enterprise

for seniors. OMHU was just named one

national newspapers,

Ireland Mentor program and would like

of Entrepreneur magazine’s 100 Brilliant

to share any useful knowledge I have

Companies, and the OMHU walking cane

gained with others. I keep in contact

recently won a prestigious iF product

with UCD and while all three of my

design award. OMHU is on sale at the

children were there in 2010, trips to

Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum, as well

Belfield for football or lectures were

as online at www.omhu.com and in select

once again part of my daily routine.”

international locations. We are about to

www.ecluborg.ie

launch a new round of funding and the

Thomas G Treanor BComm 1978, DipPrAcc 1980

Darragh Kelly BA English History 1994.

1980s

Colma Brioscú BA 1980.

partner of William Fry, one of Ireland’s

and have contributed to the International

Herald Tribune, New York Times and Wall Street Journal. My advice and analysis on the Irish economy and banking system has been sought internationally by numerous organisations.” www.petermathewsfg.ie

DARRAGH KELLY BA English History 1994 “I live in Tulsk, Co Roscommon, and am the Fine Gael north-western regional organiser with responsibility for the management of six Dáil constituencies on behalf of the party. Since June 2003, I have helped to revitalise the fortunes

challenges are many, but it’s never dull.”

COLMA BRIOSCÚ BA 1980

JOHN MC NEIL SCOTT

“After graduating with a BA in Music and

BA 1987

Irish, I was awarded a French Government

“After many years without contact

scholarship to study pianoforte at École

with UCD, I am now co-operating

Normale de Musique de Paris. After

on a project with the John Hume

winning second prize in Concours

Institute, and preparing a conference

International des Femmes Artistes

on comparative area studies with a

Musiciennes, I continued performing and

focus on Ireland and Taiwan.”

have given many recitals in the National

www.irelandtaiwanproject.net

of Fine Gael. It now stands as the

Concert Hall over the past 25 years. I have

www.johnmcneilscott.com

largest political party in the state. After

fond memories of travelling to Belfield on

graduation, I worked for the Longford

the number 10 bus, and meeting students

SEAN MC CORMACK

News newspaper for three years before

from all faculties. I sang in the UCD

MB BCh BAO 1986, DipChildHealth 1989

moving to Shannonside Radio in 1998,

choir under Professor Anthony Hughes.

“I have been a GP in Wales for 20 years,

working as a broadcast journalist. I

Dublin. I frequently travel with the

but am also an ultra-distance runner,

recently helped organise the centenary

National Concert Hall on cultural tours.

having made my international debut in

celebrations of Tulsk National School.

This year we are going to New York.”

2010 in the Anglo-Celtic Plate (100k)

I enjoy a day’s horse racing and am a

in Boddington. I took over an hour off

regular theatre- and concert-goer. I am

MYRA GARRET

my time in the equivalent fixture in

a travel enthusiast, and have visited

BCL 1984

Perth in March this year. I have been

many of the capitals of central and

“I was formally elected to the board of

selected for the Welsh team for the

eastern Europe, where I enjoy sampling

the Institute of Directors in Ireland.

Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra-

the local history and architecture.”

I have held the position of managing

distance Championships in September.”

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Tom Byrne BComm 1971.

|

1960s

Con Power, BComm 1963, MEconSc 1965.

1950s

1970s

public accountant and a member

ITA GIBNEY

of the Association of Compliance

BA 1974

Officers in Ireland. I have been out

“Following my graduation from UCD,

of the graduate loop for a while now,

I completed an MA in English at

but I will keep an eye out for any 1975

McMaster University in Canada having

reunions and would be delighted to hear

secured a teaching assistantship there.

from any 1975 BComm graduates.”

Two years later I won a scholarship to

JOHN MARTIN DWYER BA 1971 “After selling Dwyer’s Restaurant Patrick Quinn BArch 1954.

Maria Hayes BA 1951.

1970s

in Waterford, I recently bought Le Presbytère, Chambre et Table d’Hôte, which is located in Thézan les Béziers, Languedoc, 34490, France. Síle

TERENCE O’ROURKE

Ronayne (also BA 1971) and I are at

BComm 1975

last fulfilling our dream of living and

Now Managing Partner of KPMG,

working in the south of France.”

“I have spent 30 years with the firm,

study for an MSc in communications as Ireland’s John F Kennedy Scholar at Boston University. On completion, I returned to Dublin to work in a PR agency and in house at Greencore PLC. In 1995, I founded Gibney Communications, an independent public relations firm that I continue to lead as managing director, supported by the newly appointed deputy managing director, Donnchadh O’Neill. The agency – which recently marked its

including two years in Boston, and am

TOM BYRNE

part of KPMG’s Global Executive Team.”

BComm 1971

Dublin Contemporary 2011, Ireland’s

“I have been appointed to the position of

first major international contemporary

president of the Institute of Directors in

15-strong team specialising in corporate

art event, takes place from September 6

Ireland and will serve a two-year term.

and financial PR. I was formally

until the end of October. The exhibition,

I am a chartered director and chartered

elected to the board of the Institute

co-sponsored by KPMG, will have as its

accountant, and was elected to the

of Directors in Ireland this year.”

base the old UCD building at Earlsfort Terrace and will feature emerging and established Irish and international artists. As education sponsor of Dublin Contemporary, KPMG is proud of the fact that its support helps make art more accessible. An event on the scale of DC sends out a positive message about Dublin as a vibrant, exciting city. As a UCD graduate, I hope visitors get as much enjoyment from the event and its

15th year serving clients in Ireland – is a niche, senior-led firm, with a

board of the Institute of Directors in Ireland in June 2010 and subsequently

PJ RUDDEN

took up the role of vice-president. I

BE 1975

am on the board of the Irish Takeover

“I was recently elected president of

Panel and am a non-executive director

Engineers Ireland. We represent

of a number of both quoted and private

some 24,000 engineers in Ireland and

companies. In the midst of what is a

worldwide in all fields of engineering.

tremendously difficult period in Irish

My ‘day job’ is group business director

business, I firmly believe that directors

for RPS in Ireland, who are leading

have a meaningful and significant

location as we will from supporting it.”

leadership role to play in our country’s

www.dublincontemporary.ie

recovery, and so I am honoured to have been appointed as president of

planning, engineering, environmental and communications consultants. I won the UCD Engineering Graduates Association Inaugural Distinguished Graduate Award in 2003 for public

NIGEL MC DONAGH

the Institute of Directors in Ireland.

BComm 1975

Directors can provide that leadership

“I have worked in finance, corporate

by demonstrating a robust commitment

treasury, and compliance and regulatory

to the highest professional and ethical

roles with a number of well-known

standards and by fostering a culture

corporate and banking institutions. I

of honesty, integrity and transparency

MB BCh, BAO 1962

am currently chief compliance officer of

within their organisations. If we are

“I was a medical graduate in 1962,

Wells Fargo Bank International in the

to rebuild confidence, then the tone of

a MRCPI in 1965 and later became

IFSC, Dublin. I am a qualified certified

behaviour must be set from the top.”

a fellow of the Royal College of

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UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

communications on national and regional waste management.”

1960s EDWARD G ABINADER

| RE-CONNECTIONS | Physicians. I established and directed the

papers at national and international

the lead civil, as there wasn’t actually a

department of cardiology in Haifa, Israel

conferences. In my spare time, I enjoy

rush for the job. Based on the grounding

and became professor of cardiology at

walking, music, travelling and writing.”

I got at UCD from Freddie Lewis, an

the Technion University. I married my

seedaty1@ukzn.ac.za

excellent teacher, I was able to work it

dear Claude from Bethlehem in 1970,

out because of the three-dimensional

and am blessed with three children and

1950s

five grandchildren. I have published

HANNAH O’CONNELL

hundreds of articles in the field of

BComm 1955 MEconSc 1956

MARIE HAYES

cardiology, but I always remember and

“I have been granted a 2011 Emerald Literati

BA 1951

thank UCD and the great teachers, such

Outstanding Paper Award for Excellence.”

“I would like to express my gratitude

as DK O’Donovan, Harry Counihan and

geometry he taught me so well.”

to UCD for its part in launching me on

the Fitzgerald brothers, and many others

PATRICK QUINN

the road of life many years ago. I have

at St Vincent and Richmond hospitals.

BArch 1954

many happy memories of my years in

I have lectured at conferences all over

“I am editing the modern Christian

Earlsfort Terrace. English and history

the world but my love for the Emerald

section of Cambridge University Press’

were my subjects. At times the schedule

Isle tops the list. Fellow students such

World History of Religious Architecture.

and the work were demanding, but

as Martin Carey, Cumin Doyle, Michael

I am also planning two panels of

our professors were supportive and

O’Gorman, Seamus O’Friel and many

artists and theologians for the 50th

encouraging. Dr TP Dunning, Professor

others are in my memory bank and I

anniversary celebration of the Society

Hogan, Professor Denis Donoghue

for Arts, Religion and Contemporary

and Dr Joshua Reynolds are some

Culture, which was founded by Alfred

of those that come to mind from the

Barr (curator at MOMA) and M

English department, while Professor

Halverson (professor of theology at

Williams, Dudley Edwards and Mr

have managed to contact some. I would love to contact any of the old classmates.”

CORNELIUS POWER BComm 1963, MEconSc 1965 “After being a member of the regulatory and disciplinary panel of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for ten years, I was appointed deputy chairman in March 2011. I will be chairman of the worldwide disciplinary committee from January 2012. ACCA has 147,000 qualified members and 424,000 registered students in 170 countries, and operates internationally through 83 offices and centres. I received an MA in religion and culture (ethics for professionals) from Mater Dei Institute, Dublin City University on November

Harvard) in 1951. I recently competed in the 1,650-yard freestyle at the New England Masters Swimming Championship in the 80-plus age group.”

JAMES FLANAGAN BE 1951 “I would like to pay tribute to Professor Freddie Lewis, who was at the engineering school when I was there from 1947 to 1951. He taught descriptive geometry and three-dimensional geometry. In 1964 I was working for a company in Los Angeles that got

Nolan are a few of those I credit with giving me a love of history. Shortly after graduation, I was sent to teach in Rhode Island, USA. While in America, I attended Boston College, obtaining an MA degree in 1967. The late 1960s found me back in my native Limerick.

As well as teaching there, I studied in UCC for the HDipEd. I am, of course, retired now for quite some time. The writings of John Henry Newman always inspired me and one of my great delights was to witness his beatification last September. I am sure he would be proud of the illustrious University that has

25, 2010. First Class Honours!”

the contract to design the launch

YACKOOB KASSIM SEEDAT

which brought the astronauts to the

MB BCh BAO 1957 MD 1967

lead civil engineers in the company.

“I have spent some time writing my

“I was a professor and head of medicine at

An American graduate was assigned as

memoirs of my days at the College

the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in South

lead civil on the Saturn V project, but

of Science, Merrion Place, where I

Africa from 1978 to 1994. I won the South

the complexity of designing the routing

spent three happy years, graduating

African Medical Association Merit Award

of all the services to the rocket with

in natural history (botany, geology

for extraordinary service in medicine

exacting clearance criteria proved to

and zoology). I have been in Hong

in September 2007. I have published

be impossible for him, even when we

Kong since 1960 as an Irish Jesuit,

hundreds of articles and presented

built a model. By default I was made

and am a Form Three teacher.”

platform for the Saturn V rocket, moon in 1968. I was one of several

grown from the tiny seed he planted.”

HAROLD NAYLOR SJ BSc 1956

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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Matheson Ormsby Prentice ALAN KEATING BBLS 2001, LLM 2002 Alan Keating was recently promoted to US resident counsel at Matheson Ormsby Prentice, and relocated to the group’s New York office in June 2011. He is a senior associate in the firm’s tax department and a member of the firm’s structured finance and derivatives group and the inward investment group. He advises international

trade practices within the European Union, published by the Office for Official

include contract disputes, professional negligence claims and insurance.

Publications of the European Communities.

JAMES BARDON ROBERT HENSON BComm 2002, MAcc 2003 Robert Henson joined Mason Hayes & Curran’s tax team in 2010 as a senior associate. In April 2011 he was promoted to the position of partner.

Prior to joining Mason Hayes & Curran, he worked in the financial services tax

BA 1993, MEconSc 1994 In April 2011, James Bardon became a partner in the administrative law unit of the litigation department of Mason Hayes & Curran. He is a specialist in the areas of administrative law, constitutional law and public health law.

RACHEL KAVANAGH

Ireland on all aspects of corporate tax.

department of KPMG. He has significant experience in advising clients on crossborder transactions and structuring

STANLEY WATSON

inward investment into Ireland.

Mason Hayes & Curran as a partner in the litigation department. She specialises in insurance defence litigation and her appointment has strengthened this practice area. She advises Irish and international insurance companies and self-insured corporations in relation to all aspects of personal injuries litigation.

corporations who are doing business in

BCL 1984 Stanley Watson is a partner at Matheson Ormbsy Prentice and is head of the firm’s London office. He advises on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, management buyouts and transactions for private and public limited companies. He is recognised as a leading lawyer by the international legal directory PLC Which Lawyer.

JOHN RYAN BAgrSc 1987 John Ryan is head of Matheson Ormsby Prentice’s US offices and practises corporate tax focusing principally on advising foreign corporations doing business in Ireland. He has represented numerous US and other foreign corporations in establishing their Irish operations, and is standing counsel to a number of Ireland-based multinationals across a range of industries. He is a frequent speaker on taxation law topics.

Mason Hayes & Curran ROBERT MC DONAGH BBLS 2000 Robert McDonagh is a partner in Mason Hayes & Curran’s commercial department, having joined in 2002. He is a committee member of the Irish Society for European Law and is on the organising committee of the Procurement Law Forum. He contributed the Irish chapter of B2B e-marketplaces: A legal analysis of unfair

66 |

BRIAN HORKAN BCL 1998, DipEurConv&HR Law 2003, DipArbitration 2004 In April 2011, Brian Horkan joined the administrative unit of the litigation department at Mason Hayes & Curran.

He specialises in healthcare law, in particular in relation to child protection, adoption, mental health, environmental health and wardship. He has advised on public and private inquiries, consent to treatment, confidentiality, freedom of information and data protection.

MARK BROWNE BBLS 1996 In July 2010, Mark Browne joined Mason Hayes & Curran as a partner in its investment funds department. He has over ten years’ experience in the funds industry and advises on all aspects of the structuring, establishment and ongoing operation of investment funds in Ireland. He previously worked in the investment funds department of another leading law firm. He is also a regular contributor to financial journals.

EIMEAR COLLINS BA 1991, MA 1994 In November 2010, Eimear Collins joined Mason Hayes & Curran as a partner in commercial litigation.

Her particular areas of expertise

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

BCL 1994 In April 2011, Rachel Kavanagh joined

JANE PILKINGTON BA 1991 In April 2011, Jane Pilkington was promoted to partner, practising in the commercial litigation practice of Mason Hayes & Curran. She has extensive experience in dispute resolution with a particular focus on professional liability claims, and she is a recognised expert in the area of corporate immigration.

She lectures in the Law Society and has contributed articles to various publications.

JUDITH RIORDAN BCL 1999 Judith Riordan was recently promoted to partner at Mason Hayes & Curran, practising in corporate and personal insolvency law and related litigation.

She focuses on acting for secured creditors, usually financial institutions, and unsecured creditors of companies in financial distress. She routinely represents insolvency office-holders appointed to such companies in distressed situations.

She is admitted as an attorney in New York, as well as a solicitor in Ireland.

| RE-CONNECTIONS | WEDDINGS

GET IN TOUCH

MELISSA KELLY BBLS 2008

PATRICK BARRETT BComm 1976

Antonio Buccellato and Melissa Kelly are happy to announce their engagement. The wedding ceremony will take place in New York in May 2012. Melissa is moving to New York, and taking the bar exam.

“Many thanks to Seamus O’Dalaig and Ian Murray for organising the recent BComm 1976 reunion in O’Donoghues. After 35 years it was great to turn the clock back and meet so many ‘old faces’.”

JOHN GREENE BComm 2005 John Greene and Helen Mahony (2005) are happy to announce their engagement. The wedding ceremony will take place in summer 2012!

YIBO HU BSc 2006 Yibo Hu and HuaHui Li, are happy to announce their marriage, which took place on February 7, in China.

They currently reside in Dublin.

SANDRA KENNY

Sandra Kenny & Dr Wei Gao.

BAgrSc 1998 Sandra Kenny and Dr Wei Gao are happy to announce their marriage, which took place on March 22, in Dublin.

PETER BYRNE BAgrSc 1975, MAgrSc 1989 “This is my first time leaving a message on the UCD Alumni page. It would be great to know where all our classmates from 1975 Ag Sc degree are today.”

BELFIELD BABIES GERALDINE BYRNE BA 1989 Geraldine Byrne and Mark Lysaght are proud to announce the birth of a of baby boy – Dara Corven Joseph Lysaght. He was born on October 2 at Mount Carmel Hospital, Dublin, and weighed 7lb.

Dara Corven Joseph Lysaght.

DEALGA O’CALLAGHAN BSc 1973, PhD 1977 Dealga O’Callaghan is delighted to announce the birth of his second grandchild – a baby boy, Shae. He was born on December 15, 2010 in Liverpool, and weighed 10lb, 2oz. He is a brother to Cian Joseph.

JOE HOUGHTON MBA 2004 Joe Houghton and Penny are proud to announce the birth of a baby boy, Daniel Miles.

He was born on April 18, 2011 in The Coombe, Dublin, and weighed 8lb.

BOOKS CANICE O’MAHONY BE 1947 Retired engineer Canice O’Mahony looks back at his career in Dundalk in An Engineer Remembers.

ANNE CLARE BA 1958, MA 1960, HDipEd 1963 Anne Clare’s Unlikely Rebels, The Gifford Girls and the Fight for Irish Freedom recalls how the Gifford girls – who came from a Protestant Unionist background – became involved in the Republican movement.

MARIANNE MANAHAN GALLAGHER BA 1962, HDipEd 1964 Marianne Manahan Gallagher wrote A Ballylanders Rebel: Liam Manahan 1916 for her father. It is the story of a family prepared to sacrifice everything to achieve freedom for Ireland.

JANE STANFORD BA 1966, HDipEd 1967 This biography of John O’Connor Power, That Irishman: The Life and Times of John O’Connor Power, was published by The History Press Ireland in May 2011. It was launched by Professor Luke Gibbons in the Royal Irish Academy.

MICHAEL MACDONALD BAgrSc 1959 Michael MacDonald lives in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. He grew up on a farm in Co Cork and later took a degree in Agricultural Science at University College Dublin. A compulsive poet, Michael has published three collections of poetry to date. Face to the Wind reflects concern for the destiny of man. Celtic Fire is a considerable volume which deals with a wide range of subjects concerning Ireland in the 1990s. In Take It Easy and Harmony, Michael offers a sense of optimism. www.michaelmacdonald.com

PHILIP RYAN BSc 1967, PhD 1971 Since retiring from UCD in 2005, Philip Ryan switched from scientific writing under his own name to science fiction under the pen name, Richard Rydon. His latest novel, The Palomar Paradox: A SETI Mystery, coincides with the golden anniversary of SETI – the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence. The book was published earlier this year and is available from www.lulu.com and from www.amazon.com.

MICHAEL CASEY BA 1965, MA 1967 After finishing a masters in UCD, Michael Casey went to Cambridge and completed a PhD in economics. He returned to the Central Bank and was seconded to the executive board of the IMF in Washington DC for several years. Now retired, he occasionally writes for The Irish Times and other newspapers. His latest book, Ireland’s Malaise: The Troubled Personality of the Irish Economy Economy, was published by the Liffey Press late last year.

PHILIP DONNELLY BE 1956 One of Philip Donnelly’s most recent projects is the publication of his memoir, The Eyes That Shone – From Ireland to Canada in the 1950s 1950s. Ireland’s ambassador in Canada, Declan Kelly, hosted the launch at his residence in Ottawa on April 2010. For more information, visit www.donnellycanada.com.

BRENDAN CARDIFF BA 1966, MA 1967 Brendan Cardiff received his MA at UCD and then an MBA at Louvain University in Belgium. He worked at the Institute for Public Administration in Dublin and the Industrial Development Authority before moving to Brussels to work for the European Commission as a policy analyst from the mid-1970s until his retirement in 2004. His entertaining and lively memoir, Roots & Routes, describes the characters, landscapes and formative events during Ireland’s remarkable late 20th-century renaissance.

For further updates from alumni, visit www.ucd.ie/ alumni.

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| 67

| GIVING TO UCD |

Fund Research

Name a Building

Establish a Scholarship

LEAVE YOUR LEGACY Legacy gifts, big and small, are very important to the University. Leaving a gift in your will extends your charitable giving beyond your lifetime. If there is A PARTICULAR SCHOOL OR COLLEGE YOU WISH TO BENEFIT, AN AREA OF RESEARCH THAT IS CLOSE TO YOUR HEART, A SCHOLARSHIP YOU WOULD LIKE TO ESTABLISH FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS, or you have just enjoyed many years of happy attachment to the University, you can make a difference to its future by leaving a gift.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT ELIZABETH DUFFY by email at elizabeth.duffy@ucdfoundation.ie or by telephone on 00353 1 716 1496

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UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Business

ConneCtions the magazine for ucd business alumni

in this issue

Taking sTOck

an outsiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view page 76

the mba network Strength in Numbers page 70

alumni abroad Doing the Business Overseas page 80

entrepreneurship the key to future suCCess page 78

|

bUsiness

|

The MBA NeTwork An MBA degree can enhance and stimulate an already successful career or open up new opportunities for someone constrained by their experience to date. The business training and knowledge gained are complemented by the networks that form – a result of the sharing of an intense and challenging experience. These connections are deep, lasting and of huge benefit to graduates in both their professional and personal lives. We meet graduates of the MBA programme at the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, at 45 years in existence, the longest-running MBA programme in Europe. As Ireland’s only internationally ranked MBA, the programme has a particularly valuable role to play in Ireland’s economic recovery.

CLASS OF 1996 JIM JOYCE (CEO and Founder, Point of Care), TOM MARREn (Managing Director, CESenergy and owner of Marren Engineering), DAvE GREnnELL (Managing Director and Owner, Blue Chip Financial Consultants), SEAMUS McGOwAn (Managing Director, The Pallet Network)

H

aving completed his undergraduate studies in his native USA, Jim Joyce was keen to do an MBA. “I had no notion of doing one in Ireland but was introduced to UCD when the college was presenting in Boston,” he says, acknowledging that the decision to study in Dublin was as much a lifestyle as an academic one. “I could join a big queue in the US or do something really exciting and different – like study in Dublin.”

Jim formed a strong and instant bond with the other members of his study group, Tom Marren, Dave Grennell, Seamus McGowan and fifth member, Romy Cullen. Seamus, a chartered accountant whose motivation was, “instead of keeping the score, you’d like to influence the score”, believes that the five were similarly entrepreneurial and wanted ultimately to run their own companies. He characterises the group as “ambitious but all sharing a good sense of humour”. All four men came to the MBA with broad-based international experience: Jim in the US, Seamus in Poland, and Tom and David in the Middle East.

For Jim the workload came as something of a surprise. “I

to do.” Tom, engineering graduate turned entrepreneur, has since recruited recent MBA graduates, confident that they too will be no strangers to very hard work.

All four agree that the catalyst for their continuing strong connection is Jim’s return from the US where he spent ten years after graduation. For Jim, the ready-made network that awaited him was invaluable. “The part they played in allowing me to break back in to Ireland was huge.” Trust is a big issue when doing business and the absolute trust that exists between the four and their wider classmates makes for strong and lasting business connections. As Jim says: “You bond intensely with the group and see people at their rawest – strengths and weaknesses are on display. You are no longer labelled a CEO, an investor etc. You are a full-time student again.”

There are tangible benefits associated with these networks.

Seamus’ wife, Anna de Courcy, also a classmate, set up The Classic Group Ltd, a business enabling service that numbers both Dave and Jim among its clients. Seamus and Tom have done business together and are both involved in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year network. Dave confirms that “the most valuable aspect of the MBA is the business contacts that add value to future endeavours.”

thought the year would be interesting, rich and diverse and I was quite shocked at the amount of work we were expected

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UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

PhOTOgraPhS By aNThONy WOODS

“The most valuable aspect of the MBA is the business contacts that add value to future endeavours.”

Jim Joyce CEO and Founder, Point of Care

SeamuS mc Gowan Managing Director, The Pallet Network

Dave Grennell Managing Director and Owner, Blue Chip Financial Consultants

Tom marren Managing Director, CESenergy and owner, Marren Engineering

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

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bUsiness

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Peter ClanCy Owner, Business Development Consultancy

Fionnuala Croke Director, Chester Beatty Library

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UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

kevin Murray Managing Director, Eirpost

karen Hennessy CEO, Crafts Council of Ireland

| bUsiness |

One of the key advantages an MBA offers over other post-graduate qualifications is that it’s designed specifically for professionals with industry experience.

CLASS OF 2002 FIONNuALA CrOKE (Director, Chester Beatty Library), KArEN HENNESSY (CEO, Crafts Council of Ireland), PETEr CLANCY (Owner, Business Development Consultancy), KEvIN MurrAY (Managing Director, Eirpost) All four were well established in their various careers when

All four have done well since graduation and credit some of

they decided to undertake the part-time MBA. Peter Clancy, an

this success to the close ties formed. Karen, recently appointed

engineer by training, saw the programme as an opportunity to

CEO of the Crafts Council of Ireland and currently immersed

broaden his business experience and describes the MBA as “a

in the Year of Craft, believes that “the connections have become

real eye-opener”. Likewise, accountant Kevin Murray “felt that

even stronger during the past two years”. On a professional

things were static and I needed a new challenge”, adding: “At

level she feels particularly close to Fionnuala who also values

that stage I had a good level of expertise and I needed to move

the relationship. “As my own career has progressed, I’ve turned

on in a structured way.” He particularly welcomed “the opportunity to engage with people of a like mind, of a similar age and with similar experience ... the diversity of the class and the crossfertilisation of ideas was of immense benefit. A mutual respect was built up. Like a

to my classmates for advice and

“As my own career has progressed, I’ve turned to my classmates for advice and support, and often for practical help in business. I trust them completely.”

group of marathon runners we all went through the trauma together.”

Fionnuala, art historian and then Keeper and Head of Collections in the National Gallery of Ireland, juggled study

support, and often for practical help in business. I trust them completely.”

The MBA instilled in Peter the desire and confidence to establish BDC, a sales and marketing consultancy targeted at helping SMEs. He can tap into a wealth of expertise at the highest levels through retaining

links with former classmates. Kevin benefits from these business connections too and believes that the intensity of the MBA programme “fast-tracked the networking process”.

with her challenging role and describes how “classes were held at the weekends … as you might imagine, with our busy jobs and weekly assignments to prepare, it was a pretty intense couple of years.” She believes that “the classroom situation brings everyone back to basics: no matter what each of us had achieved in our careers to that point, every Friday and Saturday we were simply students, often out of our comfort zone.”

Karen Hennessy, an accountant, echoes this. “We needed to put in 30 hours a week over and above our full-time work for a First and more than 15 for a pass.” However, she is certain that the MBA challenges in a very healthy and progressive way. “Anyone

To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the MBA at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, a special dinner for MBA alumni will be held on Thursday 10th November at the Conrad Hotel.

Guest speakers include Christoph Mueller, CEO, Aer Lingus.

For event information and tickets, see www.ucd.ie/businessalumni

who comes to the MBA is ambitious and hungry and innovative.”

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| 73

|

bUsiness

| a broad range of experience.” All four women keep in touch with the wider class. “There’s always a big event – a housewarming or an engagement,” says Bryony Carroll who admits, “I never imagined I would develop such strong friendships – I actually miss going to college”.

Bryony’s boss at SoftCo

Bryony Carroll Group Financial Controller, SoftCo

actively encouraged her to enrol.

“I’m Group Financial Controller – an MBA would mean I could participate at board level.”

Rosemary Lalor was keen to broaden her horizons within the

Jane o’Connor Executive to SISK Group CEO

rosemary lalor Account Manager at ESB Telecoms Ltd. Christine heffernan Head of PR, Bord Gáis

ESB and turned to her former classmates when contemplating an internal move. “There was always someone who could help you; with your CV, with the interview and, when you got the job, there were people with advice.” She dispels the notion of cutthroat competition in the classroom. “We weren’t competitive with each other,” she says, “We co-operated to get through the workload: people brought different skills to bear.”

Jane O’Connor, whose degree

CLASS OF 2010

is in Diagnostic Radiography, was looking to branch out of the healthcare industry and

CHRISTInE HEFFERnAn (Head of PR, Bord Gáis), BRYOnY CARROLL

was able to change direction

(Group Financial Controller, SoftCo), JAnE O’ COnnOR (Executive to SISK Group CEO at SISK Group), ROSEMARY LALOR (Account Manager at ESB Telecoms Ltd)

entirely as a result of her MBA.

I

She now works in a strategic role at SISK Group. “I thought

t was perhaps inevitable that these four women gravitated together. As Christine Heffernan

the MBA would offer me wider

explains, “There were only six girls in the class of 36.” A PR and communications specialist,

scope, which it did. It gives you

Christine moved from Vodafone to Bord Gáis earlier this year. “The MBA definitely helped

the confidence to believe you can

my career. During the course, I changed roles twice – firstly to cover my manager’s maternity

tackle any role.”

leave, and secondly, at the end of the course, to a new organisation. Part of the reason I was

The four have remained close

successful in changing roles was because, in addition to communications experience, I had a good

since graduating last December.

understanding of how the business world operates. The MBA gave me the confidence and skills to

“We’re busy but we always

operate at a more senior level.”

make time for each other,” says

Christine is convinced that it’s all about the network: “You spend so much time together that

Rosemary. And the business

you naturally bond.” There are benefits beyond the obvious social ones and “you learn as much

benefits follow, every time

from your classmates as you do from the lecturers. People have come from diverse roles and have

they meet. n

74 |

UCD ConneCtions alUmni magazine

| BUSINESS |

Taking STock Desmond Mac Intyre, Chief Executive of Boston-based fixed income investment management business gives an outsider’s view of the global economy. Kathleen Barrington interviews the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Honoree.

W

hen

you

Mac Intyre’s school reports can’t

read

about

have been too bad, his mother’s

bondholders

individual

in

paying dividends when he secured a

the

financial

approach

to

education

place studying economics at UCD.

pages, you may not imagine one is

Mac Intyre got his first job with

the son of a famous Irish author and

the London Stock Exchange after

brother of a leading Irish journalist.

graduating in 1988. Hired on the so-

But Desmond Mac Intyre, son of

called graduate “milk-round”, he would

playwright Tom Mac Intyre and twin

later return the favour and hire UCD

brother of undercover journalist Donal

graduates himself.

Mac Intyre, originally from Celbridge,

Mac Intyre spent five years working

Co Kildare, heads a leading investment

in the Stock Exchange’s “think tank”

management firm serving sophisticated

division,

fixed income investors. He is president

Exchange culled 2,000 of its 3,000

and chief executive officer of Standish

staff. He later worked as a consultant

Mellon

investment manager advising Middle

Asset

Management

which

surviving when the Stock

manages about $85 billion of fixed

Eastern

income investments.

on asset allocation strategies, prior

Standish

is

headquartered

development

authorities

in

to going to General Motor Asset

Boston, where Mac Intyre (45) now

Management. After a short stint at

resides with his wife Linda and three

publishing house Asset International

daughters. He grew up with his mum

as chief financial officer in 2001, he

Margaret McCarthy Mac Intyre and his four brothers and sisters. He recalls a wonderful Huckleberry Finn-type childhood, referring to his schooldays in Clane. There would be a week off to attend the Punchestown races and a week off at Christmas to go turkey plucking, he says.

76 |

He rules out the likelihood of Ireland leaving the euro, saying that exiting the euro is “unfathomable”.

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

joined Deutsche Asset Management, a company with about 200 clients in both public and private sectors, as head of European pensions strategy.

He then joined Pareto Partners, a currency and fixed income specialist, as Chief Operating Officer. Pareto was later acquired and became part of

| BUSINESS | BNY Mellon Asset Management, the asset management arm of BNY Mellon.

that exiting the euro is “unfathomable”.

While he sees membership of the

for Irish banks? He says that ultimately there is a clearing price for everything.

BNY Mellon is a global financial

eurozone as a contributory factor in the

Mac Intyre acknowledges that we have

services company with $1.3 trillion under

crisis, Mac Intyre also believes that Europe

been here before, notably in 1988 when

management and $26.3 trillion in assets

wants Ireland to succeed.

unemployment hit about 18 per cent. “I

under custody or administration. It also has

Looking forward, Mac Intyre thinks

a significant operation in Ireland employing

the new European Stability Mechanism

about 1,700 people in Dublin’s IFSC and at

will help ensure greater financial stability

Mac Intyre says the effect of the crisis

offices in Cork, Wexford and Navan.

came out of UCD with the expectation of having to leave Ireland,’’ he recalls.

in Europe while the idea of issuing

in Ireland is that a “degree of complacency

The Irish company offers a broad

European debt would also help. Asked

and hubris will be eliminated’’ and he sees

range of services to asset managers, banks,

if the Germans would agree to the idea

grounds for optimism.

pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies, though Mac Intyre is not involved in the Irish operation.

BNY Mellon is active in corporate philanthropy

in

Ireland

through

its

sponsorship of an exhibition at the Irish Museum of Modern Art, “Frieda Kahlo & Diego Rivera: Masterpieces of the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection”.

Mac Intyre believes Ireland will not need any more funding until 2013.

While Ireland and other countries are reeling from the impact of the global financial crisis, the crisis has presented

Mac Intyre says the effect of the crisis in Ireland is that a “degree of complacency and hubris will be eliminated’’ and he sees grounds for optimism.

huge opportunities for companies like

He does not see the reputation of Irish business being damaged: “I don’t think the Irish should be whipping themselves over that.”

Besides his economics degree, Mac Intyre holds an MPhil in Management Studies from the University of Exeter, where he served as an honorary research fellow. When questioned about what people should study at university, he says he is “a believer in the liberal arts’’. In the US and the UK there are many executives, with degrees ranging from classics to engineering, running finance companies.

Mac Intyre also has words of praise

Standish to advise on investment strategies

of issuing Eurobonds, making financing

for the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate

as well as valuing and liquidating assets.

cheaper for the peripheral European

Business School. Asked why he thought he

Standish’s taxable fixed income assets

countries, he believes the Germans are the

was honoured by the School at an event in

business has expanded by 83 per cent

biggest beneficiaries of the euro. The need

New York in October, he answers simply:

over the last two years, while Mac Intyre

to postpone EU political decisions due

he thought it was because he was “a local

has extended Standish’s franchise in 40

to electoral considerations and political

boy done well’’. ■

countries, including 20 sovereign wealth

gamesmanship, he stresses, has not helped

funds and central banks.

resolve the euro crisis.

Commenting on the origins of the

Mac Intyre says he expects the National

financial crisis, he says it was clear there

Asset Management Agency (NAMA) will

was a bubble in Ireland when you heard

bundle up the loans that it has bought from

taxi drivers talking about buying homes in

Irish banks and turn them into tradeable

Bulgaria. He also notes the Irish propensity

securities known as Collateralised Loan

towards home ownership: “My home, my

Obligations (CLOs). He doesn’t think

kids, my castle.’’

the Irish government will hold on to the

He points to our membership of the

NAMA assets in the long term.

eurozone as a contributory factor. “One

As far as fiscal policy is concerned, Mac

could take the view that what was good for

Intyre has advised Ireland to hold firm on

Germany and France wasn’t so good for

the 12.5 per cent corporation tax and to

Ireland.” He asks if there is a need for a two-

give tax benefits for patents and research

tier Europe in the absence of a common

and development. “We don’t want to be a

fiscal approach, but he rules out the

mere producer economy,’’ he says.

likelihood of Ireland leaving the euro, saying

FACT FILE DESMOND MAC INTYRE • Runs a business with 129 employees and $85 billion under management • Visits Ireland five times a year • Reads, jogs, kayaks and enjoys summer sprint triathlons • Has three black labradors • Grows his own vegetables

Does he think there would be buyers

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| 77

| BUSINESS |

ALUMNI ABROAD In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s the UCD diaspora was exceptionally opportunistic, forging careers around the globe. We talk to twelve successful graduates working overseas ...

CEO

like New York, San Francisco and Moscow so I

systems@work Ltd. (BComm 1987)

do travel quite a bit. Why did you move abroad?

lives in LONDON. My role is ... I’m

I left Ireland straight after UCD in 1988. At

CEO of systems@work. We specialise

the time the Irish economy was struggling.

in developing and implementing expense

Thatcher’s Britain was in full swing so it was a

management software for corporate and public

magnet for many of my generation. Looking back

MICHAEL

SHEEHAN

... I have very happy memories of my time in

sector organisations. Recently we implemented the MPs’ expenses system in Westminster and that was an

UCD. I was lucky enough to be Auditor of the C+E (1987/1988)

exciting and very high-profile project for us. A typical day ...

and Finance Chairman of Commerce Day (1986/1987) both of

starts at 6am when I reply to the overnight emails and prepare

which proved to be invaluable training grounds for the world

for the day’s meetings. I meet potential or existing clients to

that awaited us. The closest bonds I have today are still drawn

discuss their requirements and plan new projects. The majority

from the friendships I made (including my wife!) during the

of our customers are in the UK but we also have clients in places

1980s at UCD.

ALAN ENNIS President and CEO

reaching manager level with a Big Six accounting

Revlon Inc (BComm 1991) lives in

firm in Dublin, I emigrated in 1997 a few years after

Scotch

Plains

NEW

JERSEY

completing my Associate Chartered Accountancy

and commutes to New York City each

exams. I moved to the UK and met my future wife,

day. My role is ... Since May 2009, I am President

Michelle, who was on a one-year secondment to

and CEO of Revlon Inc, and am on the Board

Manchester. She returned to the US in late 1999; I

of Directors. Revlon is a global market-leading

followed her and we got married in 2002. We now

cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and personal care products

have three children: Bridget (7), Timothy (5) and Daniel (3).

company with products sold in over 100 countries. Listed on the

Having been out of Ireland for 14 years now, I missed the boom

NYSE and majority-owned by Ronald O Perelman, Revlon had

(and subsequent correction) of the Celtic Tiger, but watched with

net sales of $1.3bn in 2010 and employed 5,000 people. A typical

interest from a distance. I have no doubt Ireland will rise again to

day … After taking a 6.20am train into the city, my day is spent

be a formidable force within Europe. I am also on the board of the

interacting with my team – setting direction, making resource

Ireland-US Council, founded in 1963 by Irish and US business

allocations, evaluating opportunities, and dealing with crises that

leaders with the purpose of building business links between the

pop up. I also spend a significant amount of time engaging with

US and Ireland. Looking back ... I have very fond memories of

stakeholders, including retailers, suppliers, our Board, financial

my time at UCD, both in the halls of the commerce building and

institutions, and investors. I thoroughly enjoy what I do, but

the library, and rowing with the UCD Boat Club. I visit Ireland

make sure to leave the office no later than 6pm so that I can get

regularly and always take the opportunity to jog through UCD to

home before my children go to bed. Why move abroad? ... After

remind me of the fun we had there.

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UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| BUSINESS |

COLIN MAC DONALD Managing

did you move abroad? I left Ireland after graduation

Director, Fine Grain Property (BComm

in 1989, and spent the first seven of my 22 years

1989) lives in

SINGAPORE.

My

in Asia working in international banking with

role is ... Managing Director, Fine Grain

HSBC in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and

Property. We invest in property in Singapore and

Bahrain. I’ve lived in Singapore for 16 years and

also manage property investments on behalf of our

set up Fine Grain in 2007. Looking back … Rugby

partners – our focus is on commercial property. I’m

and other sports were a big part of my life at UCD.

on the board of the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Singapore,

My parents live near Belfield, and I still run around the campus

having served as its president for twelve years until 2011. A

when I am back in Ireland, two or three times a year. I recall that

typical day … starts at 8am, and finishes sometime after 6pm. My

we managed to fit in a very active social life amid our studies!

office is in Singapore’s Central Business District, overlooking

The BComm class of 1989 was a tight-knit cohort, and lifetime

the Singapore River, and the old houses of Parliament, which

friendships were formed – the intervening years melt away when

were designed by George Coleman, an Irishman, in 1827. Why

we get back together!

GEMMA O’ DOHERTY Executive

Ireland? I moved abroad in order to see how far

Director, Finance at Goldman Sachs

my accountancy qualification with KPMG would

International (BComm 1993) lives in

take me and to see a little more of the world. I have

LONDON.

My role is ... Executive

been lucky enough to travel extensively and have

Director, Finance at Goldman Sachs International.

worked in our offices in New York, Hong Kong,

My official title is “European Coordinator for

Tokyo and Bangalore. I also spent a year living in

Federal Reserve Reporting” which essentially

Zurich. Looking back ... Fond memories of UCD

...

means I spend a lot of time on the phone with people in the US,

include Commerce Day fundraising events, student balls, freezing

Asia, Bangalore and across Europe discussing US Regulatory

at the Saturday morning hockey matches, hanging out by the

Reporting Issues, processes and training requirements. A typical

“Blob” and the fine student bar and more than a little at the library

day ... starts in the gym at the office. I get to my desk at about

and large lecture theatres too. A lasting legacy of UCD has been the

8.30am and generally finish at about 6.30pm. Why did you leave

firm friends I made there.

Business

by the then Irish government, which demanded

Correspondent and Presenter (BComm

that I retract a 100 per cent true story. Thankfully,

1992) lives in Chelsea, LONDON. My

the BBC hires the best editors in the business who

role is … BBC Business Correspondent

backed me fully, so together we were very publicly

and presenter – covering business, financial,

vindicated. Why did you move abroad? Straight

JOE

LYNAM

BBC

economic and personal finance news for all the

after graduation in 1992, I moved to Roermond in

BBC’s network TV, radio and online coverage. A typical day …

The Netherlands, followed by Germany (where I owned a chain of

involves switching on my iPhone at 7am to see who has emailed me

pubs) until 1998. Between 1998 and 2000 I worked in Ireland as

overnight, checking Google Finance, BBC Business and Twitter to

a freelance journalist until I got my job in the BBC in London in

see what the business news is. Our morning editorial meeting is

February 2001. Looking back ... I was in the first group of people

at 10am and I hate attending this without contributing something.

(23 of us) to do the BComm (International) which includes a year

If there’s no breaking business news which I have to cover

studying abroad. Twenty-three years after we first met, all nine of

immediately, I’ll get my sales hat on and go to the editors of various

the guys in that group are still more than just in touch. Once a year –

programmes with some ideas I might be kicking around. Once I

come hell or high water – we spend a weekend together somewhere

get a commission, I need to start phone-bashing to get appropriate

nice. It’s an integral part of my year and I’d never miss it. As for my

guests and thinking about how it would look on screen or sound on

degree and UCD, I have only fond memories of that time and that

radio. The bit I love but which also fills me with dread is when I get

place. My mother, Christina Lynam, did her Pharmacy degree there

an exclusive or ‘scoop’. This is when you (and your employer) put

in 1977. One of my brothers Rory (and his FourPlay crew) were the

your collective necks on the line and reveal something brand new.

headline DJs at the UCD Ball this year and my youngest brother

Like the time when I broke the news that Ireland was in bailout

Paul is the UCD Students’ Union President. So you could say it’s

talks with the IMF and EU last November. That was flatly denied

the family alma mater.

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| 81

| BUSINESS | NIGEL LAMBE Owner WJ King & Co

Parcelpal, a logistics firm. A typical day ... I don’t

Brewery (BComm 1991, MBS 1992) lives in

really have a typical day or week any more, but I tend

BRIGHTON. My role is ... after 17 years

to try to spend two days per week at the brewery,

of corporate life I am now carving out a more

one day on the coffee business and one looking for

entrepreneurial existence. After UCD I worked for

new opportunities, which leaves a little free time

a number of big multinationals; Jefferson Smurfit,

for reacting to whatever occurs that week. Why did

PepsiCo, Grampian Foods, and Capita. In 2008 I was recruited

you move abroad? When I was at UCD, I desperately wanted to

by a private equity firm to turn around a failing but high-profile

remain in Dublin and only moved abroad under great pressure

London-based logistics firm, eCourier. After turning this around,

from Jefferson Smurfit and agreeing to a maximum stay of three

then selling it, I decided it was time to try to fly solo and fulfilled

months. That was March 1994. The right opportunity to return

every man’s dream by buying a brewery! We took control of a

never materialised and now, together with my Dublin-born wife,

small microbrewery based near Gatwick, WJ King, in 2010 and

Orla (BA 1990), and three little redheaded children, love living

it is now growing at about 80 per cent per annum. I also invested

right on the beach – with Dublin only a couple of hours away.

in and serve as Executive Chairman of a niche coffee roastery,

Looking back ... I look back on UCD with very fond memories –

Small Batch Coffee, which has just opened its fourth store. I still

although some of them are quite hazy. Brighton is a city with a lot

act as an adviser to both eCourier and its new owners, TNT. I sit

of cherry blossom trees and each year as the blossoms emerge, I

on the Board of Mill End Hotel, a boutique hotel in Devon, and

think to myself, it must be time to start revising.

BERBER Co-Chair of A

restrictive compared to London and the UK. It also

Glimmer of Hope (BComm 1979) lives

had to do with wanting to spread my wings and

PHILIP

TEXAS.

My role is ... Co-

be all that I could be, and I did not feel I could do

Chair of A Glimmer of Hope, a family

that in Dublin. I moved from London to Texas in

foundation and social venture that takes

1991, seizing the opportunity to move to the land

an entrepreneurial approach to international aid

of entrepreneurship and adventure. Looking back ...

and development and which helps the remote

When I think back to UCD, I think back to Belfield

in Austin,

rural poor in Ethiopia lift themselves out of poverty. A typical

and the old combined arts and commerce block. The people in

day … starts with meditation, exercise and taking my 13-year-

my class stand out – what a wonderful bunch of young guys and

old to school. After that my days are varied – some Glimmer

girls, a few of whom I have stayed in close touch with, notably

work might include working with major donors, finance and

Paul Kidney and Gerry Breen. There were 500 in the first year

investments, planning and review, preparing board meetings

BComm class which filled those large lecture theatres. A number

and the usual phone calls and emails. I give talks, usually on

of the lecturers and subjects stood out for me – Frank Roche,

social entrepreneurship and philanthropy, from time to time.

John Teeling, John Murray and Frank Bradley, in marketing and

I often work from home, and go into the office when needed.

entrepreneurship – all of whom had a great impact on me. And

Why did you move abroad? I left for London after graduating

I will never forget walking to and from Belfield every day with

in 1979. I felt there were better opportunities outside Ireland

my dear friend, Colm O’Reilly, who died some years later, and

at the time and was concerned that Ireland was limited and

whose photo I still have on my desk.

DAVID STEINEGGER CEO of Lombard

being with people – the key to success is the team, and

International Assurance SA (BComm

I am privileged to work with a great one. I also travel a

LUXEMBOURG

and

great deal, mainly within Europe. Dealing with a few

is married with three teenagers. My role is

hundred emails a day is one of the least fun parts of my

... CEO of Lombard International Assurance SA,

job. Why did you move abroad? We are an international

1982) lives in

Luxembourg’s largest cross-border life assurance

family: I am of Swiss/Irish nationality and my wife is

company, which has grown at 25 per cent per anum for the last ten

English. So in some ways we have not really moved abroad – Europe

years, and has just reached d20bn in assets under management.

is home, and Luxembourg, with a population of 511,000, and 40-

Luxembourg is a great base for an international business – we

plus nationalities, is a microcosm of Europe. Looking back ... I have

employ 26 nationalities and work in eight languages – there is never

fantastic memories of my years at UCD – I worked hard but also

a dull moment! A typical day … starts around 7.30am and ends

had a great time. Almost 30 years on, my eldest son hopes to start at

twelve hours later. Each day is different, but what I most enjoy is

UCD in the autumn. I am sure he will enjoy it just as much as I did.

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UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| BUSINESS | CONROY (BBLS

trading market. The one thing I love about my job ... is that

1996, MAcc 1997) lives in Stamford,

no one day is the same as the next! Why did you move

CONNECTICUT.

My role is ...

abroad? My husband and I moved to the US nearly

within the UBS IB Business Controlling

eleven years ago, for what we thought at the time would

MARGARET

team, where I head up the regional team focused

be a two-year stint and change of scenery from our lives

on Credit Fixed Income products. A typical day … usually starts

and jobs in Dublin. We’ve so enjoyed the lifestyle, career challenges

around 8.30am, involves lots of meetings with internal clients,

and weather that clearly that plan has gone right out the window!

project work and dealing with changes in accounting standards

Looking back ... The thing I remember most fondly about UCD is

and industry regulations that impact the credit fixed income

those lovely sunny summer days sitting on the grass by the lake!

ANDREW MC KEE Deputy Head

floor of Hong Kong’s tallest building so getting

Strategy and Business Development

to my desk in the morning can take a while.

ING Asia/Pacific Ltd (DBS 1994)

Why did you move abroad? I moved abroad

HONG KONG.

My role

upon graduation in 1994 to work for HSBC

is … I am responsible for Strategy &

Bank and have spent the subsequent 17 years

Business Development for ING Asia/Pacific (a

working in Europe, North America and Asia.

lives in

financial institution of Dutch origin offering

I have yet to work in Ireland! Looking back

banking, insurance and asset management services), covering

... I remember during my time at UCD, where I completed a

nine businesses in seven markets across the Asia Pacific Region.

one-year postgraduate Higher Diploma in Business Studies, I

A typical day … depends upon whether I am in Hong Kong or

thought the wisest course of action was gracefully retiring from

travelling, but ideally starts with an early morning dog walk

a potential boxing career after my first and only – abbreviated –

before meetings and calls take over. My office is on the 82nd

training session with the UCD Boxing Club.

MICHAEL BOURKE Chairman of

Latvian State. I have worked on the Board of Parex

Parex Bank, Latvia (BComm 1977) lives

Bank since July 2009 and we restructured the bank

LATVIA

and Dublin. My role is ...

into a good bank/bad bank last July 2010 and I am

Chairman of Parex Bank. I resigned as CEO

now Chairman of the bad bank (Parex Bank). At

of Rietumu Bank in September 2006 as I had run

the moment, I live half in Dublin and half in Riga.

the bank for nine years and needed to get back to

Looking back … The memories I have of UCD were

Dublin. When I was just starting to relax back in

the debates in Economics about the role of the IMF

Dublin, the credit crisis hit and I was asked by the

and the Central Bank in a country. Little did I know

in

Prime Minister of Latvia to return to the Board of Parex Bank

I would end up working for both; nor did I realise how important

in Latvia, the equivalent of Anglo Irish Bank – taken over by the

both would be for Ireland.

LIAM MC CARTHY President

year assignment with Molex. Later, after

and Chief Operations Officer of

my return to Ireland, Molex asked my wife

Molex Inc (BComm 1976) lives in

Olive and I to move to Singapore – she

Hinsdale,

ILLINOIS,

a suburb

moved as head of IT in Asia and I moved

of Chicago. My role is ... President and Chief

as head of Materials in Singapore – an

Operations Officer of Molex Inc, which is

assignment we expected to last just three

listed on NASDAQ. A typical day … often involves travelling

years but ended up lasting nine. After that, we were asked to

to one of our 50 global plants or customer visits. When in the

move to the US, where we stayed for three years. We wanted to

office it’s an early start: I leave home at 6.15 am. Visiting our

live in Ireland and we managed to do so for five years, which was

operations, while tiring, is also most rewarding, as we have

great for our children to get to know their grandparents better.

over 35,000 people working in the company and it’s great to see

Then we were asked to come back to the US again, where we have

the energy level in all parts of world in our operation driving

been for the past six years. Looking back … Some great lecturers,

many great improvement initiatives. Why did you move abroad?

loved the ad hoc lunchtime concerts in Theatre L (Planxty, Thin

Initially to get more global experience, first to Japan for a one-

Lizzy, Christy Moore) and of course soccer and rugby. ■

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| FEATURE | fictional alumni

ALUMNI EVENTS AT UCD 1

2

3

4

FOUNDATION DAY DINNER An Annual Award For A Distinguished Alumnus

T

he Foundation Day Dinner took place in November 2010 in the O’Reilly Hall at UCD. Eddie O’Connor, renewable energy entrepreneur and CEO of Mainstream Renewable Power,

was honoured with the 2010 UCD Foundation Medal for his outstanding contribution to engineering. Fellow alumnus Pat Kenny delivered the citation.

The Foundation Day Medal was established in 2004 and is presented to distinguished UCD graduates who have made an outstanding contribution in their field of expertise. The medal is presented to the recipient at the annual Foundation Day Dinner, held every year in November to mark the foundation of the Catholic University in 1854. The theme for the 2010 12 11

SAVE THE DATE The 2011 Foundation Day Dinner will take place on November 4.

Foundation Day Medal was “Mission Science”, to support the University’s fundraising campaign to complete the development of UCD’s new Science District.

8

1: Professor David Farrell and Melissa Teodorini.

2: Chen-Ching Liu and Hiromi O’Kamura. 3: Ashley Beston and Susan Phelan. 4: Nyadak Deng. 5: Caoimhe and Colm O’Neill. 6: Padraig Fleming and Claire Madden. 7: Matthew Seeback and Emmeline Hill.

8: Áine Gibbons. 9: Patricia Golden and John Lynch.

10: Annmarie Whelan.

11: Eilis O’Brien and Brian McDonagh. 12: Eddie O’Connor and Pat Kenny.

5

7

10

9

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UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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| EVENTS |

1

2

ALUMNI AWARDS DINNER Outstanding Business Alumni And Students Honoured

T

3

he UCD School of Business has been educating world leaders in business for more 4 and recognised the business than a century. Since 1991, the school has celebrated

achievements and success of graduates through the Alumnus of the Year award.

In April, more than 350 guests gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin for a

special black-tie fundraising dinner to publicly recognise the 2011 Alumnus of the Year award winners. The award winners for 2011 are: Patrick Kennedy, (BComm 1990, DipPrAcc 1991) CEO, Paddy Power, UCD Smurfit School Alumnus of the Year and Senator Feargal Quinn, (BComm 1959) UCD Quinn School Alumnus of the Year. Also honoured at the event were Michael Healy, BComm 2010, who was awarded Student of the Year from the UCD Quinn School of Business and Tehsheena Shams, MMgt 2010, who was recognised as the UCD Michael Smurfit Business School Student of the Year.

1: Leahanne Harrington, Debbie Cowe and Niamh Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Regan. 2: Dermot Hanley, representing Platinum Sponsor, Barclays Bank Ireland, Patrick Kennedy, Tara Collins, Paul Haran, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Michael Healy, Tehsheena Shams, Michael Dowling, Senator Feargal Quinn, UCD President Dr Hugh Brady and former Dean of UCD Business Tom Begley. 3: Alumni Award winners Senator Feargal Quinn and Patrick Kennedy.

4

5

6

7

12

4: Aine Whelan and Mark Bannon. 5: Sadhbh Crowley and Gordon Collins. 6: Liadhan Collins and Richard Hoare. 7: Jennifer Goodman, Paul McDormack and Caoimhe Cox. 8: Damien McLoughlin, Frank Bradley and Aidan Connolly. 9: Emma Forysth and Warren Collins. 10: Tom Begley and Debbie Cowe. 11: Clare and Gerry Looby. 12: Sean Hayden and Niamh Boyle.

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1

MACC/DPA DINNER Celebrating The Success Of UCD Accountancy Programmes

F

or more than 30 years, the Master of Accounting/Diploma in Professional Accounting Programme has educated professionals

2 3 1: Dr Fiona Harrigan, Peter Lacy, Professor Frank O’Brien, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Kevin Egan, PWC, Ronan O’Loughlin, Chartered Accountants Ireland, Aidan Tiernan Ernst & Young, Gerry Keating, Deloitte and Ruaidhri Gibbons, KPMG. 2: AnnMarie Cox, Maria O’Connell and Catherine Heeran.

3: Catherine Allen and Professor Aileen Pierce. 4: Noel Walsh and Stephen Mitchell. 5: Liang Xu, Susan Griffin and Rong Jin.

who have shaped the development of accounting and business in Ireland and throughout the world. In May,

at the Conrad Hotel in Dublin, alumni gathered for a special 30th anniversary dinner to acknowledge the rich history of this programme, celebrate its continuing success and honour Professor Frank O’Brien on his retirement from UCD. The celebration, sponsored by the Big 4 accountancy firms – Deloitte, Ernst &Young, KPMG and PWC – was 5

attended by over 200 graduates and friends of the programme.

4

ALUMNI CHAPTER EVENTS Recent Gatherings For Alumni In Cork, Galway, Hong Kong And Singapore GALWAY: 1: Cathy Hughes

Paul Shelly and Margaret Fletcher-Egan 2: Dr Tom O’Connor and Chris Noonan.

CORK: 1: Tony Fitzgerald.

2: Celine McLoughlin, Bertie Hourihane and Caitriona Johansson.

1

SINGAPORE

2 3

1

GALWAY

1

CORK

2

1: Florence Sia, Natty Ng, Gerard Lee, Jenny Oh, Joanne Ng, Robert Lim and Leslie Tan. 2: Professor Pat Gibbons and Marc Nerva.

3: Justin Wong and Dr Jim Jackson. 4: The Irish Ambassador, His Excellency Joseph Hayes, former Dean Professor Tom Begley and Amy Tee.

HONG KONG 2 1 4 1: Rebecca Lui, Alice Van Kapal and Mabel Chung.

2: Jimmy Lau, Alex Fan, Tina Wu and Kelly Lo.

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| EVENTS |

1

2 1: L-R Alan Levey, Brendan Barrett, Michael Glynn, Ciaran Fahy, Niall Sweeney, Eamonn Cannon and Tom Moriarty. 2: Roisin Carroll and Moya Cannon. 3: L-R John Martin, Marian Moriarty, Helen Anderson, Gerard McGill and Ursala Foran.

RUBY JUBILEE

The Class Of 1971 Reunites After 40 Years

T

he UCD John Hume Institute in Belfield played host to the Class of 1971’s Ruby Jubilee celebrations in June.

After a welcome address by President of UCD Dr Hugh Brady, Building Planning Manager Liz Dunne 13

gave a short presentation on campus developments. Undeterred by the rain, the guests then enjoyed a tour that took in the refurbished Belfield House and its artwork.

In a speech given on behalf of his fellow graduates, Sean Finlay further celebrated the continued modernisation of UCD. Praising the development of a “consolidated, suburban campus” since his time as

3

an undergraduate, he encouraged the Class

4

of 1971 to “enjoy the rest of the journey”.

5

The evening concluded with a reception, allowing the class to catch up after 40 years.

11

7

8

6 10 9

4: Mary Moynihan, Mary Stokes and Sister Eileen Mullin. 5: Brian Harrington, John Powell, Austin Shinnors and Ray Bannigan (back). 6: Philomena Cronin and Anne Seagrave. 7: Carmel Buttimer and William Martin. 8: Joe McLaughlin and Anthony Cassidy. 9: Christy Boylan and Lorcan Murphy. 10: John McCardle, Áine Gibbons and Richard Sinnott.

11: Dolores McIntyre and Nigel Murtagh.

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| EVENTS|

1

2

NEWMAN FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME

Twenty-two Years Of Funding Success

U

4

CD President, Dr Hugh Brady, welcomed more than 20 corporate donors to celebrate UCD’s pioneering postdoctoral

research initiative, the Newman Fellowship Programme, in April. The donors, primarily from the pharmaceutical sector, each fund a two-year postdoctoral fellow who has 3

the freedom to pursue a particular area of research. During the dinner, Dr Aoibhlinn

5

O’Toole, the Abbott Laboratories Newman Fellow in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Dr Andrew Hogan, the sanofi-aventis Newman Fellow in Diabetes, presented their research to representatives from industry and academia.

The Newman Fellowship Programme is vital to UCD’s long-term commitment to support world-class research across a wide spectrum of disciplines. It enables the University to expand the boundaries of existing knowledge and to benefit the Irish and global economy, while fostering valuable partnerships with industry and the wider community.

10

9

6 1: UCD president, Dr Hugh Brady, with the 2011 Newman Fellows. 2: Alan Bass, Ipsen and Professor Donal O’Shea. 3: Dr Andrew Hogan, sanofi-aventis Newman Fellow. 4: Dr Cara Dunne, Darren Gibbons Newman Fellow; Áine Gibbons and Dr Hugh Brady. 5: Dr Andrew Roy, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Newman Fellow; Dr Aoibhlinn O’Toole, Abbott Laboratories; Dr Adrian Murphy, Seamus Dargan Newman Fellow and Dr Len Harty, Janssen-Biologics Newman Fellow. 6: Conor McCarthy, Baxter and Julie O’Neill, Gilead. 7: Professor Diarmuid O’Donoghue, Dr Aoibhlinn O’Toole, Abbott Laboratories Newman Fellow and Carmel Donohue, Abbott Laboratories. 8: The Old Physics Theatre at Newman House.

9: Dr Aoibhlinn O’Toole. 10: Tom Lynch, Amarin; Dr Andrew Hogan, sanofi-aventis Newman Fellow and Dr Cheryl Sweeney, Janssen-Cilag Newman Fellow.

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3

1

Sigerson Team of the Century: Front row (L-R) Tommy Duke representing his brother PJ Duke (UCD and Cavan 19451950); Martin Newell (UCG and Galway 1960-1964); Criostóir Ó Cuana, Uachtarán, Chumann Lúthchleas Gael; Mary McAleese, President of Ireland; Dr Martin McAleese; Dr Hugh Brady, UCD President; Jim McDonnell (UCD and Cavan 1950-1954); Sean O’Neill (QUB and Down 1958-1965). Back row (L-R) Seán Martin Lockhart (UUJ and Derry 1990’s); John O’Keefe (UCD and Kerry 1970-1975); Dermot Flanagan representing his father Sean Flanagan (UCD and Mayo 1944-1946); Seamus Moynihan (UCC/ITT and Kerry (1994-1999); Sean Freyne representing Padraig Carney (UCD and Mayo 1945-1950); Brian McGauran representing his father Jimmy McGauran (UCG and Roscommon/Galway 21936-1940); Brendan Lynch (UCG and Kerry 1968-1972); Barry Brosnan representing his father Jim Brosnan (UCC and Kerry 1950-1953); Jackie Walsh (UCD and Kerry 1971-1975); Conor Brosnan representing his father Jim Brosnan; Peter Canavan (St Mary’s College and Tyrone 1994-1997). Missing from photo: Maurice Fitzgerald (UCC and Kerry 1987-1990).

THE SIGERSON CENTENARY DINNER

2

P

Honouring The Team Of The Century

resident of Ireland, Mary McAleese

presentation was conducted by Criostóir Ó

was the guest of honour and keynote

Cuana, Uachtarán, Chumann Lúthchleas Gael.

speaker for the outstandingly

The Team of the Century was congratulated

successful UCD Sigerson Centenary

by President McAleese who also expressed

Dinner in the O’Reilly Hall in March.

gratitude to all those who help to “make the

With more than 600 in attendance, the

tournament such a success, decade after decade”.

dinner, in association with Ulster Bank and the

Dr Hugh Brady paid tribute to Dr George

GAA, honoured the Sigerson Cup Team of the

Sigerson and the invocation was given by Peter

Century. Dr Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh acted

Kelly, UCD Gaelic Football Captain. The special

as Master of Ceremonies, introducing each

occasion drew to a close with a performance by

team member or their representative while the

the UCD Choral Scholars.

2 3

4

1: Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh.

2: Criostóir Ó Cuana, Uachtarán, Chumann Lúthchleas Gael and Mary McAleese, President of Ireland. 3: Peter Kelly.

4: The guests gather.

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| EVENTS|

2

WHITE COAT CEREMONY

1

Milestone “Robing” For UCD Medical Students

3

3

T

6

5

he special “robing” ceremony at UCD marked the progression of 240 medical students into their fulltime clinical training.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dean of Medicine Professor Bill Powderly highlighted the white coat’s significance as a symbol of the physician’s professional code and the “privilege of being a doctor”. UCD graduate Dr Louise Ivers emphasised this theme in her keynote speech, describing the 4 ceremony as the “crossroads” of student and professional life.

Inspired by her work as the Chief of Mission for Partners in Health in Haiti, she encouraged the students to become the “compassionate, mindful and caring physicians of the future”.

Of the students robed, 80 returned to Penang Medical College in Malaysia. The remainder chose to continue their training at UCD through the University’s six major teaching hospitals or

1: The Graduates. 2: Andrea Bowe.

3: Professor Bill Powderly and Dr Louise Ivers. 4: Maznah Zaimudin and Noovazrin Mohdsaleh. 5: Tapas Kulkarmi and Sohaib Masroor. 6: Atigah Aziz and Arina Adbul Aziz.

4 4

at one of the other affiliated health–care facilities around the country.

5

1

MEDICAL GALA DINNER

2

A Celebration of Continued Medical Excellence

T

4 he Classes of 1951, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1986, 1991 and 2001 gathered together in April as the UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science and the MGA hosted their Annual Alumni Gala Reunion.

The tours explored the new Medical School while copies of Farewell to the Terrace were available to remind the 150 guests of their time as undergraduates at Earlsfort 3 Terrace. At the evening’s celebratory dinner, guests were welcomed by UCD Dean of Medicine, Professor Powderly.

3 After the meal, The MGA Patrick Meenan Award was granted to Dr Robert Byrne and the Liam O’Connell Award to Dr Roisin Dolan, while Dr Louise Ivers was presented with the Distinguished Graduate Award.

1: Professor Doyle and Professor Powderly. 2: Class of 1986.

3: Class of 1951. 4: Dr Louise Ivers, Dr Robert Byrne, Dr Roisin Dolan.

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2

| EVENTS |

2

1

HISTORY IN THE MAKING The Kevin Barry Window Moves To A New Home At Belfield

A

fter 76 years at Earlsfort

British Army during the War of

Terrace, the Kevin Barry

Independence at just 18 years old. In

Memorial Window

the years following his death, his fellow

was unveiled at its new

UCD students raised funds for the

Belfield location by the Minister for

creation of a memorial window, which

Education and Skills, Mr Ruairí Quinn

was originally unveiled in 1934 by the

TD, in June. The relocation of this

then President of Ireland Eamon de

historic artwork marks the final stage of

Valera. Since 2007, alongside the City

UCD’s move to Belfield which began in

of Dublin Skin and Cancer Hospital

1970. Described by UCD President, Dr

Charity, UCD alumni have raised funds

Hugh Brady as “an integral part of the

to restore and transfer the window to

heritage of the University”, the stained

Belfield.

glass window depicts prominent people

3

At the ceremony, attended by

and events associated with the Irish

invited guests and some of Barry’s

nationalist struggle. Its design, which

own relatives, Mr Quinn observed the

includes the UCD crest, emphasises this

cultural resonance of the memorial:

important association.

“It is important that we protect

Kevin Barry was a medical student

4

monuments to the past to remind us all

at UCD in 1920 when he was arrested

of what we can achieve as a people even

and subsequently executed by the

when faced by the hardest of times.”

6

1: Kevin Barry’s nephew, Kevin Barry Junior; the President of UCD, Dr Hugh Brady; the Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD; and Kevin 5 Barry’s nephew, Michael O’Rahilly. 2: Kevin Barry’s grandnieces, Sinead Barry and Niamh Barry, viewing the stained glass window. 3. Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn TD and Kevin Barry’s nephew, Michael O’Rahilly. 4: A detail of the window. 5: Richard O’Rahilly, age 12, views the stained glass window featuring his great–great–grandfather Michael Joseph O’Rahilly, known as “The O’Rahilly”. 6: Kevin Barry’s niece, Ruth Sweetman; his nephew, Michael O’Rahilly; his great–grand nephew, Richard O’Rahilly; and his nephew, Kevin Barry Junior.

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CHARACTERS IN CONVERSATION Our series of Characters in Conversation commenced this year with lively exchanges between Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh and Colm O’Rourke, Peter Sutherland and Rory Egan, Gerry Stembridge and Myles Dungan, Dermot Weld and Tracy Piggott ...

MICHEÁL Ó MUIRCHEARTAIGH In Conversation With Colm O’Rourke

T

he iconic voice of GAA, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, spoke to RTÉ panellist and former GAA7player, Colm O’Rourke, as part of the hugely

popular UCD Alumni Relations’ Characters in

1

Conversations programme in February. The now-retired Ó Muircheartaigh, who commentated on his final game in October 2010, completed a BA degree in UCD in 1952, before going on to earn a HDipEd, a DPA and a BComm from the University. The two men remembered battles in Devlin Park for the Duke Cup; Paddy Keogh, who was head porter at Earlsfort Terrace; and

9 2

the antics at Sigerson dinners. Members of the sell-out audience asked the pair their views on a variety of subjects, including the new rules in the game, winter training and why hurling is localised.

“Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh is a sporting legend in Ireland. He truly captured the nation’s heart as a result of passion for GAA and his humorous turns of phrase,” remarked Áine Gibbons, UCD

8

3

Vice-President for Development.

7 1: Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh and Colm O’Rourke. 2: Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Hugh Brady and Colm O’Rourke. 3: Joan, Grace and Anne O’Mahony and Declan Lynch. 4: David and Norita Casey. 5: Eddie and Mary Hegarty. 6: Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh chats to the audience. 7: Anne Marie, Anne and Pat Chapman.

8: Billy McCarthy and Séan Webb. 9: Niamh Campbell and Catherine Macenri.

4

6 1 5

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EVENTS

PETER SUTHERLAND In Conversation With Rory Egan

1

99

1: Peter Sutherland in conversation with Rory Egan. 2: Sandra Moran and Jane Kelly. 3: Philip Lee and Laura Reddy. 4: Peter Sutherland with Rory Egan. 5: Grant Leech and Garret FitzGerald. 6: Maruja Sutherland. 7: Elizabeth Gleeson and Cliona DeBhaldraithe-Marsh.

8: Finbar and Jo Costello.

9: Ronan and Ursula Owens. 10: Peter Sutherland, Judge Frank O’Donnell, Alan Duggan and Michael McDowell.

2 10

3

10

MORE THAN 200 ALUMNI MADE THEIR WAY to

4

the Belfield campus in September 2010 to hear Peter Sutherland, one of UCD’s most distinguished alumni, speak to journalist and lawyer Rory Egan. They kept the audience enthralled, covering a wide range of topics, from Sutherland’s time as Ireland’s youngest Attorney General and Europe’s youngest European Commissioner, to more recent events and

8

controversies as well as tapping into fond memories of the alma mater.

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6 5

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EVENTS

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GERRY STEMBRIDGE 1

3

In Conversation With Myles Dungan

3 8

4

3

WRITER, DIRECTOR AND ACTOR GERRY STEMBRIDGE reminisced about the Belfield of the 1970s with broadcaster Myles Dungan. The pair looked back fondly on Friday night debates, bedsit living and The Canterbury Tales during the November 2010 Characters in Conversation event.

6

7

1: Yvonne Walsh with Jane and Robert Marshall. 2: Ray Skelly and Amanda Bradfield.

3: Gerry Stembridge and Myles Dungan. 4: Una Waters, Maureen Murphy and Margaret Spelman. 5: Dr Joan Cullen and Bernadette Murdoch.

6: Sinead Kelly, Simon Keogh and Lauren O’Toole. 7: Eileen Hall, Delores Jordan and Anne O’Sullivan. 8: Sheena Savage and Gavin Hannon.

1

5

2

3

DERMOT WELD 3 In Conversation With Tracy Piggott 6

LEGENDARY RACEHORSE TRAINER DERMOT WELD returned to

4

UCD 41 years after he graduated to take part in the April 2011 Characters in Conversation event with RTÉ sports commentator Tracy Piggott.

Weld, who studied veterinary medicine, has saddled big-race winners across four continents, including all five Irish Classics as well as the Ascot Gold Cup, the American Derby and the prestigious Melbourne Cup. Weld remembered his time at UCD and looked back

5

at his extraordinarily successful career. Vice-President for Development, Áine Gibbons, said: “Dermot Weld is one of horse racing’s greatest legends and a superb ambassador for Ireland. We are delighted to welcome him back.”

94 |

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

1: Dermot Weld and Tracy Piggott.

2: Emmeline Hill, Pieter and Margot Brama. 3: Katie McAleenan and Siobhan McQuillan. 4: Suzanne Naughton and Natasha O’Malley Moore. 5: Dermot Weld in conversation with Tracy Piggott.

6: Dr Walter Halley, Michael Leahy, Professor Michael Gilchrist and Manuel Forero.

| EVENTS |

2 3

1

IN FULL BLOOM

UCD Bloomsday Conferrings Become A Literary Affair 7

T

his year’s Bloomsday

Ireland Chair of Poetry is “to manifest the

conferrings at UCD honoured

value of poetry within our cultural and

the five holders of the

intellectual life, north and south”.

Ireland Chair of Poetry:

John Montague (1998-2001), Nuala Ní

conferrings coincided with the first showing

Dhomhnaill (2001-2004), Paul Durcan

of Robert Ballagh’s new portrait of UCD’s

(2004-2007), Michael Longley (2007-

most famous graduate James Joyce (BA

2010) and Harry Clifton (2010-2013).

1902). The painting now hangs in the UCD

Poet Ciaran Carson, Professor of Poetry

O’Reilly Hall, a commission by Deirdre and

at the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry

Thomas Lynch via the UCD Foundation.

at Queens University Belfast, and Pulitzer 6

It was thus highly fitting that the

The President of UCD, Dr Hugh Brady,

prize-winning American cartoonist and

noted that, while the writing of both Joyce

creator of Doonesbury, Garry Trudeau,

and those receiving honorary doctorates

also received honourary doctorates. The

“draws from their Irishness, their messages

University’s highest award, the Ulysses

transcend the geographical boundary of

Medal, was presented to poet Seamus

the island and strike a note of resonance

Heaney. He stated that the role of the

that has a truly global reach”.

4

1

5

1: Back row (L-R): Michael Longley, Ciaran Carson, Harry Clifton, Garry Trudeau and Paul Durcan.

Front row (L-R): Seamus Heaney, Dr Hugh Brady, John Montague and Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill. 2: Dr Hugh Brady, Brian Friel and Professor Declan Kiberd. 3: Dr Philip Nolan, Registrar of UCD; Garry Trudeau and Dr Pádraic Conway, UCD Vice-President for University Relations. 4: Bloomsday Honourary Award winners. 5: Artist Robert Ballagh pictured with his portrait of James Joyce and Professor Declan Kiberd. 6: John Montague with his family. 7: Seamus Heaney with the Ulysses Medal.

UCD CONNECTIONS ALUMNI MAGAZINE

| 95

EVENTS| | fictional alumni | FEATURE

ENGINEERING

alongside the University facilities.

UCD In Merrion Street – The Building Of The State

A

The story of science and engineering innovation in Merrion Street from 1911 to 1989 mirrors

lthough the Government Buildings complex on

in many ways the story of the country over that time, reflecting and

Merrion Street is one of most important and

facilitating national priorities through world wars, the creation of an

most widely recognised buildings in Ireland,

independent state and the development of a technology sector known

relatively few are aware of its role in the history

and respected throughout the world.

of science and technology in the country.

Over the course of its lifetime, the building played host to

This year marked the building’s centenary; it was opened

international research leaders such as Walter Hartley, Vincent Barry,

by King George V on July 8 1911 to house the Royal College of

Dervilla Donnelly and Jim Dooge. It saw thousands of graduates

Science for Ireland as well as government activities devolved

such as Thomas McLaughlin, Pat Kenny, David O’Reilly and Dervilla

from London to Dublin. The College was absorbed into

Mitchell begin journeys of discovery that would leave a mark on

University College Dublin (UCD) in 1926, with science and

Ireland and on the world.

engineering research and education continuing in the building

Some of their stories are recounted on www.ucd.ie/merrionstreet

until 1989. From the 1920s the headquarters of the Irish

and in the accompanying book, which can be downloaded as a PDF

government were located in the Merrion Street complex

from the site.

T

he EGA 2011 Annual Lecture

to Dr Amini on behalf of UCD EGA for her

was delivered in April by Dr

wide-ranging presentation.

Lisa Amini, Director, IBM Research–Ireland. Dr Amini’s

UCD EGA’s Annual Lunch was held again in 2011 in the John Field Room at the

illuminating talk on Smarter Cities gave

National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace in

background on IBM Research’s Smarter

May, and was preceded by the Association’s

Cities Technology Centre (SCTC) in

AGM which saw the election of new

Dublin, of which she is the first Director.

Board member, Peter Brabazon of Forfás

The EGA Lecture audience heard from Dr

(Programme Director, Discover Science

Amini, an IBM Distinguished Engineer,

& Engineering). EGA President Michael

how SCTC Researchers based in Dublin

Loughnane welcomed alumni from a wide

focus on advancing science and technology

range of graduating years to this year’s

for intelligent urban and environmental

lunch, along with guests from sponsoring

systems, with a current focus on

organisations including ESB, CRH, and

analytics, optimisations, and knowledge

Engineers Ireland.

representation for sustainable energy, water, and transportation. The talk was followed by a reception, and EGA President Michael Loughnane (ESB) extended warm thanks

2011 EGA Lecturer Dr Lisa Amini, Director, IBM Research and EGA President Michael Loughnane (ESB)

If you worked or studied in UCD Merrion Street, we would love to hear from you. Please send your memories and photographs to ega@ucd.ie or send an email with your contact details, so that we can keep you up-to-date with news from UCD.

14 || UCD 96 UCD CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS ALUMNI ALUMNI MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 2009

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