Another side of … Anothersideof…

Liz Finegan, ATC Dublin

Having being introduced to tapdancing at an early age, Liz Finegan from ATC was soon bitten by the performing bug and then very quickly graduated to competitive dancing.

As she grew up, she had a great deal of success, winning many trophies before standing back from competitions in her early teens. However, the pull of the stage was too strong and, through a friend, she started to dance with the famous Lorraine Barry in Dublin. Her objective at the time was to have some fun, benefit from the exercise, and enjoy the singing and dancing.

Her interest in variety shows was sparked by a chance meeting with people who were rehearsing for a show. She made further enquiries, and before she knew it, she had an audition and got a part in a group performing in the Aer Lingus Variety Show at the Olympia Theatre. So began an enduring love-affair with musical and variety show performance.

She is currently a member of the Rush Musical Society and is invariably involved in one, if not two, shows per year. When in rehearsals, it is very intense with at least two practice sessions a week to begin with, and this increases as the opening night draws near. On top of that, there are the costume fittings, not to mention the various fund-raising initiatives, as this is amateur dramatics.

“At times it is very demanding on quite a number of fronts,” says Liz, “but

I love it. The excitement of performing, the buzz of the adrenalin rush when on stage, the crowd applauding and even the total exhaustion at the end of a run … I would not change it for the world.

“For me, being involved in musical theatre is like being part of an extended family. It is a community where everyone knows one another and, for the most part, are good friends. Outside of performing together we also socialise and go to see other groups performing.

“An added bonus is that my husband is also involved in variety shows and, I must confess, our happy lives together all began when we met when we were both performing in Chicago.”

PAT LEHANE

ICE cool Purcell

Congratulations to John Purcell on his recent “Industry Contribution Award” at the ICE Awards. John is one of the “founding fathers” of Ireland’s building services industry and played a major role in steering its development over almost 50 years.

John, who joined Varming Mulcahy Reilly Associates in 1970 as a graduate, quickly progressed through the senior ranks, becoming CEO in 1996 and subsequently Chairman in 2006. In 2019 he stepped down as Chairman but still continues his involvement with the company as a consultant.

Doherty double ‘a world first’

Congratulations to David and John Doherty on being the only father and son pairing ever to receive CISBE bronze medals for services to the Institution.

John received his some years back and David received his at a CIBSE-led industry event in the RDS Members Club recently.

Quite uniquely, John was on hand to make the presentation to David. Both are shown here proudly holding their medals.

Nailing colours to the mast

O’Callaghan Red has opened an office in the “Rebel County” which is located in the ultra-modern Navigation Square right in the heart of the city.

Director, Killian O’Neill, said: “We are fortunate to have talented and conscientious employees who care deeply about clients and the impact of their designs on the environment.

“This spirit resonates across our whole business and is reflected in the collaborative environment we have invested in for our diverse, growing and dedicated team in Cork.”

Chadwicks ‘Four Peaks’ for charity

A 17-strong team from Chadwicks Group took part in the recent Four Peaks Challenge with a view to raising €50,000 for five charities. The team navigated Slieve Donard in Co Down, Lugnaquilla in Co Wicklow, Carrauntoohil in Co Kerry and, finally, Mweelrea in Co Mayo. Separate hikes also took place over that weekend with 23 other staff members scaling one of the peaks.

Self Build Live

Great to see such a large turnout at the recent Self Build Live in Dublin. While for stand personnel it was either manic or slow – as is the nature of such events – the overall experience for exhibitors was very positive.

As Keith Scully (below) from Grant Engineering explained to me: “Apart from securing actual sales leads, the key objective is enduser engagement.

“The chance to explain the fundamentals of new technologies to consumers, and in particular heat pumps, is invaluable, For that alone the show is extremely worthwhile.”