Minerva April 2016

APRIL 2016

MINERVA I S S U E N O. 3 4

/

FOR MEMBERS OF THE RDS

RDS CRAFT AWARDS Celebrating the work of emerging and established makers

EDITORIAL

MINERVA Welcome to the April Minerva

Editor

Diarmuid Hanifin

Taking the long-term view is something the

The freshly cut grass of April quickly gives

Society prides itself upon. Our resources

way to summer, and in the RDS that can

Susan Cox

are concentrated on the potential and talent

only mean one thing: the Dublin Horse

Natasha Serne

Paul Farrelly

of the next generation – where we can have

Show. As ever there is much anticipation

Ann-Marie Hardiman

Catherine Jordan

the most impact. We have made rapid

for this year’s event, and you can find

Katy Conneely

Paul O’Grady

progress in recent years, with our work

details on page 5. Please note the change in

Dara O’Leary

Joanna Quinn

programme now making a tangible

date this year to July 20-24 to accommodate

Contributors Eileen Byrne

Gerard Whelan

Design and Production Sub-editing and layout

Think Media Ltd. T: 01 856 1166 www.thinkmedia.ie Impress Printing Sooner than later

Print Distribution

difference in the areas of science, arts,

the Olympics in Rio (where we wish all the

agriculture and industry. This rapid

Irish teams the very best). I hope to meet

escalation has meant that our finances have

many of you before then at the many

been unable to keep pace, and we are

Members’ events listed in the calendar on

seeking additional ways to resource these

pages 14-15.

great programmes. Nobody knows the benefits of our work as well as RDS Members do; in a recent survey, many of

ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY

you indicated that you would be open to

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

financially contributing to these

T: 01 668 0866 F: 01 660 4014

programmes. In response, we have put

www.rds.ie

together a format that allows Members to contribute directly – if they so wish. I will

Minerva:

minerva@rds.ie

General:

info@rds.ie

write to you in this regard shortly. There is

RDS Membership:

members@rds.ie

much to be gained in return for Members’

Minerva, the magazine for Members of the Royal Dublin Society, is published tri-annually. Any views expressed are not those necessarily held by the RDS or its Council. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission.

generosity. In this Minerva we look at our reciprocal clubs all over the world. From London to Melbourne, these exclusive clubs are yours to enjoy, and I hope that this article will encourage more Members to make use of this facility.

Cover image: Core II by John Lee, winner of the Irish Design 2015 Award of ¤5,000, RDS Craft Awards.

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Contents 3

Arts

(01) 240 7255

arts@rds.ie

Equestrian

(01) 240 7296

equestrian@rds.ie

Events RDS Economic Vision 2020 lecture series

(01) 240 7289

science@rds.ie

Rural Affairs

(01) 240 7215

agriculture@rds.ie

Membership

(01) 240 7296

members@rds.ie

Library

(01) 240 7254

librarydesk@rds.ie

Editorial

(01) 668 0866

members@rds.ie

Dublin Horse Show

Agriculture &

Reciprocal clubs

12 Members' gallery A pictorial reminder of recent events

6

8

Industry & Commerce

10 Membership

RDS Champion of Champions Awards

Science & Technology

MATTHEW DEMPSEY RDS PRESIDENT APRIL 2016

(01) 240 7215

industry@rds.ie

2 | MINERVA | APRIL 2016

Feature RDS Membership survey findings

14 Calendar of Members' events

Feature

16 RDS history

RDS Craft Awards

A brief history of agriculture at the RDS

EVENTS

RDS Economic Vision 2020 The RDS Economic Vision 2020

2006, Ding is Mark's fourth

lecture series has gotten off to a

start-up, and his talk

strong start for 2016. The

highlighted the many eventful

Society has welcomed three

experiences, successes and

speakers to date who have

challenges over a 20-year

spoken on three distinct topics:

career, which ultimately led to

digital, dairy and design. While

the establishment of Ding and

on the surface there might not

its recent astonishing growth.

be an obvious connection

Next up was Aidan Cotter,

between the three, each

Chief Executive Officer of Bord

presentation highlighted how

Bia, who discussed the great

Irish businesses are not only

success story that is the Irish

competing but succeeding on

agri-food industry, where six

the international stage.

years of consecutive growth

AGRI-FOOD SUCCESSES Bord Bia CEO Aidan Cotter speaking at the recent RDS Economic Vision 2020 lecture series.

The first lecture of the year saw

have seen the value of exports

series saw the RDS welcome

Details of the remaining

the RDS welcome Mark Roden,

in the sector rise to a record

Karen Hennessy, Chief

lectures in the spring

founder and CEO of Ding, to

level of €10.8 billion. In

Executive of the Design &

Economic Vision 2020 series

discuss his company’s story,

particular, Aidan discussed the

Crafts Council of Ireland and

can be found in the calendar

which saw him crowned EY

importance of the ground-

Irish Design 2015. Karen gave a

of Members’ events on pages

Entrepreneur of the Year in

breaking Origin Green

fascinating presentation, as she

14-15. The series is free to

2014. Drawing on his own

programme, which is designed

discussed how Irish designers

attend but booking is

business and life experiences,

to position Ireland’s food and

are turning their skills into

essential. For bookings, please

Mark shared his views on what

drink industry as a world

global business opportunities,

contact industry@rds.ie,

he believes is required to build

leader in sustainability.

and the impact this is having

Tel: 01 240 7215, or log on to

a great company. Established in

The most recent talk in the

on the Irish economy.

www.rds.ie/industry.

2016 Library Speaker Series in full bloom Aptly beginning the Spring

of today and that of 1916

Speaker Series in the RDS

together through an account

Library was critically

of the sizeable building

acclaimed author,

project that commenced in

photographer and champion

the aftermath of the 1916

of trees Thomas Pakenham.

Rising.

Thomas kept his audience

Going further back in history,

rapt in attention at his

Wolfgang Steinicke brought

insights and stories of the

the science of the mid-

array of trees that are found

nineteenth century to life with

on his residence in Tullynally.

his articulation of just why

Following him, President of

the Birr Observatory was so

THOMAS PAKENHAM Thomas spoke about the beautiful trees of Tullynally.

the RIAI Robin Mandal gave

important to the development

a fascinating talk that

of astronomy and our

See the Calendar on pages 14-

Library Speaker Series events

brought the O’Connell Street

understanding of the stars.

15 for details of forthcoming

and how to book.

MINERVA | APRIL 2016 | 3

EVENTS

RDS rewards scientific breeding The 2016 RDS Champion of

farming, and shows how

Champions Awards were

farmers can exploit genetics to

presented in Dublin on March

maximise profitability, with the

3 to the best Irish cattle and

indices essentially being

sheep farmers from the 2015

measurements of profit from

show season.

breeding decisions.

With an annual prize fund of

“Scientifically informed

€10,000, the Awards are a

breeding decisions will allow

highlight for all pedigree

Irish beef and dairy farmers to

breeders, in particular the

increase productivity and

awards for the highest

output potential, while at the

Economic Breeding Index (EBI)

same time reducing costs

Dairy Cow and the Highest

through greater efficiency,

Replacement Index Beef Cow.

allowing for smarter, more

RECOGNISING GENETIC EXCELLENCE Replacement Index Beef Cow Award winner Actualite and her daughter Lisnagranchy Gertie.

progress in beef cattle

Noel Beecher from

These are the only awards of

effective farming. Making

breeding, it is necessary to

Castlemartyr in Cork, and

their kind in Ireland to

Ireland a leader in climate

assign economic values to the

Gerald Harney from Ardrahan

recognise the genetic excellence

smart agriculture is a central

breeding traits that affect

in Galway. Both produced

of the animals concerned.

objective of the current RDS

profitability, so that breeding

exceptional cattle that

In recognising the genetic

agricultural work programme,

indices can accurately reflect

showcase what genetic and

quality of these animals, the

and our top livestock awards

economic gains made at farm

data-driven selection can do

RDS Champion of Champions

reflect that,” says Tom Kirley,

level by improving these

for Irish farming.

Awards demonstrates the

Chair of the RDS Agriculture

traits.”

See www.rds.ie/csa for

scientific future for Irish

Committee. “To enable

This year’s main winners were

more details.

terms of three years. Two

Current Members of the

Time to get involved?

The RDS has announced a call

terms of three years. Two

for expressions of interest for

vacancies will arise on the

vacancies will arise on the

RDS wishing to be

nomination to the Society's

Board at the end of September

Committee at the end of

considered as possible

Foundation Board and

2016 and two at the end of

December 2016 and two at the

candidates to serve on the

Membership Committee.

September 2017.

end of December 2017.

Foundation Board or the Membership Committee are

Foundation Board – four vacancies

Membership Committee – four vacancies

Procedures

asked to complete an

All expressions of interest are

expression of interest form,

The role of the Foundation

The role of the Membership

considered by the Nominations

available from the Registrar

Board of Council is to increase

Committee is to ensure the

Committee of the RDS Council,

(01-240 7221; or email

the impact of the philanthropic

support and involvement of

which will subsequently make

eileen.byrne@rds.ie) and

work programme of the RDS.

Members of the Society.

recommendations for

return it no later than Friday,

Meeting up to 10 times a year

Meeting up to six times a year

consideration and approval by

May 27, 2016, at 12 noon.

under the Chairmanship of

under the Chairmanship of

the RDS Council at its June

Informal enquiries may be

Michael Gleeson, the

Mary Sharp, the maximum

2016 meeting. All expressions

made to the Registrar or the

maximum term of service on

term of service on the 12-

of interest are treated in the

Foundation Director,

the 12-member Board is two

member Committee is two

strictest confidence.

Tel: 01 240 7299.

4 | MINERVA | APRIL 2016

EVENTS

Are you ready for the Horse Show?

The 2016 Dublin Horse Show will soon be upon us, falling on the earlier dates of July 20-24 because of this year's Olympics in Rio.

JOIN US AT THE HORSE SHOW RDS Members can avail of complimentary access to the Dublin Horse Show, and there are a range of hospitality options once you arrive.

Here’s a handy guide for

basis (please note that

(advance booking for the

Main Arena directly

Members to help you prepare

Members’ complimentary

Dining Room is essential:

overlooks the course and

for this year's Show:

tickets for Friday are

call 01 668 9244 to book a

is open from 11.00am each

n Members have

complimentary access to

already fully allocated).

n The Members’ Club will

table). Both the Thursday

day until 30 minutes after

and Friday lunch sittings

the end of the final event.

the Show, but you must

be open from 9.00am to

are fully booked at time of

Membership cards are

have your Membership

7.00pm each day, and until

going to press.

required for entry, and a

card with you at all times.

6.00pm on Sunday.

Photo identification may

n A buffet will be served

also be required.

each day in the Thomas

may be booked via the

to 3.00pm.

n Tickets for the Main Arena Membership Desk

Prior Room from 12.00pm n A table d’hote menu will

n Afternoon tea will be

maximum of three guests

served each afternoon in

(one on Friday) may be

the Thomas Prior Room

signed in per Member.

from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

n Evening dining will take

n

Remember, the Show is a great opportunity for

place on Friday night, with

Members to use their food

(members@rds.ie; or 01 240

be served in the Dining

orders taken between

and beverage credit,

7296). Tickets are allocated

Room from Wednesday to

6.30pm and 8.15pm.

which is valid until

on a first-come, first-served

Friday, 12.30pm to 2.30pm

n The Members’ Bar at the

October 31.

MINERVA | APRIL 2016 | 5

FEATURE

Valuing Membership The RDS carried out a survey to find out exactly what Members think of the Society, and how they use their Membership.

RDS Members are at the heart of the Society. We continue to be a

gratified to see that the majority feel as we do, with 94% valuing

Member-led body, and the time and resources that Members give

their RDS Membership”.

to the RDS help to maintain it as the unique organisation it has

Members support RDS work programme

become. Each new Member joining changes the dynamic of the RDS, bringing new energy and verve, but also potentially

It was heartening to see that 92% of those surveyed believe in the

changing the understanding and the interests of the Membership

importance of the RDS work programme. The Committees of

body. So understanding the changing dynamic of RDS Members is

Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Arts, Industry & Commerce, and

more important to our organisation than to many other

Science & Technology have been actively transforming their

membership associations.

programmes to make them as relevant as possible. They are already

Survey

the acknowledgement of the importance of this work by so many is

In late 2014/2015, a quantitative survey was carried out to find

very welcome.

having a significantly greater impact in their respective areas, and

out exactly what the typical RDS Member thought, what they

Interestingly, the poll simultaneously revealed that 60% were

used their Membership for, and how they valued their

interested in learning more about the RDS work programme. This

Membership. The very respected polling company Red C was

could be interpreted in a number of ways. The most obvious is that

commissioned to carry this out and they conducted interviews

while they were generally aware of the importance of the RDS

over the telephone with 400 current Members, a very healthy

work programme, the speed of development in this area has left

sample size from a Membership body of just under 4,000.

those Members who aren’t directly involved with little time to fully

RDS Membership Committee Chair Mary Sharp takes up the

appreciate the impact and significance of the changes that have

story: “We wanted to find out what Members thought of the

happened in recent years.

RDS. Although everyone serving on the various committees,

Mary Sharp elaborates: “Information overload is not something

including the Membership Committee, are obviously all RDS

unique to the RDS or any individual; it has become increasingly

Members, we were aware that we needed to get a more

universal. As someone serving on a Committee I am quite up to

complete picture of how Members felt. We didn’t want to just

speed on the various changes and developments across the suite of

congratulate ourselves on having done a great job without

our programme in arts, science and agriculture especially. But even

knowing if the Society was doing everything that other

I would like to know more about the detail, about the impact and

Members expected. From the Members surveyed, we were

about the future plans – even about the history of RDS involvement

VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP

RDS WORK PROGRAMME Strongly believe in it 74%

5%1% Value a lot

22%

Net: value 94%

Value a little Do not value much Do not value at all

Slightly believe in it 18%

72% Don't believe in it much 6% Don't believe in it at all 2% NET: Believe 92%

VALUE OF MEMBERSHIP Some 94% of RDS Members surveyed value their membership.

6 | MINERVA | APRIL 2016

RDS WORK PROGRAMME Some 92% of Members surveyed believe in the importance of RDS work programme activities.

FEATURE

in these areas. The poll helped to really put these ideas on the table.

“Members are the best recruitment ambassadors we have. To

Yet, at the same time, the poll also indicated that many were quite

have a healthy and vibrant Society, it is important that we have

satisfied with RDS communications to them”.

a regular influx of new Members, and like-minded people are

Michael Duffy, RDS CEO, explains how this was resolved: “Last

the best prospects,” said Catherine. "So current Members

year we decided to not only change the form and style of

speaking to friends or acquaintances about the RDS, the aims

communications to Members, but to reflect the Red C finding that

of the Society and the benefits you get from joining, is probably

Members wanted to know more about the RDS work programme,

the best recruitment tool we have. It’s great to see that 65% of

which after all is the core purpose of the Society. So a new emphasis

Members surveyed have encouraged others to join at some

on providing information about the impact of this work was

point.” Under the remit of the Membership Committee, a pilot

worked into our communications, leading to changes to Minerva in

programme of Member Ambassadors will be rolled out in the

both style and content, as well as the electronic communications

next few months, which encourages RDS Members to

that Members receive each month. We’ll be tweaking and adapting

proactively recruit their friends and colleagues as Members of

as we go, but ultimately we’re trying to be responsive to RDS

the Society.

Members and the data that this poll showed”.

Most Members are already very well equipped to speak about the many benefits of Membership, not least the Members’ Club

The best recruitment ambassadors

and the RDS Library (see pages 10-11 for more on reciprocal

As someone who has Membership recruitment under her remit,

clubs). But with greater emphasis in our communications to

new Membership Development Manager Catherine Jordan was

Members on the impact, reach and increasing significance of the

also intrigued to see the data the poll gave about Members

RDS work programme, it is hoped that Members will now also

recruiting.

have plenty of answers when asked: what does the RDS do?

LEARNING MORE

ENCOURAGING OTHERS

RECRUITMENT

Total

Very interested 21%

Very aware 38% Quite interested 39%

65%

Not very interested 26%

Yes 1

Not interested at all 14%

MINERVA READERSHIP

ENCOURAGING OTHERS 65% of Members surveyed have encouraged a Member to join at some point.

MINERVA FREQUENCY

Read all of it 45%

Too often 4%

Read most of it 36%

Just right 85%

MINERVA READERSHIP The survey asked about readership levels of Minerva.

RECRUITMENT Members surveyed were aware of the importance of encouraging new Members to join.

VOLUME OF COMMUNICATIONS Much too much 1% A little too much 2%

Just the right amount 91%

Read a little bit of it 17% Don’t read it at all 2% Net: Read at all 98%

Not very aware 19% Not aware at all 10%

NET: Interested 60%

LEARNING MORE Interest in learning more about the RDS work programme was high among those surveyed.

Quite aware 33%

Not often enough 11%

MINERVA FREQUENCY A total of 85% of Members surveyed felt that the frequency of Minerva was just right.

A little too little 5% Much too little 1%

VOLUME OF COMMUNICATIONS Overall, Members surveyed were happy with the volume of communications from the Society.

MINERVA | APRIL 2016 | 7

FEATURE

2015 RDS CRAFT AWARDS Porcelain Tea Set by Chloë Dowds.

ESTABLISHED EXCELLENCE Ebb & Flow by Joe Hogan.

Emerging excellence The focus of the RDS Craft Awards has shifted to better reflect the Society’s core purpose by encouraging and showcasing emerging makers alongside more established craftspeople.

Review As part of a major review of its work programme activities, the

The Awards’ prize fund also increased in 2015, thanks to the

RDS carried out evaluations of many of its projects to ensure

Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, which now sponsors the 24

that they continue to uphold the Society’s values. This re-

category prizes of €500 each. According to Karen Hennessy, CEO

evaluation extended to the RDS Craft Awards, and led to

of the Council, the Awards have an important place in Irish craft:

significant structural change, the purpose of which was to

“The RDS Craft Awards are a critically important way of

encourage more emerging makers to enter. As a result, the 2015

recognising the breadth of talent and creativity in Ireland. It gives

Awards featured not one but two major awards, the Established

[craftspeople] the time and space to develop their practice.

Maker Award of Excellence, and the Emerging Maker Award of

Change can be difficult, but what the RDS is doing will be very

Excellence, each carrying a prize of €5,000.

important to the industry in the longer term. It's really important

According to Joseph Lynch, Chair of the RDS Arts Committee,

that we continue to invest in standards and the new structure

the newly reconfigured Awards offer more opportunities to

will allow that”.

emerging craftspeople: “In the past it was not always easy for emerging craftspeople because they were competing with more

Success

professional and experienced makers, so last year we put the

The new structure was an immediate success, with 303 entries to

emphasis on emerging makers, and we were delighted with the

the Awards, 171 of which were from emerging makers.

response”.

The winner of the Emerging Maker of Excellence Award 2015 was goldsmith Paula O'Callaghan.

To qualify as an emerging maker, entrants must:

n

n

n

Originally from Limerick but now living in Cork, Paula left a

be a student at third level;

career in retail to pursue a more creative path. She moved to

have set up a craft business in the last five years; or,

Kilkenny to attend the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland's

be new to a craft discipline within the last five years, either

jewellery and goldsmithing skills and design course, graduating in

studying via an apprenticeship, or as a lifelong learner on an

2015. Since then she has worked with Designworks Studio in Cork.

informal course.

For Paula, entering the RDS Craft Awards was a natural step:

8 | MINERVA | APRIL 2016

FEATURE

EMERGING STAR Industry Salt & Pepper Shakers by Paula O’Callaghan.

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE From left: Committee of Arts Chair Joseph Lynch; Craft Working Group Chair Lorraine Egan; 2015 Award winners John Lee, Paula O'Callaghan and Joe Hogan; and, Design and Crafts Council of Ireland CEO Karen Hennessy.

“Before graduating I was taking stock of where I wanted to go

“Not only did I get the chance to sell my work directly to the

within the industry. I had a large body of work built up and felt

customer, I also had my work seen by many more people than I

that I would like to enter the RDS Craft Awards to have my

would have otherwise. Another advantage was to gain

jewellery evaluated by professionals, and within a national context.

experience in working at a big fair like that without the financial

When I realised that there was a new structure to the Awards

risk. There’s no question that this prize has been a huge boost to

whereby emerging practitioners were judged with other

my career. I’m very proud to have won an RDS Craft Award and

practitioners at a similar level I was delighted. It definitely made

people see the value in it as the standard of work for the Awards

the Awards seem more achievable for somebody at my level”.

is so very high”.

Winning the Award has been a major boost to her confidence, and

Another award, the IACI Muriel Gahan Award, offered a prize of

her career: “Winning was very affirming on both a professional and

€2,000 to a craftsperson to assist them in the development of their

personal level. The Award was incredibly beneficial as it allowed

business by funding equipment, materials, etc. This was won by

me to build up the necessary tools, equipment and resources that I

furniture designer Ryan Connolly. The winner of the Established

needed to produce my jewellery and develop new work. I now

Maker Award of Excellence was basketmaker Joe Hogan.

intend to develop new collections and gain more experience in the industry. I'm very grateful to the RDS Craft Awards; it’s such an

Continuing the good work

encouraging development for new emerging craftspeople to have

For the first time in 2016, the Craft Awards exhibition will occupy

these supportive awards more accessible to them”.

the entire RDS Concert Hall during the Horse Show, providing

The 2015 Awards also featured a new prize, the National Crafts

space for a greater number of exhibitors, and also for a new

& Design Fair Award, which gave the winner a stand, worth

feature – a demonstration area where visitors will be able to see

€2,000, at the National Crafts & Design Fair. the Fair takes place

makers at work. This year the featured crafts will be basketry and

in the RDS each December and is a major showcase for craft and

lacemaking, and they are sure to attract a crowd. After the Horse

design professionals. The winner of this Award was ceramic

Show, the entire exhibition will move to the National Museum of

artist Chloë Dowds.

Ireland – Country Life, in Turlough Park, Co. Mayo, and the

Chloë studied art, design and ceramics for nine years, including

winners will go on to exhibit at the National Crafts & Design Fair

the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s pottery course in

in the RDS in December.

Thomastown. For Chloë, the prestigious reputation of the RDS

For Joseph Lynch, this is the realisation of the goal of the RDS,

Craft Awards was an enormous attraction: “I was aware of the

and a reflection of the hard work of the three Committee of Arts

very high standard of work accepted by the competition. I knew it

Working Groups, in particular the Crafts Working Group: “We’re

would mean a lot to me to be considered in the same category as

delighted to increase the opportunities coming the way of

other exceptionally skilled craftspeople”.

emerging makers through the work of the Committee of Arts, and

Having the stand at the Craft Fair was a huge boost for Chloë as

of the Foundation Board of the RDS. We're very pleased with the

the owner of a small business.

Awards, and look forward to seeing what will happen this year”.

MINERVA | APRIL 2016 | 9

MEMBERSHIP

Use your Membership worldwide The RDS has reciprocal arrangements with clubs in more than 40 countries. Here is a flavour of what Members can expect.

The RDS maintains over 50 reciprocal club arrangements around

Membership card and RDS Members’ guests are permitted if

the world. When travelling, why not avail of this special

they are with a full RDS Member.

Membership benefit? It’s a treat to stay in one of our reciprocal

The RDS also has membership of the International Associate

clubs. All of these clubs will offer you facilities similar to our

Clubs (IAC), which means that you can also access over 250

own, and accommodation in many cases. In almost all cases, RDS

private members’ clubs in over 40 countries, including some golf

Members must present a letter of introduction with their valid

clubs and leisure facilities.

Belfast

London

Ulster Reform Club

The Lansdowne Club

The Ulster Reform Club is situated on Royal Avenue in the

Set in the heart of Mayfair, just off Berkeley Square in the West

heart of Belfast City Centre. The old sandstone building is set

End, the Lansdowne Club is a private members' club steeped in

in the middle of Belfast’s main shopping district with the rear-

history, where 18th century grandeur meets stylish Art Deco

facing rooms looking out over the Antrim Hills. It opens from

interior design with 21st century vitality. Officially becoming a

8.30am-5.00pm Monday to Friday. It offers a business room, a

Club in 1935, unlike its contemporaries The Lansdowne Club

snooker room, a fitness centre and a Members’ Bar. There is no

has admitted men and women as equal Members since its doors

accommodation but members receive preferential rates with

opened. With premium sports facilities, a range of bars and

the Malmaison and Jury’s Inn in Belfast. RDS Members must

dining, business amenities and accommodation, The Lansdowne

present a letter of introduction with their valid Membership

Club is able to meet all of its Members’ requirements.

card and RDS Members’ guests are permitted if they are with a

The Club has a dress code and etiquette rules that must be

full RDS Member.

observed. RDS Members must present a letter of introduction.

See: www.ulsterreformclub.com

See: www.lansdowneclub.com

10 | MINERVA | APRIL 2016

MEMBERSHIP

Hamburg

Melbourne

The Anglo-German Club

The Athenaeum Club

Established in 1948 and located in a lovely villa, which was built

Established in 1868, The Athenaeum Club is firmly established

in 1860, in glorious green surroundings in central Hamburg on

as one of Australia’s finest clubs. In a superb central city

the Alster lake, the Anglo German Club has a lobby and club

location, it provides unobtrusive and personal service with

rooms like an English country house. Compared to the plush

outstanding facilities. Dining facilities are available every

foyers of the luxury hotels where members go about their

weekday, commencing with a light breakfast from 7.00am with

business in the world's great cities, the accent here is on other

full breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as light snacks

values. The Club has a particularly high standard of dining. It is

throughout the day and right up to 1.00am. Accommodation is

open from 12 noon until 11.00pm from Monday to Friday, and

in 16 rooms ranging from single to club suites. Other facilities

offers lunch and dinner. It does not offer accommodation. RDS

include a lounge, billiards room, business centre, a wine-tasting

Members must present a letter of introduction with their valid

centre, heated swimming pool and steam room. RDS Members

Membership card and RDS Members’ guests are permitted if

must present a letter of introduction with their valid

they are with a full RDS Member.

Membership card and RDS Members’ guests are permitted if

See: www.anglo-german-club.de

they are with a full RDS Member.

See: www.athenaeumclub.com.au

New York Testimonials “As an RDS Member it was a wonderful experience to stay at the Lansdowne Club in London. I received a warm welcome and they were eager to introduce me to their facilities, which I found to be of a high standard. I no longer need to stay in a hotel when visiting London.”

Ruth Kennelly Maguire “One of the huge benefits of RDS Membership for me is the reciprocal clubs arrangement. I use the ones in the USA regularly, as I travel there The Penn Club

quite extensively. I have used the Penn Club and the Princeton Club in

The handsome Penn Club is located in the heart of mid-town

New York and they have proven to be extremely elegant and a much

Manhattan and is walking distance from Times Square, Fifth

more suitable option than any hotel, not to mention much better value

Avenue and the Rockefeller Centre. It is ‘home’ to thousands of

for money. I have already booked the Harvard Club in Boston for my

Penn alumni. Open daily from 7.00am to 11.00pm, the Club has

trip in April. I became a Member of the RDS last year and within two

extensive dining facilities, including casual dining in the stylish

trips to the US, what I'd saved by staying in a reciprocal club had paid

Grill Room. The Penn Club has 39 rooms with ensuite facilities,

my RDS subscription.”

and comes with a fitness centre, a business centre and a library

John McKeon

with newspapers among other extras. RDS Members must present a letter of introduction with their valid Membership card and RDS Members’ guests are permitted if they are with a full RDS Member.

See: www.pennclub.org

To find out more about our reciprocal clubs, ask in the Members’ Club or look on our website at www.rds.ie/reciprocalclubs.

MINERVA | APRIL 2016 | 11

MEMBERS' GALLERY

Societal gatherings Networking and education were to the fore in recent RDS events, as the Society celebrated the best in Irish business, and in STEM teaching and learning, at a number of events.

DISCUSSING THE VISION RDS Member Barre Fitzpatrick takes the microphone at the RDS Economic Vision 2020 talk by Bord Bia CEO Aidan Cotter.

THE VALUE OF CRAFT CEO of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and RDS Member Karen Hennessy was the most recent speaker at the RDS Economic Vision 2020 series.

FOUNDATION David Markey speaks to RDS Committee of Arts member Alison Hackett at the RDS Foundation Dinner.

PRESENTATION Hilary Hough presenting Mark Roden of Ding with an RDS Minerva Medal after his RDS Economic Vision 2020 presentation.

12 | MINERVA | APRIL 2016

MEMBERS' GALLERY

LIBRARY EXHIBITION At the recent launch of the Daniel Weinstock Exhibition in the RDS Library were (from left): Laura Mora, Mexican Embassy; Rafael Galetto, Embassy of Argentina (back turned); Enrique Palos, Mexican Embassy; and, Cuban Ambassador Dr Hermes Herrera.

SCIENCE FAIR Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan opening the inaugural RDS Primary Science Fair in Limerick in January.

MAKING CONNECTIONS From left: Ian Young, Irish International; Michael Gaynor, Toyota Ireland; and, Daniela Anna Schwander, Coolmore Manor Hotel, join in at the RDS Business Networking Breakfast on finding your brand and articulating it.

NETWORKING RDS Member and guest speaker Kay McCarthy of MCCP with RDS CEO Michael Duffy at the first Members’ Breakfast Briefing of 2016.

MINERVA | APRIL 2016 | 13

CALENDAR OF EVENTS OPEN TO MEMBERS

APRIL 13

Business Members’ Networking Breakfast Event –

APRIL 27

RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Minerva Suite – 6.30pm

Samuel Madden Room – 7.30am

Two Cities, One Book: Dublin, Belfast –

Sandra Hennessy, BeDynamic: 10 SEO tips

Turning a Novel Inside-Out and Upside

you need to know for your business

Down Lia Mills will describe the process of writing her novel Fallen – the Two Cities, One Book choice for 2016. She’ll talk about research and keeping your mind open to what it shows

13

you; about the stages of writing that lead from initial question to

Afternoon tea – Thomas Prior Room – 4.00pm-5.30pm.

finished book; and about how she – and the novel – changed

Advance booking essential.

along the way.

13

Ian Fox Talks – Celebrating Shakespeare in Music –

27

RDS Members’ Club – 12.00pm-1.15pm 19

Ian Fox Talks – Celebrating Shakespeare in Music – RDS Members’ Club – 12.00pm-1.15pm

RDS Economic Vison 2020 – RDS Merrion Room – 6.00pm

MAY

Colin Gordon, Chief Executive of Glanbia Consumer Products, will discuss the impact

3

RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Library – 6.30pm

that changing consumer tastes are having

Law and Insurgency: the Irish experience

on the Irish agri-food sector.

of 1916 On the 100th anniversary of the execution of Patrick Pearse, Thomas

20

MacDonagh and Thomas Clarke, Robert

RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Minerva Suite – 6.30pm

D. Marshall will examine the legal

Lords, Linen and Lace – The involvement of

framework available to the British Army in the aftermath of the

some O'Brien family members with the RDS

Rising and how it was applied.

Members of the O'Brien family have been involved with the RDS for over 250 years. In her talk, Veronica Rowe will cover some of the personalities and their undertakings with the Society, including Sir Lucius O'Brien in the eighteenth century, William Smith O'Brien in the nineteenth century, and Florence Vere O'Brien in the twentieth century.

20

Ian Fox Talks – Celebrating Shakespeare in Music RDS Members’ Club – 12.00pm-1.15pm

22

4

RDS Rising Stars concert – RDS Concert Hall – 7.30pm

5

Stated General Meeting – Minerva Suite – 6.00pm

9

'Ladies Who Lunch' with Grace O'Shaughnessy Members' Dining Room – 12.30pm-2.30pm. Cost applies.

11

Business Members’ Networking Breakfast Event Samuel Madden Room – 7.30am Rowan Manahan:

Celebrating Trees – A Visit to Kilmacurragh, Co. Wicklow,

The art and heart of speaking and with Head Gardener, Seamus O’Brien. Cost applies. presenting

Advance booking is essential for all Members' classes and events.

Please contact Susan Cox, Tel: 01 240 7244, email: members@rds.ie, or log on to www.rds.ie/.

RDS Members’ Club opening hours Monday to Friday: 9.00am-6.00pm

Food and Beverage Credit Remember to use your Members’ Club Food and Beverage Credit by October 31, 2016

14 | MINERVA | APRIL 2016

CALENDAR OF EVENTS OPEN TO MEMBERS

JULY

MAY 12

Afternoon tea – Thomas Prior Room – 4.00pm-5.30pm.

5

Advance booking essential.

22

Members' racing day at the Curragh.

7

Attend the Tattersalls 1000 Guineas. Cost applies.

24

RDS Economic Vison 2020 – RDS Merrion Room – 6.00pm

Tour of Ballsbridge with John Holohan, with lunch in the Members’ Club. Cost applies.

Afternoon tea – Thomas Prior Room – 4.00pm-5.30pm.

Advance booking essential.

13 – 15 2016 RDS Craft Awards Exhibition

Alex Duncan, founder and CEO of

Also open during the Dublin Horse Show

Openmind Networks, will share his company’s story, which has seen it

14 – 2/9 RDS Library Dublin Horse Show Exhibition Aga Khan: 90 years of the Nations Cup at the Dublin Horse Show

become a world leader in the ICT sector.

15

Members' visit to Kildare Village retail outlet.

Cost applies.

JUNE 2

20 – 24 Dublin Horse Show

Afternoon tea – Thomas Prior Room – 4.00pm-5.30pm.

Advance booking essential.

3–4

Lismore Opera Festival – An opportunity to attend Cosi

AUGUST 4

Fan Tutte, staying at Castlemartyr Resort, and visiting

Afternoon tea – Thomas Prior Room – 4.00pm-5.30pm.

Advance booking essential.

Cappoquin House and Richmond House. Cost applies.

9 8

Business Members’ Networking Breakfast Event

RDS Craft Award Exhibition opens in National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough Park, Co. Mayo

Samuel Madden Room – 7.30am Dominic Rumbles, Head of

16

9

RDS Members' visit to National Museum of Ireland –

Communications, World Rugby:

Country Life, Turlough Park, Co. Mayo

Successfully engaging your

An opportunity to attend the launch of the RDS Craft Awards

clients/followers through social media

Exhibition in the company of RDS President Matthew Dempsey

SEPTEMBER

Bloomsday breakfast with John Holohan – 1

Members’ Dining Room.

Afternoon tea – Thomas Prior Room – 4.00pm-5.30pm.

Advance booking essential

Be sure to come dressed for the occasion – a la 1904!

Cost applies.

9 24 – 26 Members’ trip to the 5th Robert Boyle Summer School,

RDS Library and Archives History of Agriculture Seminar RDS Library – 10.00am-5.00pm

Lismore, staying at Lismore House Hotel. Cost applies.

Member’s Evening Dining May June

6 3

20

Fine dining from 6.30pm on each

17

of these dates.

July

1

22 * *Dublin Horse Show

August

5

19

September

2

16

RDS Library Speaker Series4 Please join us for these fascinating presentations. Admission to lectures is free and open to the public, but booking is essential. Call 01-240 7254, email: librarydesk@rds.ie, or log on to www.rds.ie/speakerseries.

MINERVA | APRIL 2016 | 15

RDS HISTORY

History and husbandry In response to requests from Members to know more about the Society's history, RDS Collections Librarian NATASHA SERNE gives a brief account of RDS involvement in agriculture.

The minutes of the first meeting of the RDS in 1731 record the Society's founding aims as “improving husbandry [agriculture], manufactures and other useful arts…” in Ireland, and from its inception the RDS dedicated itself to the practical application of new technology in all these areas, particularly in agriculture.

Revolution The RDS was keen to apply the principles of the 18th century European agricultural revolution to Ireland, and founded a library to collect books on agricultural science, as well as asking Members to research a particular aspect of agriculture and present their findings at monthly meetings. The RDS introduced new ideas on agriculture to the public through their publications and lectures,

AGRICULTURAL INNOVATORS The RDS Spring Show, 1899.

and in 1733 secured the use of the vaults of the Irish Parliament

and Winter Show all became popular fixtures. The last RDS Spring

building for a public display of agricultural tools and equipment.

Show was held at Ballsbridge in 1992. The foundation of the

This display, believed to be one of the oldest of its kind in the

Department of Agriculture in the 20th century meant that the RDS

world, formed the origin of the RDS Museum, which later became

again found itself less directly involved in the management of Irish

the National Museum of Ireland. In 1739, Samuel Madden’s 'Letter

agriculture. During this period the Society concentrated on the

to the Dublin Society' proposed the introduction of a premium

development of its shows and showgrounds. In the late 1950s the

scheme offering money to projects. The first premiums were

RDS purchased land at Simmonscourt, which allowed it to expand

advertised in 1740, and funded many diverse agricultural projects

the agricultural machinery exhibits for the Spring Show.

until the Society ceased to administer them in the early 1800s.

In 1768 Parliament granted £7,000 to the Society to distribute to

Still innovative

individuals for agricultural and manufacturing improvements.

Today our innovative and supportive work in agriculture

Developments

Climate Smart Agriculture, which will report its findings this

By the beginning of the 19th century the RDS had redirected its

summer.

continues, with the latest initiative – the Leadership Forum on

efforts to the establishment and support of local farming societies.

The RDS was involved in the foundation of the Royal Agricultural

The RDS Archives hold a wealth of material relating to the

Society of Ireland in the 1840s and in 1880 the two societies merged.

Society’s involvement with Irish agriculture and one of its

The first Spring Show was held in 1831 in the grounds of Leinster

objectives is to promote its collections at national and

House. The Show, which consisted of exhibits of livestock and

international level, through events, publications and scholarly

agricultural equipment, proved a great success and was thereafter

research. This year the RDS Library and Archives Research

held annually. Eventually it outgrew its surroundings, and in the

Bursary of €8,000 has been awarded to Dr Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh,

late 1870s the RDS purchased land from the Earl of Pembroke at

who will explore the role of the RDS in the support and

Ballsbridge to hold the Spring Show and the Dublin Horse Show.

development of farming in Ireland. In September 2016 the

The Kingstown Railway ran a special siding into Ballsbridge, which

Library will host a conference on the history of agriculture in

allowed livestock to be delivered directly to the showgrounds.

Ireland, which will include presentations from Irish and

With the extra space at Ballsbridge the Society was able to expand

international agricultural historians.

its agricultural show programme, and the Bull Show, Dairy Show

16 | MINERVA | APRIL 2016