Minerva December 2011

Minerva_Dec_2011_Layout 1 01/12/2011 14:19 Page 1

ISSUE NO. 21 DECEMBER 2011

Minerva Magazine for Members of the Royal Dublin Society

BOYLE MEDAL Winner of the 2011 RDS Irish Times Boyle Medal for Scientific Excellence, Professor Margaret Murnane

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR SOCIETY THROUGH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION, USING THE MEMBERS’ CLUB AND YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN OUR ACTIVITIES

Minerva_Dec_2011_Layout 1 01/12/2011 14:19 Page 2

RDS

Minerva

Editorial

Minerva

Welcome to the winter edition of Minerva FONSIE MEALY RDS PRESIDENT DECEMBER 2011

ISSUE NO. 21 DECEMBER 2011

EDITOR JP Montgomery

CONTRIBUTORS Eileen Byrne Susan Cox Paul Farrelly Ann-Marie Hardiman Claire Mulhall JP Montgomery Paul O’Grady Orla Purcell Joanna Quinn Sarah Ross Karen Sheeran Gerard Whelan

Christmas is fast approaching and my first year

approved by the Council in 2010, has begun.

as President of the Society is drawing to a

The Foundation Board has been set up and its

close. It has been a very enjoyable but

main project currently is the drafting of the

challenging year. The economic situation has

Foundation Plan. The new Membership

had its impact on us all but, through the

Committee of Council will commence

endeavours of our committees and staff, the

operations in 2012. These and other initiatives

ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY Ballsbridge Dublin 4 T: 01 668 0866 F: 01 660 4014 www.rds.ie

Society has provided a varied and stimulating

will greatly increase the focus on the Society’s

programme of Foundation and Membership

Foundation objectives and activities.

events over the past 12 months.

Events to look forward to this month include a

I have particularly enjoyed meeting Members

performance by the Irish Chamber Orchestra

www.facebook.com/RDSdublin www.facebook.com/dublinhorseshow www.twitter.com/theRDS

from outside Dublin at special Members’

on December 17, the Christmas Carol Concert

events at the Balmoral Show and at Ballymaloe

with Proinnsías Ó Duinn and Our Lady’s Choral

Minerva: General: RDS Foundation: RDS Membership:

House. These events have proven to be an

Society on December 18, and the Christmas

excellent way for Members from a particular

Eve Lunch in the Members’ Club.

region to meet one another and share their

I hope 2012 will be a better year for the

views on the RDS.

country and I wish you and yours a very Happy

The implementation of the Strategic Plan,

Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Sub-editing and layout Think Media Ltd. Tel: 01 856 1166 www.thinkmedia.ie Print

Dual Printing

Distribution

Sooner Than Later

minerva@rds.ie info@rds.ie foundation@rds.ie members@rds.ie

Contents 3

December 2011

Membership Supporting the RDS Members’ Club

10 Editorial feature A family affair

Horse Show 2012 – a perfect gift

12 Calendar of events

www.rds.ie

4

Awards Top laser scientist awarded Boyle Medal Green-fingered allotment holders honoured

Minerva, the magazine for Members of the Royal Dublin Society is published tri-annually.

publication may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission.

7

Events RDS Rising Stars 2012 Spring Recital Series RDS Speaker Series

Page 2

December 2011

Restoring our treasures RDS Art Fair 2011

Any views expressed are not those necessarily held by the RDS or its Council. No part of this

14 Pictorial feature

16 CEO’s review of the year Building on strong foundations

Minerva_Dec_2011_Layout 1 01/12/2011 14:19 Page 3

Membership

Supporting the RDS Members’ Club The RDS Members’ Club

particularly drawn to First

team continues to work hard

Friday Dining, which has

to ensure the maximum

been re-introduced at a

enjoyment for Members and

reduced price of €34.50 for a

their guests. As Members can

three-course table d’hôte

now avail of a 10% discount

dinner. Members are

when paying for food and

reminded that they can use

beverages or room hire with

their 2011 food and beverage

their membership card, the

credit until December 24. All

Members’ Club continues to

dining can be booked directly

provide excellent value for

with the Members’ Club on

money. Your attention is

01 668 9244.

Important reminder to Members

Minerva

RDS

Horse Show 2012 – a perfect gift

Looking for the perfect gift this

missed! Plus, the RDS National

Christmas? Why not purchase

Crafts and Student Art Award

tickets for the 2012 Dublin

Winners Exhibition will be held

Horse Show?

during the Show. With so much

From the best in national and

on offer the Show really has

Members due to renew their

Upon receipt of payment in

international equestrian

something for everyone!

Membership in 2012 will

full, Members’ cards will be

competitions to shopping,

The 2012 Dublin Horse Show

shortly receive a renewal

validated for use in 2012 and

children’s entertainment and

online ticket booking is now

notice from the RDS.

a car park sticker and receipt

music, and Blossom Hill Ladies’

available on www.dublin

As Membership subscriptions

will be issued. Members not

Day on August 16, the 2012

horseshow.com, or book tickets

are an essential source of

due to renew in 2012 are

Horse Show, which runs from

from the Membership Desk,

income to the Society, your

asked to contact the

August 15-19, is one event

RDS Members’ Club, on

co-operation in prompt

Membership Desk on 01 240

next summer that is not to be

01 240 7296.

payment is much

7296 to receive their car

appreciated.

park sticker.

The Gift of Membership Reaching out to Members beyond Dublin

Membership of the RDS makes a truly special Christmas gift for friends and family.

n free access to the Dublin Horse Show; and, n an opportunity to support

Members can avail of some of

the Society’s Foundation Programme.

2011 saw a major initiative to

Munster-based Members. For

the many benefits of the

engage with Members

2012 the President plans to

Society, including:

outside Dublin. RDS President

host similar events in Galway

n use of the Members’ Club

Fonsie Mealy hosted a

in February, and in the

Members’ Breakfast at the

midlands in September.

n car parking;

Christmas should contact the

Balmoral Show in Belfast, and

Please enquire through the

n reciprocal clubs;

Membership Development

travelled to Ballymaloe in

Membership Desk if you wish

n networking events, recitals

Executive, Orla Purcell, on

Cork to host a lunch for

to attend one of these events.

and Library;

and concerts;

Members considering offering Membership as a gift this

01 240 7280.

December 2011

Page 3

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RDS

Minerva Awards

Top laser scientist awarded Boyle Medal

MEDAL WINNER Professor Margaret Murnane receives the RDS Boyle Medal from RDS President Fonsie Mealy (left), and Irish Times Editor Kevin O’Sullivan.

DISTINGUISHED IRISH SCIENTIST Professor Margaret Murnane with her husband, Henry Kapteyn.

Margaret Murnane,

awarded biennially –

Murnane said: “I am deeply

significant contribution to laser

Distinguished Professor at the

alternating between a scientist

grateful to be honoured with

and x-ray science. Not only is

University of Colorado at

based in Ireland and an Irish

this award. I am certain that I

her fundamental research

Boulder, in the United States,

scientist based abroad. This

would not be where I am

groundbreaking in itself, the

was conferred with the

year’s award celebrates the

today without the love for

application of her work has the

prestigious RDS Irish Times

work of an Irish researcher

learning instilled through the

potential to make a significant

Boyle Medal for Scientific

working outside Ireland and

strong education I received in

impact across virtually all

Excellence at an award

carries with it a cash prize of

Ireland. It is undoubtedly this

scientific and medical

ceremony in the RDS Concert

€20,000.

foundation which has given

disciplines”.

Hall on November 29, in

Professor Murnane’s work has

me the confidence to go out

The call for nominations for

recognition of her pioneering

focused on the development of

and put my stamp on the

the 2013 Boyle Medal, which

work, which has transformed

lasers that can operate at the

world. It makes it even more

will be awarded to a scientist

the field of ultra-fast laser and

fundamental limits of speed

significant to learn that I am

or pure mathematician

x-ray science.

and stability. She designed the

only the second female Boyle

ordinarily resident in Ireland,

Inaugurated in 1899, the Boyle

world’s fastest lasers, which

Medal Laureate in the

will go out in late 2012. For

Medal continues to recognise

allow time almost to be halted

Medal’s history”. Professor

further information, please

scientific research of

to capture a freeze-frame view

Murnane was born in

contact Karen Sheeran on 01

exceptional merit and since its

of the world. She has also

Limerick and is a graduate of

240 7289 or via email at

inception has been awarded to

developed a tabletop x-ray

University College Cork.

karen.sheeran@rds.ie, or visit

38 distinguished scientists. In

laser using very short laser

The 2011 RDS Irish Times Boyle

www.rds.ie/boylemedal. To

1999 the awarding of the

pulses to generate coherent

Medal International Judging

view a webcast of Professor

Boyle Medal became a joint

beams of x-rays.

Panel said: “Margaret Murnane

Murnane’s public lecture,

venture between the RDS and

Upon hearing the news that

is an international leader in her

please visit

The Irish Times. It is now

she had won, Professor

field and has made a

www.rds.ie/webcasts.

Page 4

December 2011

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Awards

Call for nominations

Minerva

RDS

Fire, water and fizzy fun!

The RDS is currently accepting nominations for the 2012 RDS Gold Medal for

The 2011 RDS Science Live

Industry and Commerce. The

series has seen another

Gold Medal is one of the

successful year. In June,

Society’s flagship awards. To

bursaries were awarded to

be nominated the individual

science and maths

must have shown

educators around the

considerable professional and

country to develop exciting,

leadership skills, and have an

interactive workshops.

outstanding track record in

Since September these

business achievement, which

workshops have been taking

has contributed to

place across Ireland and

employment and economic

have been engaging

development in Ireland.

Since its inception, the Medal has been awarded to many of

students and teachers in PRESTIGIOUS AWARD 2008 RDS Gold Medal recipient Kieran McGowan of the IDA.

Ireland’s most prominent

hands-on, practical science and maths challenges.

The call for applications to

business people, including:

IDA; and, Dr Bernard Collins

information, please see

the 2012 bursary fund will

Dr Peter Sutherland; Dr

of VHI Healthcare.

www.rds.ie/goldmedal, or

go out in February – see

Michael Smurfit; Sir Anthony

The closing date for

contact Paul Farrelly on 01

www.rds.ie/sciencelive for

O’Reilly; Dr Craig Barrett of

nominations is Tuesday,

240 7215 or via email at

more details.

Intel; Kieran McGowan of the

January 10, 2012. For further

industry@rds.ie.

Inaugural winner of RDS/Intel Prize Lecture for Nanoscience Professor Michael Coey of

of a pin. These tiny magnets

significant achievements

Trinity College Dublin has

are radically transforming

being made by Irish scientists

been awarded the inaugural

science and industry in

and scientists based in Ireland

RDS/Intel Prize Lecture for

Ireland, and will lead to the

in the field of nanoscience.

Nanoscience. Professor Coey

development of faster,

A webcast of Professor Coey’s

and his team are creating

smaller and more powerful

public lecture, entitled ‘Tales

magnets that are one million

computer and electronic

from the Nanoworld – billions

times smaller than the head

devices in the future.

of magnets for billons of

The RDS/Intel Prize Lecture

people’ is available to view on

for Nanoscience was

www.rds.ie/webcasts. For

established by the RDS in

further details of the 2012

partnership with Intel Ireland

award, please visit

in recognition of the

www.rds.ie/nanoscience.

NANO PRIZE Recipient of the inaugural RDS/Intel Prize Lecture for Nanoscience, Professor Michael Coey of TCD.

December 2011

Page 5

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RDS

Minerva Awards

2011 RDS–Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards

FARM FORESTRY AWARD WINNERS Patrick and Catherine Murphy with Minister of State Shane McEntee TD (right).

Green-fingered allotment holders honoured

ALLOTMENT AWARD WINNERS From left: RDS Novice Gardener Award Winners Jim Spain and Sean De Barra; RDS Allotment Provider Award Winner Maurice Patton; and, John Warren, winner of the RDS Experienced Gardener Award.

With a total prize fund of over

O’Loughlin and Catherine

The RDS–Forest Service Irish

went to Jack Tenison of

€3,000, the RDS Allotment

O’Shea of Pearse College

Forestry Awards, which seek

Lough Bawn, Castleblaney,

Awards recognise the hard

Allotments, Dublin, and Bernie

to promote excellence in

Co. Monaghan. The forest at

work, dedication and attention

Duggan and Etta Dalton

timber production for

Lough Bawn forms part of a

to detail of those involved in

of Piltown Allotments,

commercial use and to

historic demesne that has

allotment gardening.

Co. Kilkenny.

encourage diverse forest

been occupied since the late

The winner of this year’s

In the Experienced Gardener

habitats for ecological benefit,

16th Century. Jack has

Allotment Provider Award, a

category, first place, a cheque

were presented this year by

demonstrated great

cheque for €1,000 and an RDS

for €500 and an RDS Silver

Minister of State at the

individual commitment to

Silver Medal, was Ards

Medal went to John Warren of

Department of Agriculture,

biodiversity while at the same

Allotments, Co. Down, owned

Malahide, Co. Dublin. Runner-

Food and the Marine, Shane

time generating income from

by Maurice and Judith Patton.

up and recipient of an RDS

McEntee TD.

forestry, demonstrating that

The judging panel commended

Certificate of Merit and a

The winner of this year’s Farm

environmental and economic

Maurice and Judith for their

cheque for €300 was Helen

Forestry Award was Michael

objectives can be compatible.

work on the overall site, as well

Hume of Ards Allotments, Co.

Murphy from Clonmel, Co.

The winner of this year’s

as their support for growers.

Down. Third place and a

Tipperary. Great commitment

Judges’ Special Award was

The winners of the Novice

cheque for €200 went to

has been shown by Michael

John Jackson of Co. Donegal.

Gardener Award, a cheque for

Zwena McCullough of Hydro

and his son Patrick in their

John has made a very

€500 and an RDS Silver Medal,

Farm, Co. Cork. In addition to

work; the plantation has been

significant contribution to

were Jim Spain and Sean De

the two award categories, a

well integrated into the local

farm forestry both on a

Barra, of Rathbeggan Lakes

Judges’ Special Award was

landscape and every effort has

national basis and in

Allotments, Co. Meath. Second

presented to George Kenny, of

been made to accommodate

particular in his native

place, an RDS Certificate of

Pearse College Allotments.

wildlife and biodiversity.

Donegal since he first became

Merit and a cheque for €300

George’s passionate interest in

The Bio-Diverse

involved in forestry in the

went to Helena Kessie of Fingal

horticulture, and generosity in

Forestry/Woodlands Award

early 1990s.

Allotments, Co. Dublin. Third

sharing his expertise, has been

place was shared by Deborah

an inspiration to all.

Page 6

December 2011

Minerva_Dec_2011_Layout 1 02/12/2011 12:06 Page 7

Events

Minerva

RDS

Supported by Members. Where are they now…?

In 2012 the Society will

London. She sang the lead

with the highest honours for

celebrate the 10th anniversary

(Lauretta) in Puccini’s Gianni

saxophone from his studies in

of the RDS Music Bursary

Schicci at the Royal Opera

Paris. He also won the

Award, so we decided to have

Covent Garden in September.

premiere prix of his graduating

a look at a selection of the

Violinist Maria Ryan was the

saxophone class, the Medaille

previous winners to see where

winner of the coveted

d’Or and the Medaille d’Or

they are now.

Heineken Violin Competition in

l’Unanimite in chamber music.

Redmond O’Toole was the

2010. She is currently based in

Our most recent winners,

inaugural winner in 2003 and

London, where she was

Joseph Ryan and Roisin

today he continues his

appointed to the prestigious

Walters, continue their studies

professional performance

position of leader of the

and we wait with anticipation

career on the ‘Brahms guitar’.

Southbank Sinfonia for the

to see where their careers will

Anna Devin won in 2007 and is

2010 season. In 2009,

take them. The 2012 RDS

now a member of the Jette

saxophonist Patrick Hughes

Music Bursary will take place in

Parker Young Artist Programme

won the award and continued

April; further details will follow

at the Royal Opera House,

his studies, graduating in 2011

in due course.

RDS Rising Stars 2012 Spring Recital Series

BURSARY WINNER Violinist Roisin Walters was the winner of the 2011 RDS Music Bursary.

2012 – a look ahead The Members’ programme for 2012 promises a wide variety

first come, first served basis. n The annual Members’

The RDS Rising Stars Spring

association with the Dublin

of activities:

Cultural Trip overseas will see

Recital Series will commence in

International Piano

n The RDS Members’ Day at

Members travel to Budapest

February 2012. Taking place

Competition and will feature

Punchestown will take place

on Mondays in the RDS

the Irish entrants in the

on Wednesday April 25,

Concert Hall at 1.00pm, each

Competition. To see the best

costing €130 per person

Programme will feature

hour-long event is free of

of Ireland’s upcoming musical

including transport by

heritage trips, the

charge and no advance

talent, mark February 13, 20

luxury coach, VIP access to

annual outing

booking is required.

and 27, and March 5, in your

Punchestown Racecourse,

to the

This series of recitals will run in

2012 diaries.

race cards, four-course

Wexford

buffet lunch, and much

Opera Festival,

more. This event books out

and trips to the

well in advance and places

ballet, theatre

are allocated on a strictly

and opera.

Bridge at the RDS

for four nights in May. n The Members’ Cultural

Classes for intermediate

contact Susan Cox on 01

players will commence on

240 7296, or via email at

Monday, January 23 at

members@rds.ie to book.

10.30am, and beginners’

Afternoon bridge playing will

classes will start on the same

recommence on Tuesday,

Joining the Fitness League

active will increase long-term

day at 2.30pm. Courses are

January 24 at 2.30pm and

Active Retired Class will

independence.

subject to numbers and cost

evening bridge playing takes

improve overall health, boost

Please contact Susan Cox on

€80 for Members and €120

place in the Library every

energy levels and build

01 240 7296 for more

for non-Members. Please

Wednesday from 7.00pm.

confidence. Staying physically

information.

League of Health at the RDS

December 2011

Page 7

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RDS

Minerva Events

RDS Speaker Series

Dr Marie Bourke

Dr John Bowman

David Davison

Kevin and Emer Rockett

Dr Marie Bourke – ‘The Story of Irish Museums 1790-2000’

Dr John Bowman – ‘Window and Mirror: RTÉ Television 1961-2011’

David Davison – ‘Fr Browne, From Titanic to Kangaroobie’

Kevin and Emer Rockett – ‘The Magic Lantern in Ireland’

February 29

March 7

April 11

April 18

Dr Bourke will discuss the

Dr Bowman, broadcaster and

Following the Titanic disaster,

Drawn from the recently

stories, histories and

historian, will talk about the

Fr Frank Browne SJ enjoyed

published Magic lantern,

evolution of Irish museums

subject of his recently

worldwide fame as his

panorama and moving picture

and galleries over the past

published book Window and

photographs of the first leg of

shows in Ireland, 1786-1909,

three centuries. What started

Mirror: RTÉ Television, 1961-

the fateful voyage were wired

this illustrated lecture will

as a ‘cabinet of curiosities’

2011.

around the globe. This

outline the history of the

that formed an important

Dr John Bowman has been a

presentation will include his

subject in Ireland, highlighting

asset in a gentleman’s home

Member of the RDS for 40

Titanic images, as well as a

its cultural role from the early

would become, in the new

years. His career in radio and

selection of his other work.

nineteenth century.

millennium, museums and

TV has covered a wide

David Davison is a professional

Kevin Rockett is a professor

galleries that are at once

spectrum of current affairs

photographer specialising in

of film studies in Trinity

virtual and physical spaces.

reportage including both

architecture and the fine arts.

College Dublin.

Dr Marie Bourke is Keeper

political and cultural aspects

He established the Course in

Emer Rockett has lectured on

and Head of Education at the

of contemporary Irish society.

Professional Photography at

and written about various

DIT, and is deeply interested in

aspects of visual culture.

National Gallery of Ireland.

the history of photography.

All talks are held in the Minerva Suite at 6.00pm (unless otherwise stated). For bookings and information, please contact 01 240 7254, email: librarydesk@rds.ie, or log on to www.rds.ie/speakerseries.

The Big Bang – is it true?

Immunology lectures

The 2012 RDS Tyndall Lecture

Physics in Ireland, this lecture

On Friday, March 9 at

lectures will be on how our

‘Big Bang – is it true?’ will be

is suitable for students in

10.00am, the RDS in

body seeks and destroys

presented by Dr Cormac

transition year and above.

association with the Irish

invaders. Admission to this

O’Raifeartaigh from Waterford

Admission to this event is free

Society for Immunology will

event is €2 per student and

Institute of Technology on

but places must be booked in

host the annual morning of

places must be booked in

Thursday, February 2, at 12

advance. For further

immunology lectures for

advance. For further

noon and 2.00pm. Organised

information, please visit

those in transition year and

information, please visit

by the RDS and the Institute of

www.rds.ie/science.

above. The focus of the

www.rds.ie/science.

Page 8

December 2011

Minerva_Dec_2011_Layout 1 02/12/2011 11:59 Page 9

Events

Eucharistic Congress 2012 at the RDS The 50th International

diverse range of areas –

Eucharistic Congress will take

hospitality, media, transport,

place in Ireland from June 10

translation, logistics and

to 17, 2012. All of the events

stewards – to work for the week

during the week-long Congress

of the Congress, and to assist

(apart from the concluding

from now until June 2012.

Mass) will be held in the RDS,

If you are interested in

where the offices of Congress

volunteering, please check out

have been based since

the volunteer page on the

February 2011.

website, www.iec2012.ie, or

Some 25,000 people are

email volunteer@iec2012.ie. If

expected to attend, and the

you would like to attend the

Congress will need two to three

Congress you can book now on

thousand volunteers across a

www.iec2012.ie.

Primary science

EXCITING EXPERIMENTS A sixth-class student from Rathbeggan National School at the RDS Primary Science Fair.

Minerva

RDS

British–Irish Chamber at the RDS

BRITISH–IRISH CHAMBER From left: Simon McKeever, Director of Trade & Investment at the British Embassy; Paul Caplis, Head of Investment at the British Embassy; Michele Griffin, Commercial Director at the RDS; Feargal Naughton, President of the British–Irish Chamber; and, Peter Byrne, Interim Chief Executive at the British–Irish Chamber.

The RDS was founded nearly

Eamon Gilmore TD to coincide

three centuries ago by 14

with the historic visit of HM

Irishmen who came together

Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland in

to improve the economic

May 2011.

condition of the country by

The British–Irish Chamber of

promoting agriculture, arts,

Commerce is a not-for-profit

industry and science. Most

membership-based

recently the Society has

organisation, with the mission

supported the formation of

to use its activities to increase

the new British–Irish Chamber

British–Irish business and

of Commerce, which was

investments and be an

launched by the Right Hon.

effective voice for its members

William Hague MP and

and the British–Irish

Minister for Foreign Affairs

community as a whole.

The 2012 RDS Primary Science

Students from fourth, fifth and

Fair will take place from

six class in the Republic of

January 12-14, at the BT

Ireland and Key Stage 2 in

Young Scientist and

Northern Ireland will present

Technology Exhibition in the

their class projects with topics

The business networking

Executive of Goldman Sachs

RDS. The Fair is a key part of

including forensic science,

programme will continue in

Ireland and former Irish

the RDS Foundation

earthworms, the weather and

2012 in association with

international rugby player;

programme and provides an

even erupting volcanoes!

the British–Irish Chamber

Tony Carroll, Manager of

opportunity for 3,000

Entry tickets are available for

of Commerce.

Sustainability and Corporate

students from 120 primary

purchase on the door. For

Speakers will include:

Responsibility at ESB Electric

schools across Ireland to

further information, please

JP Donnelly, Chief Executive

Ireland; and, Giles O’Neill,

display their class science

visit www.rds.ie/

of Ogilvy Ireland;

Regional Director,

projects at a major exhibition.

primarysciencefair.

Hugo MacNeill, Chief

Enterprise Ireland.

Business networking at the RDS

December 2011

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RDS

Minerva

Feature

A family affair Membership of the RDS has a lot to offer. Minerva spoke to two families who are passing on the gift of Membership to the next generation.

F

rom its establishment almost three centuries ago, the RDS

Leaving Certificate, and is enthusiastic about how being able to use

has depended for the advancement of its Foundation

the Library to study helped him in his preparation for examinations.

activities on both the financial contribution of its

“The Library was very quiet and was open when school was

Members and on the time given by so many to service on

closed during the holidays,” he says. “It was also very

committees and participation in the Society’s activities. This

comfortable, and close to the shops!”

involvement carries on down the generations, as Members

These days George runs Irish Rugby Tours, a sports travel agency

encourage their families to become involved in turn, and it has

and tour operator, and finds his Membership of the Society

never been more important than now, when economic

extremely useful for his business. “We use the RDS for meetings,

circumstances and the volume of work required to implement the

parking, and of course proximity to Leinster matches.” He often

Society’s Strategic Plan are creating new challenges.

ties meals and meetings in with matches, and particularly appreciates the allocation of Members’ credits for food and

Ingrid and George Hook

beverages, which he finds very helpful.

Ingrid Hook first joined the RDS over 30 years ago. She was

Family connection has been important: “I would almost certainly

prompted to join by work considerations – she worked at the

not have joined if my mother had not been a Member”. He now

Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s headquarters on Shrewsbury Road

recommends Membership to friends, and one, a solicitor, has

and wished to have access to the RDS Library.

recently become a Member also.

“It was a case of convenience and location,” she says, and over the years she made use of the Library and dining facilities, and retained her Membership even when the Pharmaceutical Society moved premises.

Throughout the following years, life and family responsibilities meant that she did not use the Society’s facilities as much as she would have liked, but she retained her Membership and was eventually able to use her skills in the Society’s service.

“When retirement loomed, I took the chance to become more actively involved, and offered my services to the RDS Committee of Science and Technology.” When a vacancy arose on the Committee, she was happy to become involved and has been using her scientific background and administrative experience to good effect, working with the Committee to help develop its strategic framework for the next five years.

Ingrid has also encouraged family members to become Members, taking Membership for her mother, and encouraging her son George to become involved.

George has been a Member since he was a student studying for his

Page 10

December 2011

FAMILY CONNECTION Ingrid and George Hook Jnr.

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Feature

Minerva

RDS

Col Billy and Fergal Ringrose The name of Col Billy Ringrose will be a very familiar one to RDS Members. A Past President of the Society from 1998-2001, he is of course best known for his involvement with the Irish showjumping team, both as a prize-winning rider and as Chef d’Equipe of the legendary three-in-a-row Aga Khan Trophy winning team of the late 1970s.

Col Ringrose first became involved with the RDS through the famous Irish Army Equitation School. He had come into contact with another eminent RDS Member, Judge Wylie, in McKee Barracks, and was nominated for Membership in 1976. In addition to his competitive involvement, Col Ringrose has also served on the Equestrian Committee.

Although his time as an officer of the Society has come to an end, Col Ringrose still enjoys active Membership of the RDS. “I frequently attend lectures and use the Library,” he says. “I particularly like scientific events. There’s an extraordinary range

PAST PRESIDENT Colonel Billy Ringrose.

of activities and I go to anything that takes my fancy.”

He mentions a recent talk featuring Irish rugby hero Jack Kyle as

Fergal first joined the RDS some years ago, but his membership

an event he particularly enjoyed.

lapsed while he lived abroad. He renewed his membership when

Col Ringrose has also passed his interest in the Society to his son

he returned to Ireland about 15 years ago. Fergal spends a great

Fergal, who is editor of Europe’s broadcast technology magazine

deal of time abroad for work, but he and his father attend rugby

TVB Europe. He too joined because of the strong family

matches together at the Aviva Stadium and go the RDS for pre-

connection. “My father was always keen for us to support the

rugby lunch beforehand. The Ringrose family also avail of the

Society.”

Members’ Club facilities for family events.

Christmas at the RDS Christmas Concert is held

dining in the Club. Finally, a

Christmas is always a very

team will provide a festive

special time at the RDS for

lunch from Monday to

on Sunday, December

special Christmas Eve Lunch is

Members, staff and their

Friday as usual, and on

18. The Irish Chamber

held from 12 noon on

families. It is a time when we

the first three Friday

look back and reflect upon the

nights of December

many achievements of the

for evening dining.

Society throughout the year

In addition, a

and celebrate the holiday at our

special

Saturday,

Dining Room. Members are

annual Members’ Christmas

Christmas lunch

December 17 –

advised to book well in

Concert. There is a wonderful

for Members

Members’ can

advance for all Christmas

atmosphere in the Members’

attending the

also book for

dining arrangements. Contact

Club, where Brian Kelly and his

Members’

pre-concert

Brian Kelly on 01 668 9244.

Orchestra performs a seasonal symphony of song in the RDS Concert Hall on

Christmas Eve, with Carols and mulled wine in the Library and three-course lunch followed by mince pies in the Members’

December 2011

Page 11

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RDS

Minerva

Calendar of events

All information is correct at time

Remember to come to your

of going to print. Members

Members’ Club when attending

should telephone reception on

events at the RDS. Phone

01 240 7296 or visit www.rds.ie

01 668 9244 to book.

to verify dates, times and locations.

DECEMBER 30/11 – 4/12National Crafts and Design Fair – Hall 1 2 RDS Members’ Event: Evening Dining – 6.30pm – Members’ Club 2 Rabo Direct Pro 12: Leinster v Cardiff Blues – Main Arena 2–3 CFA Institute Examinations – Hall 8D 8 The Palestrina Choir – RDS Concert Hall 8 – 22 UCD Exams – Hall 1 9 RDS Members’ Event: Evening Dining – 6.30pm – Members’ Club 10 – 11 Hallelujah Chorus – Hall 8C 14 – 15 The Priests in Concert – RDS Concert Hall 16 RDS Members’ Event: Evening Dining – 6.30pm – Members’ Club 17 Irish Chamber Orchestra Pre-concert Supper – 5.00pm – Members’ Club 17 Irish Chamber Orchestra – Seasonal Symphony of Song – RDS Concert Hall 18 RDS Members’ Event: Pre-concert Lunch – 12 noon – Members’ Club 18 Members’ Christmas Concert – RDS Concert Hall 19 Music Solutions – RDS Concert Hall 24 RDS Members’ Event: Christmas Eve Family Lunch – 12 noon – Members’ Club 26 Rabo Direct Pro 12: Leinster v Ulster – Main Arena 26/12 – 10/1 Funderland – Hall 8C JANUARY 11 – 14 11

12 – 14 14 14 – 21

Page 12

BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition – Hall 1 Members’ outing to Little Women at the Gate Theatre and pre-theatre dinner – 5.00pm – Members’ Club RDS Primary Science Fair – 9.30am-5.30pm daily – Hall 3 Chartered Accountants Examinations – Hall 8C The Insurance Institute of Ireland Examinations – Hall 8D

December 2011

17

RDS Members’ Event: Top Twenty Piano Talk – 12 noon – Members’ Conference Room 20 – 22 Heineken Cup: Leinster v Montpellier – Main Arena 23 – 12/3 Intermediate Bridge Classes – 10.30am – Members’ Conference Room 23 – 12/3 Beginners Bridge Classes – 2.30.pm – Members’ Conference Room 24 RDS Members’ Event: Afternoon bridge playing – 2.30pm – Members’ Club 24 RDS Members’ Event: Top Twenty Piano Talk – 12 noon – Members’ Conference Room 25 RDS Business Breakfast: JP Donnelly, CEO of Ogilvy Ireland – 7.30am – Thomas Prior Room 27 Members’ Themed Dining – 6.00pm – Members’ Club 27 – 29 Holiday World – Hall 8C 28 The Guinness Choir with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in Elijah – RDS Concert Hall 28 – 29 Bride of the Year Show – Hall 1 FEBRUARY 1 – 29 RDS Library Exhibition: ‘An Anatomical School in Cork – John Woodroffe and the Cork Anatomists’ – 10.00am-5.00pm (Monday to Friday) – RDS Library 2 Tyndall Lecture on Physics for Schools: The Big Bang – Is It True? – 12 noon and 2.00pm – RDS Concert Hall 3 RDS Members’ Event: Evening Dining – 6.30pm – Members’ Club 10 – 12 Rabo Direct Pro 12: Leinster v Benetton Treviso – Main Arena 11 Members’ outing to Rathsallagh and Russborough 11 Irish Chamber Orchestra – World Premiere – RDS Concert Hall 13 RDS Rising Stars Spring Recital Series – 1.00pm – RDS Concert Hall

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Calendar of events

Minerva

RDS

Members are reminded to save the following key dates in their diaries for 2012: April 25 – RDS Members’ Day at the Punchestown Festival May 3 – Stated General Meeting of the RDS June 8 – RDS Annual Golf Outing to Dun Laoghaire Golf Club August 15-19 – Dublin Horse Show December 6 – Stated General Meeting of the RDS

15

15 17 – 19 18 – 19 20 22 22 – 23 23 – 24 25 – 26 27 29

MARCH 2 2–4 2–5 5 7

8 8 9 11

RDS Business Breakfast: Hugo MacNeill, CEO of Goldman Sachs and former Irish International Rugby Player – 7.30am – Thomas Prior Room Postgradireland fair – Hall 1 Rabo Direct Pro 12: Leinster v Scarlets – Main Arena Divine Mercy Apostolate Conference – Hall 1 RDS Rising Stars Spring Recital Series – 1.00pm – RDS Concert Hall RDS Members’ Event: Vino & Verdi – 7.00pm – Minerva Suite Facilities Management Ireland incorporating Health & Safety Ireland – Hall 1 RDS-EAAE Price Volatility and Farm Income Stabilisation Seminar – RDS Concert Hall The Music Show – Hall 1 RDS Rising Stars Spring Recital Series – 1.00pm – RDS Concert Hall RDS Speaker Series: Dr Marie Bourke – The Story of Irish Museums 1790-2000 – 6.00pm – Minerva Suite

RDS Members’ Event: Evening Dining – 6.30pm – Members’ Club Working Abroad Expo – RDS Concert Hall Whyte & Sons Auctioneers Ltd – Hall 6 RDS Rising Stars Spring Recital Series – 1.00pm – RDS Concert Hall RDS Speaker Series: Dr John Bowman – Window and Mirror: RTÉ Television 1961-2011 – 6.00pm – Minerva Suite Members’ outing to Glasnevin Cemetery RDS Augustine Henry Forestry Lecture – 7.30pm – Minerva Suite Weapons of Mass Destruction of the Immune System – 10.00am – RDS Concert Hall Spring Clean for Charity Event – Hall 2

11 – 12 16 18 – 5/4

23

23 – 25 25 – 27 28

28 – 29 31

Irish Beauty Show – Hall 8C Members’ Event: Oscar Wilde Theatre dinner – 700pm – Thomas Prior Room RDS Library Exhibition: Exhibition of Eugene Lambert Puppets – 10.00am-5.00pm (Monday to Friday) – RDS Library Members’ outing to Cinderella Ballet at the Grand Canal Theatre and pre-theatre dinner – 5.00pm – Members’ Club Rabo Direct Pro 12: Leinster v Ospreys – Main Arena Furniture & Homes Accessories Fair – Hall 8A RDS Business Breakfast: Tony Carroll, Manager of Sustainability, ESB Electric Ireland – 7.30am – Thomas Prior Room Energy Show – Hall 1 Irish Chamber Orchestra – Lyrical Landscapes – RDS Concert Hall

APRIL 1 Credit Union Schools Quiz – Hall 1 10/4 – 3/5 Charity Expo – Hall 4 11 RDS Speaker Series: David Davison – Fr Browne, from Titanic to Kangaroobie – 6.00pm – Minerva Suite 13 – 15 Rabo Direct Pro 12: Leinster v Edinburgh – Main Arena 14 – 15 Pregnancy & Baby Fair – Hall 8C 16 Members’ outing to Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium 18 RDS Business Breakfast: Giles O’Neill, Regional Director Enterprise Ireland Europe – 7.30am – Thomas Prior Room 18 RDS Speaker Series: Kevin and Emer Rockett – The Magic Lantern in Ireland – 6.00pm – Minerva Suite 25 RDS Members’ Day at Punchestown – 12 noon – Punchestown Racecourse 27 Members’ Themed Dining – 6.00pm – Members’ Club

December 2011

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RDS

Minerva

Pictorial feature

Restoring our treasures The Membership Affairs Committee and the Committee of Arts advised on a project to conserve some of the artworks or ‘Treasures’ this year. In total, ten pictures were conserved and one frame was restored. If you are interested in seeing the results, why not come on one of our monthly Tours & Tea? Contact the Membership Desk on 01 240 7296 to book.

RESTORATION Intern Pearl O'Sullivan works on cleaning one of the Society's pictures.

RDS 280 EXHIBITION Henry Sandon of The Antiques Roadshow with Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD, pictured in front of the restored portrait of Isaac Weld.

UNCOVERING TREASURES Pearl O'Sullivan cleans the portrait of Isaac Weld.

CLEANING PEG The Society's recently cleaned portrait of Peg Woffington receives a coat of varnish from art conservator Roland Hulme-Beaman.

Page 14

December 2011

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Pictorial feature

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Art Fair 2011 Art Fair 2011 took place from November 4-6, and is Ireland’s largest and most popular art fair, with over 100 galleries and artists taking part, and thousands of art lovers in attendance every year.

December 2011

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RDS

Minerva

CEO’s review of the year

Building on strong foundations It’s evident that traditional values underpin the performance of the Society as Chief Executive Michael Duffy reviews the year.

Implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Foundation activities was

operation of five-star hotels. We wish London & Regional Plc every

a priority for the officers, management and staff of the Society in 2011.

success in the coming years.

The plan, which was agreed as a result of the adoption of the strategic

Looking to the future, we are considering the development of the

review in October 2010, sees a notable increase in the scope and range

Main Arena, with plans to increase its capacity for Leinster rugby

of the Foundation activities. There is a new Foundation Board, a new

matches from 18,500 to 23,000 and to construct a new all-seated

Library Committee, and a new Membership Committee, all of which

Angelsea Stand.

are structures designed to support the implementation of the strategy.

Together with other new ventures we are exploring, it means that

Together with the Standing Committees, these new structures have

there is scope for further steady and progressive development of the

among their objectives a more involved and engaged membership.

Society’s facilities.

Links between the Standing Committees and the membership are being strengthened by this new activity and there are now more ways

Commercial performance

for Members to get involved in the Society. Communications with

Despite the incredibly challenging trading conditions, the RDS

Members have also been increased and improved.

continues to attract excellent shows organised by strong clients.

There has been a good response to the introduction of Corporate

Bookings for 2012 are broadly in line with 2011, while the

Membership, which allows companies to nominate four executives

International Eurcharistic Congress will be a major event for five days

to avail of the Society’s facilities. Membership numbers generally are

in June 2012. These major, once-off events (such as the Tutankhamun

stable too, reflecting that greater level of engagement.

exhibition this year) are very important additions to our base of regular shows, concerts and sporting events. Thankfully, we have an excellent

Planning pays off

location, a strong brand, and a well-earned reputation for the high

Special mention must be made of the success of the Discover Ireland

level of operational capability of our staff. These have held up under

Dublin Horse Show. Several years of hard work and investment

the economic pressure of the times.

culminated in a particularly successful Show this year. Crucial to its success has been a restructured programme (more than 30 changes in

Hard work

the last four years); broadening the range of entertainment; improved

I wish to compliment – and thank – the officers, committee members,

marketing; and investment in our facilities. A great deal of this hard

management, staff and wide range of Members and volunteers for all

work was evolutionary progress and yielded a highly successful Show.

your various contributions to the Society. Through hard work and

It augurs well for 2012.

exceptional service you have ensured a successful year for the RDS. The Society is built on your traditional values of service and progress

Planning pays off – part two

and these are firm foundations for any organisation.

The construction of the Society’s office buildings came to fruition this year, when the second building was fully let. The second phase of planning permission runs until 2014 and allows for the development of a further two office buildings. The Society will consider the options over the coming year in relation to the second phase of development.

Another notable event was the acquisition of the Four Seasons Hotel

by London & Regional Plc, a large company already engaged in the

Page 16 December 2011

Chief Executive December 2011