DECEMBER 2015
MINERVA I S S U E N O. 3 3
/
FOR MEMBERS OF THE RDS
RDS SCIENCE INNOVATION Seeing science in a different light
EDITORIAL
MINERVA Welcome to the December Minerva
Editor
Diarmuid Hanifin
As President, I am often called upon to sing
Contributors
effort and resources of our Members. It has
Susan Cox
the praises of the RDS, but at a recent lunch
been a very successful year, with our work
Michael Duffy
Paul Farrelly
for new Members I had the opportunity to
programme having an increasingly
Ann-Marie Hardiman
Catherine Jordan
listen to someone else extol its virtues
recognised impact. I would like to thank all
Claire Mulhall
Paul O’Grady
instead. Kay McCarthy is one of the most
the Members involved, and the
Dara O’Leary
Joanna Quinn
respected professionals in Irish advertising,
professional staff who have helped to make
Eileen Byrne
Gerard Whelan
Design and Production Sub-editing and layout
Think Media Ltd. Tel: 01 856 1166 www.thinkmedia.ie Impress Printing Sooner than later
Print Distribution
as well as being a recent RDS Member. Her
this happen.
validation of the benefits of Membership,
Finally, I would like to wish you and your
and of the work programme that fulfils the
family a very happy Christmas and a
core aim of the Society, was refreshing and
peaceful New Year.
invigorating, and made me appreciate anew this inimitable organisation. It’s important to remember that like much in life, you get out of RDS Membership
ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY
what you put in. And the RDS expects you
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
to contribute in some way beyond your
T: 01 668 0866 F: 01 660 4014
Membership. One way that you can do this
www.rds.ie
is by encouraging others to join, perhaps by
www.facebook.com/RDSdublin www.facebook.com/dublinhorseshow
giving the ‘Gift of RDS Membership’ as a
www.twitter.com/theRDS
Christmas present this year. Perhaps the person you have in mind is in business and
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info@rds.ie
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foundation@rds.ie
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the practical elements of the Club appeal, or perhaps they are impassioned by our work programme. Whatever the reason, your gift will be totally unique.
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.
One of the elements that make the RDS unique is the collective wisdom, voluntary
MATTHEW DEMPSEY RDS PRESIDENT DECEMBER 2015
Contents DEPARTMENT CONTACTS
3
Arts
(01) 240 7255
arts@rds.ie
Equestrian
(01) 240 7296
equestrian@rds.ie
RDS Gold Medal for Industry
(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
RDS Rising Stars
Agriculture &
Great expectations: RDS Membership
12 Members' gallery A pictorial reminder of recent events
6
8
Industry & Commerce
10 Membership
Irish Forestry Awards
Science & Technology
Events
(01) 240 7215
industry@rds.ie
2 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015
Feature Celebrating the curious
14 Calendar of Members' events
Feature
16 Review of the year
Innovation in science education
With RDS CEO Michael Duffy
EVENTS
RDS Gold Medal An annual highlight in the RDS calendar is the presentation of the RDS Gold Medal for Industry. A celebration of indigenous Irish business success, the annual lunch saw this year’s recipient Gary McGann presented with the Medal by RDS President Matthew Dempsey. Former CEO of one of Ireland’s most successful multinationals, Smurfit Kappa Group, Gary oversaw the creation of this company with the merger of the two
GOLD MEDAL Former Smurfit Kappa Group CEO Gary McGann (right) was the worthy winner of this year's RDS Gold Medal for Industry. Gary is pictured receiving his award from RDS President Matthew Dempsey (centre) and CEO Michael Duffy.
packaging giants Jefferson Smurfit and Kappa. His
was CEO of Aer Lingus and
Power, Aon Insurance and
remarkable and the RDS was
impressive track record
Gibneys, respectively. Gary is
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.
very pleased to be able to
extends to the aviation and
on the boards of many
Gary’s impact in the world of
acknowledge this in a fitting
drinks industries, where he
companies, including Paddy
Irish business has been
tribute to him.
Ticket sales for the 2016 Dublin Horse Show opened this month To book 2016 Horse Show
book tickets for non-Member
tickets, please contact the
guests at the same time.
Members’ Desk on 01 240 7296.
Members, due to renew their
As an RDS Member, you may
membership for 2016, may do
pre-book a complimentary
so at the time of booking their
seated stand ticket for
complimentary Dublin Horse
anywhere available within the
Show ticket.
Main Arena on any of the five
Alternatively, those due to
days of the Show, which next
renew can do so online using
year will run from July 20-24.
the Membership number and
Please note the allocation of
pin number supplied in their
complimentary tickets for
renewal notice, over the
Members is done on a first
telephone on 01 240 7296 or by
come - first served basis so
sending a direct debit mandate
early booking is strongly
or cheque to RDS Membership,
advised. Members may also
RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
AGA KHAN VICTORY The winning Irish team at this year’s Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show.
MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 3
EVENTS
RDS – Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards In many ways, nothing
recognised had connections to
foundation of the Society.
forestry brings. Pat planted his
represents the past, present and
the RDS going back centuries.
Changes to the 2015 Awards
woodland of just over 10
future of the RDS Agriculture
The twin goals of promoting
saw the introduction of a new
hectares himself in 1994 and
and Rural Affairs programme
the economic and
Production Forestry category,
1995, and set out to create a
better than our connection to
environmental benefits of
which is divided into two
broadleaf forest in which to
forestry. The RDS – Forest
good farming are key to what
sections: above 15 hectares and
live. In the over 15 hectares
Service Irish Forestry Awards
the RDS hopes to achieve
below 15 hectares. Ivor Clegg
category, Ivor Clegg is a good
have re-established the
through our Agriculture and
from Co. Laois and Pat Coffey
example of a farmer who has
Society’s long history in the
Rural Affairs programme.
from Co. Cavan received these
made a courageous decision to
development of Irish forestry,
Highlighting excellent Irish
honours, respectively, at the
change his entire farm
which originally saw over 55
farmers and communicating
Awards in recognition of
enterprise from traditional
million trees planted in Ireland
what they are able to
excellence in commercial forest
dairying to a new and
from 1741 to 1806 through the
accomplish through the
management, and it was not
unfamiliar undertaking, i.e.,
Society's land improvement
application of Climate-Smart
just the size of their respective
forestry. He has approached
and afforestation projects. The
Agriculture builds on the RDS
plantations that marked them
the transition with clear
Society’s deep roots in forestry
tradition of promoting
out as different from one
commercial objectives and has
were on display at the 2015
scientifically proven best
another.
made sound silvicultural
RDS – Forest Service Irish
practice and innovative
Pat Coffey is an excellent
judgements on species
Forestry Awards, where many
management techniques,
example of the economic and
selection, establishment and
of the forests that were
which stretches back to the
amenity benefits that good
management practice.
International innovation in primary school science The RDS is leading the way in
research in education.
innovating how science is
On November 14, RDS STEM
taught in our primary schools.
Learning held a booked out
An independent study carried
conference with renowned
out by international experts
Swedish science
noted that the pilot conducted
educationalist Hans Persson.
last year by the RDS had the
The conference explored new
potential to become the global
ways of bringing science and
benchmark for continuous
maths into children’s
professional development in
everyday lives through a
this area of science education.
series of hands-on workshops
RDS STEM Learning has been
and networking sessions, as
developed by the RDS and
well as a keynote presentation
DCU, with significant
from Hans. The workshops
INNOVATION Independent research has noted that the STEM Learning programme has the potential to be a world leader in science education.
matching financial assistance
saw learning interaction
from Science Foundation
between participants, key
teaching science rewarding
(which you can read more
Ireland. The initiative
experts in science education
and enriching for all involved
about on pages 8 and 9), the
attempts to bridge the gap
and pioneering primary
in primary school education.
RDS is fast establishing itself
between practice in primary
school teachers, all with vital
With RDS STEM Learning and
as a leading innovator in
classrooms and best academic
insights into how to make
the RDS Primary Science Fair
science education.
4 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015
EVENTS
Packed Concert Hall for the Rising Stars
Inspiring speakers Professor David McConnell opened the most recent RDS Library Speaker Series with an
It was close to a full house in
account of 'The Story of
the RDS Concert Hall on
Genetically Modified Golden
November 25 for the final
Rice', which told of the reason
Rising Stars Concert of 2015,
for modifying the rice and its
where some of the finest new
resultant benefits in
talent in Irish classical music
communities for whom it is
was on display.
the main food source. Seamus
Violinist Róisín Walters was the
O’Brien’s 'Kilmacurragh and
special guest on the night.
the Great War' narrated the
Róisín was the winner of the
fortunes of the Acton family
RDS Music Bursary in 2011 and
during that bloody conflict.
is fast establishing herself as a
The Actons were the former
leading soloist of her
owners of Kilmacurragh
generation. Her playing has been described as displaying
RDS MUSIC BURSARY WINNER Violinist Róisín Walters was the special guest at this year’s event.
“passion and ravishing tonal
gardens, which have now
MAURICE O’KEEFFE Maurice gave a fascinating talk on understanding oral history.
The final talk in November
been restored by the Office of
was on the 'ROSC Exhibitions:
Public Works. John Feehan
Crossroads of Conflict &
qualities”. She has performed
guitar); Aoibhneas (Emma
covered the topical subject of
Celebration'. The first two
extensively in such venues as
Kenrick, Kevin Corcoran and
Irish bogs with his
ROSC exhibitions were held at
Carnegie Hall and the
Kathleen Nic Dhiarmada –
presentation, 'Past, Present
the RDS in 1967 and 1971.
Metropolitan Club in New
flute/piano/voice trio); and,
and Future of Bogs in Ireland',
Brenda Moore-McCann gave a
York, and the Barbican Centre
Billy O’Brien (piano). Fifteen-
and left us with much to think
knowledgeable account and
in London. Róisín has achieved
year-old Liam McManus
about as to options that must
overview on aspects of the
many awards, competing both
appeared live on RTÉ Radio’s
be considered for the future of
exhibitions and some
nationally and internationally
Arena arts programme on
this integral part of the Irish
controversies that they gave
from an early age.
November 9, where he
landscape.
rise to at the time.
Róisín headlined a stellar line-
performed two pieces to
Maurice O’Keeffe gave a talk
up of talented young musicians
promote the concert.
on 'Understanding the Value
Sad news
on the night who were all
The concert was compered by
of Oral History'. This
A few days before the start of
delighted to be involved. For
Laura Gilsenan, CEO of the
fascinating talk on an often
the Speaker Series in
young musicians transitioning
Feis Ceoil Association, who
undervalued history source
September, the death
from college into early
lavished praise on the RDS for
was attended by several
occurred of Graham
professional career, performing
providing such a wonderful
hundred people, including
Wilkinson, Chairman of the
in front of a live audience is
performance opportunity for
Minister Jimmy Deenihan,
Speaker Series Working
crucial to their development
young musicians. There has
who came to hear of his ‘1916
Group and Library &
and is what the RDS provides
been very positive feedback
Rising’ collection. Felix M.
Archives Committee Member.
through our Rising Stars
from all quarters on our
Larkin brought the subject of
It was thus appropriate that
Concert series.
biennial Rising Stars Concerts
'The Asinine Law: Irish Legal
the series began with a
The four Rising Stars
and, encouragingly, audience
Cartoons c.1800-2015' to a
moment of silence to mark his
performers on the night were:
numbers have continued to
receptive audience, which
passing and acknowledge the
Apollo Duo (Jordan Bagot and
increase with each concert.
included members of the Irish
significant contribution and
Denise Crowley – piano duet);
For more information, see
judiciary and former
direction he brought to the
Liam McManus (classical
www.rds.ie/risingstars.
Taoiseach John Bruton.
series in recent years.
MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 5
FEATURE
Celebrating the curious The RDS was a founding sponsor of the Festival of Curiosity, which first took place in July 2013. Staged in venues all over Dublin City each July, the Festival brings together science and technology and the arts in a series of events for all the family.
FOUNDATION ROLE The RDS was a founding sponsor of the Festival of Curiosity.
An official legacy project of Dublin City of Science 2012, the
private, but not corporate, and offered us practical support,
Festival arose from a desire to build on the achievement of the City
including office space, to get the project off the ground."
of Science initiative. Director and co-Founder Vince McCarthy
The Festival was an excellent fit with the RDS's stated aim to
explains: "We wanted to celebrate curiosity, and to create a positive
promote science in Ireland, especially among young people. The
cultural association with science for new audiences that wouldn't
Society was delighted to be involved in incubating the project
normally be interested in science subjects. By staging events in
from its inception, as Foundation Director Joanna Quinn
Dublin City Centre, in unusual venues like Smock Alley, instead of
explains: "Our Foundation Development Manager Dr Claire
traditional venues such as universities, we created inclusive
Mulhall was involved in Dublin City of Science 2012, and our
environments. Once you do that, you allow people to create and
involvement in the Festival of Curiosity arose from that. The
explore – you empower them".
Festival completed a three-pronged approach to the promotion of
Unique
classroom-based involvement for primary school-aged children,
The Festival's three-year business plan took a unique and
and our STEM Learning project was set up to address teachers'
science for the RDS. The RDS Primary Science Fair addresses
innovative approach, with four key partners involved from the
needs, so the Festival of Curiosity had an important role in
beginning – the RDS, the Matheson Foundation, Science
providing informal STEM learning opportunities that parents
Foundation Ireland and Dublin City Council.
and children can do together".
"We had support from national and local government, corporate philanthropy and private philanthropy, all working together to
Success from the outset
improve Irish society," says Vince McCarthy.
In its first year, the Festival welcomed a fantastic 32,000 people
"The RDS was very supportive. They got behind us from the
over the four days. Daytime events such as the Curiosity Train
beginning. The RDS is a rare entity in Irish society. They are
brought families together to engage with science and technology
6 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015
FEATURE
FAMILY FUN Engaging families with creative science was a particular aim of the Festival.
CREATIVE EDUCATION The Festival came under the auspices of the RDS Committee of Science and Technology.
in creative ways, while evening theatre and comedy events take
researched science topics further for themselves. Some 13%
the cultural angle to adults. Numbers have continued to rise each
contacted or researched a school or college about doing a science
year, and in 2015 over 40,000 people attended.
or technology course as a result of attending the Festival. For Vince, the impact on families is a crucial one: "54% of people
Hitting all objectives
were prompted to do science-related activities at home or in their
As its three-year business plan came to an end in 2015, the Festival
communities – they went home and did experiments with their
organisers engaged international consultants Hope-Stone Research
kids, and that's brilliant. Not everyone will want to do a degree in
to carry out a detailed external evaluation. Attendees were
science but if they gain the confidence to talk about it, then we
surveyed during the Festival, and a follow-up survey looked at the
have achieved our aims. Our job is to nurture curiosity – to create
longer-term impacts of attendance.
confidence.
According to Vince McCarthy, the results were extremely positive,
Because of the results of this evaluation, we can say that the
and show that the Festival is meeting its stated objectives of
Festival had these effects: that if you do these things, make things
providing a platform for families to engage with science as a
inclusive, and give people the tools to explore, then you can bring
cultural activity, create a positive association with science,
about concrete change in people's lives".
technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects, use curiosity to create a platform for new audiences and partners to engage with
Future
science, and create a new test bed for methods of engagement, to
While celebrating the excellent results of this first evaluation, the
make Ireland a world-leader in public engagement with science.
Festival organisers are eager to build on their achievements.
"The people attending were very interesting audiences, reflecting a
"We've shown what's possible, now we need the courage and
broad social spread, and showing that we were not simply
confidence to take this forward. In another few years – imagine the
preaching to the converted. One in four people attending had no
things we could do! And we couldn't have done this without the
education beyond Leaving Certificate, and half were people who
support of our partners, including the RDS."
would not necessarily be interested in science subjects."
With plans to significantly scale up the Primary Science Fair and
The evaluation also showed that the Festival had a hugely positive
STEM Learning projects, the RDS Committee of Science &
effect in terms of building people's confidence around science.
Technology decided that involvement with the Festival should
Some 90% said they felt more positive about the role of science in
finish this year, but this support has been in keeping with the aims
theirs and their family's life, and 77% said that attendance made
and traditions of the Society, as Joanna Quinn explains: "Over the
them feel more confident talking about science and technology.
course of its existence, the RDS has often sought to act as a catalyst
The follow-up survey showed further positive effects, with 87% of
for projects, helping them in the early stages and then stepping
respondents saying they had discussed ideas from the Festival
back to allow them to develop on their own path. We are very
with friends or family who hadn't attended, 95% saying they had
proud of the fact that we helped to set it up, and feel sure it will go
looked for similar events to attend, and 65% saying they had
from strength to strength."
MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 7
FEATURE
Expanding RDS science innovation This January, the RDS Primary Science Fair will expand to Limerick. Minerva caught up with Ingrid Hook, Chair of the RDS Committee of Science and Technology, to find out more.
STEM LEARNING Chair of the RDS Committee of Science and Technology Ingrid Hook (right) at the recent RDS STEM Learning conference with Science Foundation Ireland Head of Education and Public Engagement Margie McCarthy.
Though many RDS Members would know of the Fair, some won’t be familiar with it, so just what is the RDS Primary Science Fair?
judge myself, I speak to some of the thousands of children
The RDS Primary Science Fair showcases science, technology,
involved, and their energy and passion for science is compelling.
judges who are tremendously impressed with the excitement and enthusiasm that it generates among children. And each year, as a
engineering and maths (STEM) projects from primary schools
What’s very interesting are the benefits beyond the curriculum.
across Ireland. Applications from classes are made at the start of the
While the Fair sets out to foster a love of science and reward
school year, with many investigations harnessing children’s innate
children for thinking rather than knowing, the social skills, literacy
curiosity to investigate the science behind the everyday. The Fair is
development and confidence that the projects give to the children
fully managed by the RDS, is a non-competitive event and looks to
are just as important.
engage the entire class in a science-related investigation. It’s a vital
Has it been successful so far?
Why is the RDS involved in this type of work rather than science lectures that would be more traditionally associated with the Society?
Very much so. I’ve spoken to teachers who have claimed it to be
The RDS continues to award the Boyle Medal for Scientific
“one of the most complete experiences” for their class. I know
Excellence on a biennial basis. This is Ireland’s most prestigious
element of our work to innovate in science education.
8 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015
FEATURE
PRIMARY SCIENCE FOR MUNSTER Minister Jan O’Sullivan helped launch the RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick earlier this year with help from pupils of St Patrick’s GNS.
CREATIVE LEARNING The RDS Primary Science Fair equips students with the skills of scientific inquiry.
scientific award and there is an accompanying lecture by the
What kind of projects do schools submit?
recipient. The decision was made some years ago by the RDS
The Fair taps into children’s natural curiosity, encouraging them
Foundation Board and the RDS Committee of Science and
to engage with and question the everyday world around them,
Technology to invest in the area of primary-aged science
and focusing on the development of core curriculum skills.
education, targeting children, parents and teachers.
Projects that are being worked on for the Fairs in Dublin and Limerick in January include:
Why has the RDS expanded the Fair to Limerick? For the past number of years the RDS Primary Science Fair has been heavily over-subscribed. This expansion, in association with the Irish American Partnership, will enable up to 2,000 additional children to participate – that’s on top of the
n Does curly hair produce more static electricity?
n How clean are our pencils?
n How many colours of food dyes are present in Smarties?
n What effects do worms have on vegetative growth? n Why are soap suds always white?
approximately 3,000 who participate in Dublin each year. number of surrounding counties, and the involvement of Mary
What other organisations are involved? What are they doing?
Immaculate College means that we are able to tap into best
The Limerick event is being developed in association with the
Limerick was chosen as an easy-to-get-to location from a
practice in primary education. Munster has always had a good
Boston-based Irish American Partnership, and is also being
representation in the Fair, but we have seen a noticeable
supported by Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, and the BT
increase in applications from Limerick and the surrounding
Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. The RDS has invested
counties, which we are putting down to their proximity to the
significantly in the development of the Fair and fully manages
venue.
and runs the event, as we have been doing successfully for the past seven years.
When is this happening? And what has happened to date?
What else does the RDS do in science education?
The RDS Primary Science Fair Dublin will take place on January
The RDS Primary Science Fair is one of three elements of the RDS
7-9 alongside the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition,
Science programme. RDS STEM Learning is a CPD programme
while the RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick will take place on
for primary school teachers, supporting them to develop their
January 15-16 in Mary Immaculate College.
knowledge, confidence and skills to be more creative with science
Schools chose which Fair they would like to display their
in the classroom. The RDS was also one of the founding partners
project in at the time of submission of their plans via
of the Festival of Curiosity. This festival opens up the magic and
www.rds.ie/primaryscience.
wonder of science to children and adults alike, in an informal
This webpage gives them all the information about entering,
setting through cultural and playful media.
including the types of school projects that have previously been
You can read more about the Festival of Curiosity and the supporting
exhibited.
role of the RDS on pages 6-7.
MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 9
MEMBERSHIP
Great expectations: RDS Membership It’s not just about what your Society can do for you, but what you can do for your Society.
The benefits of RDS Membership are well established, not least
Bell, who spoke about adapting business networking to the
the Members’ Club, meeting rooms, the workspace of the Library,
situation and style of the people around you, which was a
parking in Ballsbridge, entertaining guests in beautiful
psychological approach to 'one-to-ones', as well as being
surroundings, the Dublin Horse Show, and many more besides.
insightful business practice. Brendan Maguire, an expert in
But the core aim of the RDS is to see Ireland thrive culturally and
digital marketing, shared his knowledge on engaging with
economically, with Members having a central role to play.
LinkedIn effectively for business, rather than the social blogging
Reflecting this balance of benefits and expectations that resides
network that many use it for, or in the haphazard and sporadic
within RDS Membership, we have examined one new Member
method that many others adopt. Finally, Damien O’Brien, a
benefit that began recently, as well as the role of RDS Member as
lecturer in business strategy, gave his thought-provoking
envisaged by the RDS Membership Committee.
theories on why some businesses succeed when others struggle. His breakfast was peppered with ideas for attendees around
Breakfast briefings not just for business
transforming businesses from good to great!
Started earlier this year, this series of practical and useful business
Earlier this year we heard from Senior Partnerships & Field
breakfasts allows RDS Members to network as well as learn.
Marketing Manager with Airbnb Sarah Murphy, who gave a
Now organised by the new Membership Development Manager,
fascinating insight into one of Dublin’s newest FDI start-ups in
Catherine Jordan, the series introduces experts in business or
the so-called ‘Silicon Docks’ (Charlotte Quay). Following her was
business-related fields to RDS Members. Members are given a
Olwen Dawe, MD of Irish Business Intelligence and President of
discounted price to attend; non-Members can be invited to attend
Network Ireland, who enlightened Members and their guests
by RDS Members, but are asked to pay the full price of €20.
through anecdotes and tales of her own journey through the Irish
The impressive line-up of speakers has so far included Jonathan
business sector. Concluding this triumvirate, Director of Consumer
10 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015
MEMBERSHIP
Affairs with the AA, Conor Faughnan, gave a thought-provoking presentation on Ireland’s infrastructure and the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles, leaving attendees with much food for thought. The core aim of the RDS is to see Ireland thriving culturally and economically. The breakfast briefings are one way in
Defining the role of the RDS Member
which the RDS is contributing to the health of the RDS business community, and to see Members thrive in their respective areas, as well as providing a social setting for Members to meet.
Give the Gift of RDS Membership Your RDS ‘Gift of Membership’ will be beautifully and professionally presented and packaged, making a unique Christmas present.
Membership of the RDS is the perfect gift for family members, friends, or business colleagues at any time of year, especially at Christmas. Benefits include:
nexclusive access to the RDS Members’ Club;
nelegant and well-
appointed meeting rooms;
ncomplimentary five-day entry to the Discover
Ireland Dublin Horse Show;
nsupport for RDS philanthropic work; and,
naccess to reciprocal clubs worldwide. For more details, or to
In 2014, the Membership Committee formulated a ‘Role of Members’ Statement, which was approved by the Council. This Statement is agreed by all New Members joining the Society and defines the role Members play within the Society.
Our Society was founded in
Just as it was for our founders,
1731 to further the broad
we as Members today are
economic and cultural
committed to advancing those
development of Ireland.
areas laid out in our Charters
Today the RDS operates as a
through our voluntary
catalyst locally, regionally
participation and
and throughout the island of
subscriptions. We enable
Ireland, to ensure that
positive change by sharing
coming generations can fulfil
our resources, expertise and
their potential.
skills to support and
Our Members are a unique
encourage pioneering
combination of people
initiatives.
working together in the areas
As RDS Members, we take
of agriculture, arts, industry,
pride in our obligation to
science and equestrianism to
promote our Society’s work
find relevant solutions to
and ethos while maintaining
meet future economic and
its independence. We share a
cultural need.
commitment to see it
The Society benefits from
contribute even more to
having Members with a
Ireland in the future than it
variety of backgrounds and
has in the past.
disciplines who are confident
As a Member of the Society,
purchase the Gift of RDS
that their collective ability will
we encourage you to actively
Membership, contact:
effect change. Our purpose is
support and promote the
Catherine Jordan, Tel: 01
to inspire innovative thinking
Society’s purpose and values,
2407296, or via email at
by promoting new ideas and
and recognise the importance
catherine@rds.ie, or log on to
being progressive in our
of your role in helping to
www.rds.ie/membership.
approach.
achieve this.
MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 11
MEMBERS' GALLERY
Social times Our Members’ gallery highlights recent events that showcase the RDS work programme and RDS social events.
RISING STARS RDS Vice-President Bernie Brennan, and Enid Chaloner, Member of the RDS Committee of Arts, pictured at the November RDS Rising Stars Concert.
GOLD MEDAL From left: Richard Hayes, John Roche, Pat Nolan and Frank Cuneen at the RDS Gold Medal for Industry lunch.
STEM LEARNING From left: Karen Sheeran, Science Programme Manager, Hans Persson, keynote speaker, Dr Cliona Murphy, St Patrick's College/DCU and Margie McCarthy, Head of Education and Public Engagement, Science Foundation Ireland, at the RDS STEM Learning Conference in November.
SERVICES TO FORESTRY Pat Coffey and Ivor Clegg, winners at this year's RDS–Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards.
12 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015
MEMBERS' GALLERY
BRIDGE CHAMPIONS For the fourth consecutive year, the Intermediate A team of the RDS Bridge Club won the Fanagan League Trophy for their Division. From left: Brendan J. O’Brien, CBAI, Roger Jupp (Captain), Sheila Hillis, Terry Dolan, Se O'Connor, and Elsa Ranalow. (Other team members not pictured: Graeme Williams, Robin Donovan.)
STRONG TRADITION The Maher family attending the recent lunch for RDS Members of 50 years' standing or more.
BOOK LOVERS Thursday Reading Circle Members at a recent meeting in the Library. Contact the Library Desk at 01 2407254 if you are interested in joining one of the reading circles.
MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 13
CALENDAR OF MEMBERS’ EVENTS
CLASSES 2016 JANUARY JANUARY 26
DECEMBER 13
Christmas Carols RDS Concert Hall – 3.30pm Members' Annual Christmas Carol Concert This event is booked out. If you wish to join the waiting list, pleast contact the RDS Members’ desk.
24
Christmas Eve Carols – Library and Members' Club – 12.30pm Members' Christmas Eve Carols in the Library Carols in the Library at 12.30pm.
Computer classes every Tuesday for 4 weeks Computer classes will take place from January 26 until February 16, from 10.30am-12.30pm in the Members' Club. ¤40 Members/¤48 Non-Members.
JANUARY 26
Afternoon bridge every Tuesday for 6 weeks Sally Dawson hosts these afternoon
19
classes on Tuesdays from January 26 until March 1, from 2.30pm-4.30pm in the Members' Club.
RDS Economic Vision 2020 – RDS Merrion Room – 6.00pm Mark Roden, founder and CEO of Ding, will share his company’s story, which saw him crowned 2014 EY Entrepreneur of the Year.
The cost is ¤5 per game and you must bring a partner to play.
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY 8
Bridge classes every Monday for 10 weeks
1
‘Ladies Who Lunch’ with Ann Doyle Members' Dining Room, 12.30pm-2.30pm. Cost applies.
2
RDS Economic Vision 2020 – RDS Library – 7.30am Aidan Cotter, CEO, Bord Bia, will discuss the great success story that is the Irish food industry, and outline his vision for further development and growth in the sector.
4
Afternoon tea with live classical music – 3.30pm-5.00pm
17
RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Minerva Suite – 6.30pm The Company of Trees – A Year in a Lifetime's Quest Thomas Pakenham, critically acclaimed author, photographer and champion of trees, will share insights and stories about the life of some of the large trees to be found at his residence in Tullynally.
19
Pre-theatre dinner in Members' Club, followed by Juno and the Paycock, Gate Theatre – 5.15pm-11.00pm
These afternoon classes with Peter Pigot take place on Mondays from February 8 until April 18, from 2.30pm-4.30pm. ¤150 Members/¤180 Non-Members. 8
Fitness classes every Monday for 10 weeks Sylvia Fleming offers two opportunities to get fit on Mondays, from 11.00am12.00pm, and 12.15pm-1.15pm, from February 8 until April 18. ¤66 Members/¤80 Non-Members.
MARCH MARCH 8
Art classes every Tuesday for 6 weeks Art classes with Suzanna Webb will take place on Tuesday afternoons from March 8 until April 12, from 3.00pm-5.30pm. ¤175 Members/¤200 Non-Members. All materials supplied.
Advance booking is essential for all Members' classes and events. Please contact Susan Cox, Tel: 01 2407244, email: members@rds.ie, or log on to www.rds.ie/membership. 14 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015
RDS Members’ Club opening hours Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 6.00pm Christmas closing: From close of business on Thursday, December 24, until Monday, January 4, 2016
CALENDAR OF MEMBERS’ EVENTS
MARCH 3
APRIL
Afternoon tea with live classical music – 3.30pm-5.00pm
5
A Masque for Minerva with the Dublin Shakespeare Society – RDS Concert Hall – 7.00pm
7
9
‘Ladies Who Lunch’ with Beatrice Doran –
¤10 per seat. Numbers are limited to 400. Book online through
Members' Dining Room – 12.30pm-2.30pm. Cost applies.
www.rds.ie from December 14 or in person at the RDS Library. 6
Members’ visit to Lough Boora – ¤3 per person
6
Ian Fox Talks: Shakespeare in the Opera House – RDS Members' Club – 12.00pm-1.15pm
7
Afternoon tea with live classical music – 3.30pm-5.00pm
13
Ian Fox Talks: Shakespeare in the Concert Hall – RDS Members' Club – 12.00pm-1.15pm
13
Business Breakfast Briefing & Networking Event – Samuel Madden Room – 7.30am. Cost applies. Sandra Hennessy, BeDynamic: 10 SEO tips that you need to know
20
RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Minerva Suite – 6.30pm
RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Library – 6.30pm Rebuilding Dublin after 1916 Robin Mandal, outgoing President of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, will show how Dublin was rebuilt in the aftermath of 1916 and the turbulent years that heralded the birth of independent Ireland.
10
Business Breakfast Briefing & Networking Event – Samuel Madden Room – 7.30am. Cost applies. Kay McCarthy, The Planning Agency: Finding your brand and articulating it
Lords, Linen and Lace – The involvement of some O'Brien family members with the RDS
23
RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Library – 6.30pm
The O'Brien family has been involved with the
Lord Rosse and the Deep-Sky Astronomy at
RDS for over 250 years. Veronica Rowe will
Birr Castle –
discuss some of the personalities, including Sir
An important step in the history of science
Lucius O'Brien in the eighteenth century,
From 1845 to 1878, Birr Castle was among
William Smith O'Brien in the nineteenth and
the most important centres for observations
Florence Vere O'Brien in the twentieth.
of nebulae and star clusters. Its main instrument was the 72-inch reflector, built
20
Ian Fox Talks: Shakespeare in Song and Cinema – RDS Members' Club – 12.00pm-1.15pm
22
Visit to Kilmacurragh Arboretum – Departing RDS at
by William Parsons (Lord Rosse). This talk from Wolfgang Steinicke will show how the construction of the telescope opened a new window to the universe. 23
9.30am for guided tour at 11.00am. Cost applies.
Book launch: William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse
27
Astronomy and the Castle in nineteenth–century Ireland –
RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Minerva Suite – 6.30pm Dublin: One City, One Book – Turning a
RDS Library
Novel Inside-Out and Upside Down
The lecture by Wolfgang Steinicke on Lord Rosse and the Deep-Sky
RDS Member Lia Mills describes the
Astronomy at Birr Castle will be followed by the launch of the book
process of writing her novel Fallen, the
William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse: Astronomy and the castle in
Dublin: One City One Book choice for
nineteenth–century Ireland, to which he has contributed a paper.
2016. She will talk about research and keeping your mind open to what it shows;
30
Ian Fox Talks: Shakespeare in the Theatre –
the stages of writing; and about how she –
RDS Members' Club – 12.00pm-1.15pm
and the novel – changed along the way.
Member’s Dining – first Friday each month February
5
April
1
March
4
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
Fine dining from 6.30pm on each of these dates.
on to www.rds.ie/speakerseries.
MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 15
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW
Busy agenda Michael Duffy reports on a busy year for the Society and looks forward to 2016.
The commercial operations of the RDS are an essential element in
we will keep Members informed at each stage of the process.
funding the needs of the Society and I am happy to report that 2015
Meanwhile, we retain planning permission for a second office
has been a very good year in that respect. We have seen growth in
block, which would comprise 11,400m2 of office space. The first
the volume of events using our facilities, including the return of
office block has been a great success and provides a very important
some shows that we haven’t seen in recent times. This reflects the
stream of income for the Society. We have extended the duration of
growing confidence in the economy and the trend is positive for
planning permission for the second office block and will continue
2016 with a list of strong bookings for our venue operations. We
to give this development careful consideration. The Council of the
have continued to invest in developing our facilities and upgraded
Society has been consistently prudent in matters of financial
our broadband service to rival international venues many times our
management. This has proven successful and protective of Society
size, as well as investing in lighting and other infrastructural items.
affairs, and the Council is committed to continuing its prudent
The Dodder Suite has been upgraded and in the Members’ Club
approach.
the Samuel Madden Room has been developed, providing a space for Members that is more conducive to the needs of business
Our philanthropic work programme
Members, as well as being an excellent social space.
The core aim of the RDS, our philanthropic work programme, has
The feedback on the 2015 Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show has
been underpinned by the establishment of the Foundation Board.
been very positive and is reflective of the changes made and new
The various Committees deserve great credit for increasing the
classes introduced by the Equestrian Committee over several years.
impact and scale of many of their projects, and in attracting
Cumulatively, these moves have resulted in the equestrian and
institutional and philanthropic funding to enable these projects to
entertainment programmes working together very effectively. The
expand even further.
2016 Show will move away from the traditional first week in
Indeed, engagement has been a key focus throughout 2015. The
August to July 20-24 (due to the Olympics), and we are confident
Society has increased the opportunities for Members to meet and
that the Show will succeed in retaining its major entries and big
interact with each other, and to enjoy the benefits that
attendance.
membership of this Society brings. I hope that you will enjoy as many of them as possible in the coming year, while knowing that
Developing our resources
this Society also conveys significant benefits to others through our
In relation to the development of the Main Arena, we have spent
philanthropic work programme, which seeks to help Ireland to
the second half of 2015 working closely with the design team that
realise its potential.
includes architects, structural engineers, quantity surveyors and
I am grateful to all the Officers, the various Board and Committee
construction professionals. Our major task is to deliver the
members, the management and the staff of the Society for their
development in a 12-month window between Dublin Horse Shows
continued hard work and commitment to the greater good – and I
while meeting the needs of Leinster Rugby match requirements –
wish you a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2016.
which is complex and difficult to achieve. The task places great emphasis on getting the design aspect correct before proceeding to seek planning permission and then moving to construction. As much as the design element is critical, the planning of the logistics of construction needs to be accurate and realistic if we are to deliver the project in the necessary timescale. As soon as these plans are
Michael Duffy,
agreed, the request for planning permission will be submitted and
Chief Executive.
16 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015