Minerva December 2016

I S S U E N O. 3 6 / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

MINERVA fOR MEMBERS Of thE RDS

GROUNDBREAKING 2016 RDS Visual Art Awards

EDItORIAl

MINERVA Welcome to the December Minerva

editor

Diarmuid hanifin

contributors Susan Cox

Dara O’leary

At the Stated General Meeting of December 1,

artists. there have been a number of other

I had the honour of being elected President of

important changes, which you can read about

the RDS, a position that I am privileged to hold

on pages 8-10. this new approach has been very well received by the visual arts community and has had tangible benefit for the exhibitors.

Katy Conneely

Paul O’Grady

for the next three years. I look forward to

Michael Duffy

Colm Quinn

representing the Society, promoting its values

Ann-Marie hardiman

Joanna Quinn

Catherine Jordan

Gerard Whelan

and supporting the excellent work carried out by

I look forward to meeting as many of you as

voluntary officers and RDS staff.

possible over my tenure and I hope that you

Greater Member participation is something that

and your families have a very happy Christmas

I hope to encourage during my time as

in 2016.

President. the success and enduring appeal of Design and Production Sub-editing and layout

think Media ltd. t: 01 856 1166 www.thinkmedia.ie

Print Distribution

Impress Printing Sooner than later

the Society is built on the contributions of so many Members and their voluntary effort. the benefits of the Strategy we implemented in 2011 have become steadily more evident as much of our philanthropic work has been developed, refreshed and increased in scale. this is due to the considerable effort and energy of the

ROyAl DUBlIN SOCIEty Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Members who are involved in the Council, the

t: 01 668 0866 f: 01 660 4014

Board of Management, the foundation Board,

www.rds.ie

Committees and Working Groups, all working Minerva:

minerva@rds.ie

alongside RDS professional staff.

General:

info@rds.ie

An example of an area that benefited from this

RDS Membership:

members@rds.ie

new approach is the visual arts. the RDS carried

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.

Front cover: Curator of the 2016 RDS Visual Art Awards, renowned Irish artist Alice Maher, standing in front of one of the award-winning video installations in the Exhibition.

DePartment contactS arts

(01) 240 7255

arts@rds.ie

equestrian

(01) 240 7290

equestrian@rds.ie

out a major review of the Student Art Awards and from that established the RDS Visual Art Awards. the Awards became a stand-alone event and were timed to better suit graduating visual

Contents

8

3

11

Science & technology

(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

commerce

events

Give the gift of RDS membership

Art classes

New reciprocal clubs

12

members' gallery

RDS library Speaker Series

14

calendar of members' events

interview

16

chief executive’s review

RDS library and Archives Research Bursary

6 industry@rds.ie

2 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016

membership

RDS Rising Stars concert

RDS Dublin horse Show 2017 tickets

(01) 240 7215

Feature RDS Visual Art Awards revitalised for 2016

Rare acquisition for the RDS library

agriculture &

industry &

Bernie Brennan rDS PreSiDent DecemBer 2016

New RDS President Bernie Brennan

Planning and hard work

EVENtS

Rising Stars shine at the RDS Crowds assembled in the RDS

on the night, which for the first

Concert hall on November 17

time included a chamber choir.

for the final Rising Stars concert

for performers at their point of

of 2016, where some of the

career development, stage time

finest new talent in Irish

and recitals in front of live

classical music was on stage.

audiences are key to their progress, and that is exactly

Special guest

what the RDS Rising Stars

Violinist Patrick Rafter was the

concerts set out to give them.

special guest on the night and gave a brilliant performance.

fine performers

Patrick was awarded the RDS

RDS Rising Stars performers on

Music Bursary in 2015, thanks to

the night were: Killian White

which he has been able to

(cello), Ellen Jansson (piano),

pursue tuition under the world-

Seamus Wylie (clarinet), and the

famous Maxim Vengerov at the

DIt Chamber Choir. the Concert

International Menuhin Music

was compéred by liz Nolan of

Academy, Switzerland. this

lyric fM. Positive feedback has

summer he was awarded first

continued from all performers

prize at the Valiant International

and music conservatoires on our

Violin Competition, which

annual Rising Stars concerts. A

should come as no surprise to

steady and consistent audience

anyone who saw him perform at

is another positive, with many

the RDS Rising Stars Concert,

marking the concerts early

when he electrified the room

in their calendars.

with his programme.

BRILLIANT RDS Music Bursary winner for 2015, Patrick Rafter, gave an electrifying performance at the RDS Rising Stars concert.

Patrick headlined a stellar line-

for more information, see

up of talented young musicians

www.rds.ie/risingstars.

Creative expression Artist and teacher Carole

find their own inspiration to

place at 10.00am on tuesdays

Shubotham will again share

express their creative talents.

beginning on february 14,

her extensive experience

With Carole providing all the

2017, and will continue for

with fellow RDS Members

necessary materials, all you

six weeks.

when her art classes resume in

need to bring to these classes

the cost is €175 for Members

2017. Carole has exhibited

is your enthusiasm.

and €200 for guests.

her own work widely – work

Many art mediums will be

Please contact Susan Cox for

inspired by the sea, the

covered ranging from

further information or to

Burren and the human form.

watercolour, to oils, to pastels,

reserve your place on 01-240

But in these classes, Carole

to charcoal, to Indian inks and

7296, or via email at

hopes to help all participants

more besides. Classes take

members@rds.ie.

ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE Carole Shubotham teaches art classes at the RDS.

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016 | 3

EVENtS

Rare acquisition for the RDS library

A GOOD HOME Members of the Library and Archives Committee with the recently acquired 18th century book by Jethro Tull. Seated: Ailsa Holland, Chair of the RDS Library and Archives Committee. Standing (from left): John Crowley; John Dardis; Dinah Molloy; Peter Cavan; Deirdre Naughton; and, John Holohan.

agricultural inventor and

this copy is a fine example of

pioneer, published his New

the expanded second edition

Essays in Horse-hoeing

of the work, also printed by

Husbandry in london in 1731,

Rhames and commissioned by

or to give it its full title: The

the Dublin Society in 1733.

Horse-Hoeing Husbandry, or, an

It is an important acquisition

essay on the principles of tillage

for the RDS library & Archives,

and vegetation. Wherein is

as our original copy was

shewn a method of introducing

transferred to the National

a sort of vineyard-culture into

library of Ireland along with

the corn-fields, In order to

the rest of the RDS library’s

Increase their Product, and

holdings in 1877.

diminish the common Expence;

It has another important

by the use of instruments

connection with the RDS as

described in cuts. Dublin

the title page is inscribed by

printer Aaron Rhames was

the book’s former owner John

commissioned by the then

Dubourdieu, Rector of

Dublin Society to produce a

Annahilt, who authored the

agricultural innovation that

non-authorised version of the

Statistical Surveys of County

added to its already unique

has a significant RDS

book in the same year, making

Down and County Antrim,

collection with the acquisition

connection.

it the earliest printed work

commissioned by the RDS in

of an 18th century book on

Jethro tull, an 18th century

associated with the RDS.

the early 19th century.

the RDS library recently

RDS Dublin horse Show 2017 tickets ticket sales for the 2017 RDS

come, first-served basis, so

Dublin horse Show open to

early booking is strongly

Members on Monday,

advised. Members may also

December 12, at 11.00am.

book tickets for non-Member

to book tickets please contact

guests at the same time.

the Members’ Desk on 01-240

Members who are due to renew

7296.

their membership for 2017 may

As an RDS Member, you may

do so at the time of booking

pre-book a complimentary

their complimentary RDS

seated stand ticket within the

Dublin horse Show ticket.

RDS Main Arena on any of the

Alternatively, those due to

five days of the Show, which

renew can do so online, over

next year will run from August

the telephone on 01-240 7296

9-13.

or by sending a direct debit

Please note the allocation of

mandate or cheque to RDS

complimentary tickets for

Membership, RDS, Ballsbridge,

Members is done on a first-

Dublin 4.

4 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016

JUMP THE QUEUE Tickets for the RDS Dublin Horse Show 2017 go on sale to Members on December 12.

EVENtS

library and Archives Research Bursary

Eclectic speakers Six speakers visited the RDS this autumn to continue the evereclectic RDS library Speaker Series. Coinciding with an exhibition by the Royal horticultural Society of Ireland, Dr Charles Nelson was first up and took a detailed look at the history of gardening societies in Ireland and the work they were involved in that improved botany studies here. Edmundo Murray followed him in October examining the Irish in latin America, the distinct mark they have made in those countries, both politically and socially, and how they also managed to retain their sense of Irishness.

Curator of the RDS Visual Art Awards Exhibition, Alice Maher spoke to coincide with the Exhibition. Alice’s talk was a fascinating walk through her work and her thinking behind each piece and phase of her professional life.

Beginning in November, there was another chance to relish the essays of hubert Butler when a discussion on the latest collection of his work, Balkan Essays, took place as part of the Dublin Book festival. Continuing a busy November, keynote international

REMARKABLE RESEARCH 2016 RDS Research Bursary recipient Dr Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh presented his research on Irish agricultural history at the recent RDS conference on the subject.

speakers contributed to a day-long event on a new system of banking. Attendees heard of the Sparkassen model, which has been very successful in Germany, and may have potential for

In 2017, the RDS library and Archives Committee will award a research

rural Ireland and Irish SMEs. the penultimate speaker was

bursary of €10,000 to a postgraduate researcher, to engage in a

award-winning filmmaker Ciarín Scott, who gave her insights on

research project examining the work of the RDS in the application of

the art of making documentaries. Concluding this year’s series

science and technology in Ireland over the last three centuries.

was Megan O’Beirne, who spoke about the life and work of one

In the last two years, bursary recipients have completed research on

of Ireland’s foremost exponents of traditional sculpture,

the RDS Concert Archive and the RDS Agriculture Archive.

Marjorie fitzGibbon.

the successful candidate will be expected to complete a research paper for presentation at a conference on the history of science in Ireland to be held at the RDS in 2017. they will also be expected to submit the paper for publication in an appropriate academic journal. Researchers wishing to be considered should apply via email to librarydesk@rds.ie, including:

n a current academic CV (PDf document only); and,

n a list of previous publications and/or a sample of academic writing (PDf document only). the closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, January 18. further details are available on www.rds.ie/librarybursary.

Remarkable transformations In September 2016, the RDS library organised a conference on the history of Irish agriculture entitled ‘Remarkable transformations: Reassessing the history of Agriculture in Ireland’, where the recipient of the 2016 research bursary, Dr Mícheál Ó fathartaigh, presented his research. All presentations from the conference are available to view online at www.rds.ie/librarybursary.

BOTANICAL SPEAKER Charles Nelson gave a talk on the history of gardening societies in Ireland as part of the RDS Library Speaker Series.

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016 | 5

INTERVIEW

Part of who we are new rDS President Bernie Brennan is proud of the Society's history, and of the ongoing efforts to protect and extend its philanthropic work.

Galway woman Bernie Brennan began her term as RDS President on

showing ponies or horses at the horse Show. there's an objective, which is

December 1, and brings to the role a wealth of experience, and a lifelong

the same in all of our foundation areas – to pursue excellence and promote

association with the Society: "I first came to the horse Show and the Spring

the best of everything that we have to offer in Ireland".

Show as a child, with my father and my brothers and sisters".

Bernie cemented her association with the RDS by becoming a Member in

history of the RDS

1998, and has been involved with equestrianism in the Society for many years (see panel on next page). She has also served on the Board of

One of the things Bernie is proudest of about the RDS is its historic role

Management and the Council, most recently as Vice-President. She admits

in establishing some of Ireland's most respected institutions: "Some of

to feeling somewhat daunted by the prospect of taking on the role of

Ireland’s most recognised bodies – the Botanic Gardens, the National

President, but she is not one to shy away from a challenge: "My father was

Gallery, the National Museum – were founded by the RDS and eventually

a member of the RDS, so there was a tradition there, and he believed in the

handed over to the State. It's a fantastic legacy and we need to get that

RDS ethos. he used to say: 'When you enlist, you soldier' – you don't stand

message out about what the RDS has done for Ireland and what it

back, you get out there and you do it".

continues to do. We need to ask people: 'Did you know…?' We need to promote ourselves".

A society of Members Bernie takes on the Presidency of a Society that is in better shape than ever,

the best of Ireland

as the RDS Strategic Plan continues to bear fruit: "I love the way the Society

On the day that we spoke, a fine example of the RDS philanthropic work

is going at the moment. the philanthropic side has taken on so much more

progamme, the RDS Rising Stars Concert, was due to take place, featuring

significance and meaning. We are promoting that and we are engaging with

the winner of last year's RDS Music Bursary, violinist Patrick Rafter. Bernie is

people much more to promote the idea that we're not just a venue – the

full of praise for the Bursary and the impact it has on the lives and careers

RDS is an idea, not just a place – and we contribute hugely to Irish society".

of the young musicians who win it: "to identify this talent and to give the

these philanthropic projects are funded by RDS commercial operations and

Bursary to enable them to go on and pursue their musical education further

assisted by Members' subscription fees. the Society is always seeking to

is a huge opportunity. We've also changed the whole format of the RDS

attract new Members to help it to continue its work. Bernie is keen to make

Visual Art Awards and the RDS Craft Awards from previous years, and the

the point that the RDS is an all-Ireland organisation and would particularly

response has been phenomenal. It's all about being relevant, and

love to see more people joining from outside Dublin, although she

responding to what's happening in the world and in people's lives".

acknowledges that the benefits of membership might not seem so obvious

It's a similar story for equestrianism, with bursaries for young riders, and an

for this group: "Many will say it's not worth joining because they're not in

ongoing commitment to helping the industry keep its place among the

Dublin often enough to use the facilities but I would say that even if that is

best in the world, aided in no small way of course by the world-class status

the case, your membership fee is supporting the Society's philanthropic

of the RDS Dublin horse Show.

work and that we have invested over €2 million in these areas in 2016

the RDS Primary Science fair is another example of a recent innovation,

alone. We are a society of Members, not for Members, and I really believe

this time in the area of StEM, which is going from strength to strength. In

that people should join to support the work of the Society".

2016 the fair took place in both Dublin and limerick, and next year it will

Of course, Members give far more than simply their financial contribution.

expand yet again, this time to Belfast. for Bernie, this is a tangible example

Bernie is firmly of the belief that everyone has something to offer: "We

of the Society reaching out beyond Dublin to have a real impact: "We put

need to renew our gene pool, our ideas. Nothing stands still – whether it's

out a call to see if there was interest in hosting the fair in limerick and the

the areas we work in or the way we do business. We need people who are

response was hugely positive – we knew that we had a solid base of

current and who have a contribution to make. for example, my own sphere

Munster participants already, but the limerick expansion led to far more

of equestrianism has changed so much in the last 10 years. We're not just

schools overall getting involved".

6 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016

INTERVIEW

these are huge undertakings for the RDS staff and volunteers, but as

delighted to have been granted planning permission for this state-of-the-art

Bernie reminds us, change has to happen if the Society is to move with the

stand that will enhance our commercial partners leinster Rugby and

times: "We've been here for nearly 300 years and we'll definitely be here in

certainly the horse Show as well". the list of projects is too long to mention

another 300, so we need to stay relevant". We talk about what the founders

in detail during our interview – from important initiatives like climate-smart

of the RDS would think of the Society today: "I think they would be pleased

agriculture, and the increasingly popular business breakfasts, to the

– we are true to our charters, and our original aims to pursue excellence

wonderful library Speaker Series – but they all have one thing in common:

and promote Irish agriculture, arts, science, industry and equestrianism.

they reflect the commitment of the RDS to its philanthropic work

Our work benefits the whole country".

programme: "We will continue to develop our foundation projects. We will

But this future depends on Members and their continued commitment:

work to expand our membership base all over Ireland, to strengthen our

"We want Members from everywhere. We don’t want somebody sitting up

philanthropic ties and see everything continue to evolve, with the increased

in Donegal who might be hugely valuable to the Society saying 'well, that's

participation of volunteer Members. Over the past number of years I’ve had

not for me'. It's for everyone".

the opportunity to work closely with the staff across the organisation. the Society is truly fortunate to have such talented, capable and industrious staff

Something for everyone

who work so effectively with voluntary officers across the whole of the RDS”.

New Members, or those considering joining, might be concerned by the idea

And her final message to those Members: "I know Minerva is going to be

of having to put themselves forward for Committee membership, or might

read by Members, but we want those Members to tell their neighbours and

not be sure how they can contribute beyond their subscription. I ask Bernie

friends – to talk about the RDS. Come and see what the Society has to offer

what she would say to a new Member: "Come and meet us. See what we

and then see what you can offer to the Society.

have to offer. there are so many social activities to take part in, such as the

“When you start talking about it and thinking about it, you realise that the

art classes, keep fit, or bridge. Even if you don’t want to be on a Committee,

RDS is an exceptional place!".

come along and talk to the staff to see how you can get involved". this is something Bernie feels very passionate about: "We are not a regular

lifelong commitment

Members' Club – we are an organisation that achieves something. We need to tell people that we're here and what we're doing, and by we I mean we

Equestrianism has been at the centre of Bernie's life, and her

the Members. Come to our events. for example, the Rising Stars Concert is

involvement in the RDS. like her father before her, she is a former Chair

a fantastic occasion, and by attending, you not only have the experience of

of the Galway County Show and of the Showjumping Association of

listening to wonderful music, you also help a young musician by giving

Ireland, first in the Connacht Region and then nationally. She has also

them the opportunity to play to 600 or 700 people. your philanthropy

served as Vice-President of the Equestrian federation of Ireland, and on

funds these activities and your attendance supports them".

the Board of horse Sport Ireland, as RDS representative. She was elected to the Equestrian Committee of the RDS in December 2002 and

Keeping it going

was a member of the Agricultural Section of the Council from 2006-

Bernie is very much looking forward to her three-year term of office, and is

2012. She is a former Chairman of the Equestrian Committee, and

excited about a number of initiatives that will begin or continue during that

former Simmonscourt Arena Director at the Dublin horse Show. She is

time. Chief among these is the development of the Anglesea Stand: "We are

a show jumping judge, show organiser and horse breeder.

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016 | 7

fEAtURE

RDS Visual Art Awards revitalised for 2016 the reinvention of the rDS Visual art awards has brought it to new heights.

With a new structure, a new name and a new time of year, the 2016 RDS Visual Art Awards Exhibition was a stellar success. Continuing the steadfast RDS tradition of supporting emerging visual artists, the Awards showcased and rewarded the best Irish visual art graduates of 2016. the exhibition was enthusiastically received by many in the visual arts community, which was a great beginning for what was seen by many within the visual arts as a ‘new’ event.

Winners NCAD graduate Elaine hoey won this year’s €10,000 RDS taylor Art Award and in doing so followed in the footsteps of harry Clarke, Walter Osbourne, louis le Brocquy, Dorothy Cross, Maria McKinney, and many others. her work pushes the boundaries of visual art through her innovative use of virtual reality and gaming technology, and such was its popularity that there was a queue for Elaine’s work for almost the entire duration of the exhibition. the prestigious RDS taylor Art Award has been presented since 1860 and is one of the most important awards for emerging visual artists in Ireland today. formerly known as the RDS Student Art Awards, the RDS Visual Art Awards were significantly restructured for 2016, as well as being rebranded and moved to a standalone exhibition at a later time of the year. In all, 13 artists were selected by a judging panel for inclusion in the Exhibition and many commented on how the Exhibition worked so well in the RDS Concert hall space. Influential artist Alice Maher curated the Exhibition and in addition to the cachet she brought to her role, her effort and enthusiasm for the project were beyond expectation. All of the exhibitors spoke glowingly about her and about the incredible opportunity the RDS offered them to work with her. On the opening night Alice spoke passionately about the visual arts, artists, culture in Ireland and the significant role that the RDS can now play in this area.

8 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016

fEAtURE

THE BEST OF ART Clockwise from top: Justyna Kielbowicz inspecting her work in advance of the opening night; Megan Burns in front of her work, which was painted directly onto the walls; Curator Alice Maher and Visual Arts Working Group Chair Noel Kelly waiting to go on stage; and, the RDS Concent Hall set up for the Exhibition.

New structure the 13 exhibitors were selected from a longlist of 131 graduates who were invited to apply for the Awards, having been recommended by one of the eight professional curators employed by the RDS to visit the end-of-year BA and MA degree shows in 13 art colleges around the country. Even from the early summer, this longlisting process was creating a buzz around the colleges, with bright green stickers marking out some of the best work of 2016 in each college. that buzz continued right through to the exhibition itself, with thousands of visitors attending. Many of the artists reflected afterwards on what a major benefit the whole process was for their professional careers. RDS taylor Art Award winner Elaine hoey spoke of how “there was such a great air of excitement from all the colleges in regards to the prizes and the exhibition itself” and how

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016 | 9

fEAtURE

ACHIEVEMENT Clockwise from top: Exhibitor Jane Rainey in front of her work; Monster Truck Studio Award winner Aoife Dunne in front of her video installation; and all four winners – Sven Sandberg, Aoife Dunne, Elaine Hoey and Michelle Hall – on stage at the Awards Ceremony.

“to receive that kind of recognition for your work is unparalleled for

the future

students, especially in a show that is critically judged by Ireland’s

having seen the success of 2016, art colleges are already talking

top curators”. But such feedback wasn’t just given by prize winners.

enthusiastically about 2017. hundreds of students who visited the

Jane Rainey from Belfast, who was selected to exhibit, spoke of how

exhibition have been spurred on by the work they saw and the

“the exhibition provided me with a large amount of exposure; the

ambition to be part of the RDS Visual Art Awards next year. the

amount of people who came and saw the show was fantastic”.

interest in the exhibition from the visual art community was manifest

Another fellow exhibitor spoke of the prestige that the longlisting

in the amount of work sold, connections fostered and commissions

process quickly garnered in May and June: “Even to be longlisted

being explored.

was wonderful and such a well-needed boost of confidence and

the 2016 RDS Visual Art Awards Exhibition was a great success for all

motivation that all artists lack at times. So being shortlisted and a

these reasons, but importantly because it also greatly contributed to

part of the show was unbelievable”.

the RDS mission of seeing Ireland thrive culturally and economically.

10 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016

MEMBERShIP

Give the gift of RDS membership for Christmas For a unique gift this christmas, give the gift of rDS membership to family, friends, business colleagues or clients. Your gift of rDS membership will be beautifully packaged in a special, gold-embossed envelope.

It’s worth noting that your gift envelope is available for presentation in time for Christmas Day. to purchase the gift of RDS membership or to find out more please contact Catherine Jordan, Membership Development Manager, on 01-240 7296 or via email at catherine@rds.ie.

New reciprocal club arrangements

Reciprocal clubs have become very popular with RDS Members,

le Club forest & Stream – Montréal, Canada

particularly with our business Members who regularly use the Penn

le Club forest & Stream is an exclusive and private social club located

Club in New york and the lansdowne Club in london, both providing

on the west island of Montréal, offering excellent facilities in an

unique accommodation alternatives for RDS Members. three new

atmosphere combining old-world tradition with modern amenities. the

clubs have recently been added to the reciprocal club list.

Club offers a setting reminiscent of a country estate, where guests can feel at home, with world-class cuisine and a private wine cellar, meeting

the West Indies yacht Club – St Catherine, Jamaica

and event facilities, and free parking for Members and their guests.

the West Indies yacht Club in Jamaica was founded for yachtsmen,

www.forestandstream.ca – no accommodation

marine officers and sailing enthusiasts to promote sailing and classic yachting, maintain and protect maritime heritage and improve sailing

Wiener Rennverein – Vienna, Austria

techniques, as well as vessels’ performances. RDS Members and their

Wiener Rennverein is the longest-established club in Vienna, with

guests are welcome to use the elegant clubhouse, which provides a

elegant and historical premises. the Wiener Club provides Members

relaxing and convivial rendezvous for families and friends to meet, a

with private or business meeting space in a pleasant atmosphere, but

base for Members’ business use and a variety of bars, restaurants,

also offers opportunities to attend presentations and discussions with

bedrooms, and also yacht berthing and mooring for Members’

figures from public life and/or from the business and cultural sector, as

enjoyment and convenience.

well as the diplomatic scene.

www.wiyc.club – accommodation available.

www.rennverein.at – no accommodation

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016 | 11

MEMBERS' GAllERy

Art and enlightenment members' events this autumn have catered to all interests and tastes, from art, to agricultural history, to business.

WhAt lIES AhEAD? John Higgins, CCO and President, Avolon Aviation, addressing the audience of the RDS Economic Vision 2020 Series.

SPEAKER SERIES from left: Shirley Cullen, Robert Myerscough, Charles Nelson and John holohan at the first RDS library Speaker Series event of the autumn.

RhSI from left: RhSI President Robert Myerscough, RDS Member Una O’Connor and award-winning flower arranger Jenny Murphy at the opening of the RhSI bicentenary exhibition.

12 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016

VIEWING IN PROGRESS RDS Members and guests taking a tour of the RDS Visual Art Awards Exhibition.

MEMBERS' GAllERy

lEADING thE PACK Alice Maher leading a tour of the RDS Visual Art Awards Exhibition. Alice was curator of this year's Exhibition.

READy tO GO Ronan Harris, Vice President, Google, EMEA, and Head of Google Ireland (left), and RDS CEO Michael Duffy, before Ronan's RDS Economic Vision 2020 talk.

EARly ENlIGhtENMENt Declan Coyle of Andec Communications speaking at a Business Members' Networking Breakfast Briefing this autumn.

REMARKABlE tRANSfORMAtIONS Prof. Mary Daly, President, RIA, at the recent RDS agricultural history conference 'Remarkable Transformations’.

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016 | 13

CAlENDAR Of EVENtS OPEN tO MEMBERS

Calendar DECEMBER

Classes winter/spring 2017 JANUARY 19

Bridge classes every monday for 10 weeks

11

members' christmas carol concert – rDS concert Hall – 3.30pm

15

member's annual visit to Kildare Village shopping and

With Peter Pigot, January 30 until April 3, 2.30pm4.30pm. €150 Members/€180.00 Non-Members

retail outlet followed by a visit to the newbridge Silverware shop. Departing RDS Members’ Club at 10.15am – €20 30

Members/€24 guests.

Fitness classes every monday for 16 weeks With Sylvia fleming, 11.00am-12.00pm and 12.15pm1.15pm, January 30 until May 29.

24

christmas eve carols and lunch – rDS members' club –

€66 Members/€80 Non-Members. There will be no

12.30pm, lunch 1.30pm

class on April 17 (classes will resume on April 24), or

Gather in the library for a glass of mulled wine and enjoy 'the

May 1 (classes will resume on May 8).

Merry Voices' as they sing Christmas carols in Victorian costume.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY 18 6

Business members’ networking Breakfast – 7.30am – €10 Damien O’Brien, Business Strategist and Owner,

computer classes every monday for four weeks In association with Age Action Ireland.

SME Matters: Goalsetting for 2017 – 10 Steps to

february 6-27, 10.30am-1.00pm, Members' Club. €40

Hit Your Goals in 2017

Members/€48 Non-Members

FEBRUARY 14

art classes every tuesday for six weeks With Carole Shubotham

2

rDS economic Vision 2020 Breakfast – 7.30am

february 14 until March 21, 10.00am-12.30pm,

Catherine Day, former Secretary General, EU

Members' Conference Room. €175 Members/€200

Commission

Non-Members. All materials supplied

MARCH 7

computer classes every tuesday for four weeks

13

Lunch and Learn – thomas Prior room – 12.30pm

In association with Age Action Ireland.

Paul Martin, Gold Medal Winner at the Chelsea

March 7-28, 10.30am-1.00pm, Members' Club.

Garden Show: Getting your garden ready

€40 Members/€48 Non-Members

for spring

15

Business members’ networking Breakfast – 7.30am – €10

Join us in Geneva

John Whelan: Winning export strategies – identifying

may 10-14 members’ trip to Geneva and cern

your niche markets abroad and how to profitably

A fantastic opportunity to visit this fine city and the world-famous CERN. the

monetise the opportunities

visit will include an attendance at Cosi Fan Tutti with other cultural aspects.

John will discuss market opportunities abroad.

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.

14 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016

members’ evening Dining December

2

9

January

20

February

3

17

march

3

17

april

7

21

16

CAlENDAR Of EVENtS OPEN tO MEMBERS

FEBRUARY 15

rDS music Bursary London performance with aoife Gibney –

MARCH 9

exhibition – a History of italians in ireland – rDS Library

royal over-Seas League, St James’s Street,

A compilation of photographs drawn from a collection of the late

London – 7.30pm

Cavaliere Barbato Borza and various other sources.

this concert features 2016 Music Bursary winner Aoife Gibney, soprano, with pianist

13

Lunch and Learn – thomas Prior room – 12.30pm Ruth Kennelly, interior designer, RK Designs:

Killian farrell.

Colour and Style – Getting it Right 15

Ruth Kennelly has been a leading interior

rDS Library Speaker Series – rDS merrion room – 6.30pm

designer in Ireland for over 10 years.

John Pilkington: Russia and Europe: What Next?

Storyteller and journalist John Pilkington examines the current Russian question, leaning on his years of

21

rDS economic Vision 2020 – 6.00pm Colm lyon, CEO, fire financial Services

experience in former Soviet Union territories.

21

rDS economic Vision 2020 – 6.00pm Niamh Bushnell, Dublin Commissioner for Start-ups 24

Visit to christchurch and St Patrick’s cathedrals, Dublin – coach departs rDS members’ club at 10.30am Visit two of Dublin’s most iconic churches with private guided

MARCH

tours. the day will include lunch with return coach to the RDS. 1

Cost applies.

rDS Library Speaker Series – minerva Suite – 6.30pm Richard Ovenden: Great Libraries of the World – The

APRIL

Bodleian Library, Oxford Richard Ovenden is the top librarian of ‘the Bod’.

5

Business members’ networking Breakfast – 7.30am – €10

founded in 1602, the library is one of the oldest in

John Casey, Group Sales Director, trilogy technology: Information

Europe and the second largest in the UK.

Security Risks – The Modern Landscape John will talk about the increased demands organisations face in

8

light of the increased security threat landscape, and the

Business members’ networking Breakfast – 7.30am – €10

responsibilities of a new regulatory environment.

Sophie Rowan, author, business and coaching psychologist, Managing Partner, Pinpoint: You and Your Team at Your Best – Proactive Career

10

Management for You and Your Team

8

rDS Library Speaker Series – rDS minerva Suite – 6.30pm Prof. Mike Gibney: Ever Seen a Fat Fox?: Human Obesity

Lunch and Learn – thomas Prior room – 12.30pm John Grenham, Genealogist: The Easy Way to Find Your Ancestors

28

rDS economic Vision 2020 Breakfast – 7.30am Philip Moynagh, CCO, Carbongistics

Explored Prof. Gibney will look at obesity: its prevalence in society and possible solutions for its redress.

rDS Library Speaker Series

rDS Bridge club

Please join us for these unique presentations.

the RDS Bridge Club wishes all Members of the RDS a very happy

Admission to lectures in the Series is free and open to the public,

Christmas. We play bridge every Wednesday at 7.30pm in the RDS

but booking is essential. for bookings and information, please call

library. We welcome all levels of player, from novice to master.

01-240 7254, email: librarydesk@rds.ie or go to

If you are a member of the RDS, you are entitled to come along and

www.rds.ie/speakerseries.

play. Rest assured that you will be made to feel very welcome.

Enquiries to the honorary Secretary, Moya, on 087-615 2531.

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016 | 15

ChIEf ExECUtIVE’S REVIEW

Planning and hard work chief executive michael Duffy reports that the implementation of the Foundation Development Plan, which is part of the overall Strategic Plan for the Society, is proving successful.

2016 has been a very satisfactory year for the Society, with good

conferences. these included the International Air transport Association

performances recorded in our major areas of activity. the

(IAtA) conference and a world conference for specialist veterinarians.

implementation of the foundation Development Plan is having a

the exhibitions business was also strong but there is no doubt that

measurable and positive impact on our philanthropic work. It is

confidence is still fragile. that said, our bookings for 2017 and ahead are

immediately evident in, for example, the decoupling of the RDS Visual

good and exhibition bookings are a reasonable barometer of an

Art Awards from the RDS Craft Awards, and in the development of our

economy’s health.

science activities, including the expansion of the RDS Primary Science

A major project at present is the development of the Main Arena in the

fair. the RDS Craft Awards were staged as a standalone event in the

form of a new Anglesea Stand and associated areas. We secured full

week of the RDS Dublin horse Show and were a great success. the RDS

planning permission on November 8 and this allows us to focus on

Visual Art Awards Exhibition took place in the RDS during October for

securing the funding necessary to implement the redevelopment. the

the first time and attracted critical acclaim from the visual arts

Society has a strong record of undertaking major projects in a very

community. Additionally, the number of Members’ events has increased

prudent way. We will once again ensure that the funding we receive is

threefold since 2011 and now numbers over 90 wide-ranging events. All

consistent with the requirements of the Society. the design we have

of these are signs that the planning and hard work of the Committees

adopted will enhance the RDS Dublin horse Show and provide a top-

and the foundation Board are paying off.

class stadium for both the Show and for leinster Rugby for many years to

this increased scale of RDS philanthropic work required funding of €2.4

come. Our timescale is naturally dependent on finalising funding for the

million from the RDS in 2016. If we wish to continue to increase the

project.

number of activities, maintain their quality and introduce new elements, we will need to seek additional funding through philanthropy.

teamwork

the focus on our philanthropic work impacts in a very positive way on

the success of the Society relies on a number of key elements working

membership engagement and more Members than before are now active

together. the talent and hard work of a wonderful team of staff combines

at every level of the Society. this year the Society asked the membership

with the wisdom and specialist expertise of our Members who serve

to consider making a specific financial contribution, over and above their

voluntarily on the various Committees and Boards to extraordinary

membership subscription, to our philanthropic work. We have been

effect. We recognise the dedication of everyone involved and are grateful

heartened and gratified with the response.

to the Board of Management, foundation Board and the Council for the leadership they provide.

Effective evaluation this year’s RDS Dublin horse Show moved to July to accommodate Olympic participants. Despite this, the Show was once again a huge success. It remains one of the world’s great horse shows and the Equestrian Committee deserves great credit for the manner in which it has developed every aspect of the Show. It has managed this in a gradual and highly-effective manner. the method of evaluating each step as the Show evolves is a model that is used by all the RDS Committees in the development of their projects. It has underpinned the success of the RDS Dublin horse Show and many other RDS events.

Prudent plans On the commercial front, we had a very good year for our venue

micHaeL DuFFY,

operations, underpinned by a series of significant international

cHieF executiVe.

16 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2016