Minerva September 2016

I S S U E N O. 3 5 / S E P t E M b E R 2 0 1 6

MINERva fOR MEMbERS Of tHE RDS

JOHN MOLONEY 2016 recipient of the RDS Gold Medal for Industry

EDItORIaL

MINERva Welcome to the September Minerva

editor

Diarmuid Hanifin

contributors Eileen byrne

Susan Cox

the collaboration with the Institute of

intertwined the Show is with the equestrian

International and European affairs (IIEa) on

community, allowing it to quickly respond to the

climate-smart agriculture, under the stewardship

needs of the industry. as one of my final communications to all Members, I would like to thank everyone who

Natasha Serne

Paul farrelly

of tom Kirley, has been a significant venture for

ann-Marie Hardiman

Catherine Jordan

the Society. It was conceived of and delivered

Katy Conneely

Paul O’Grady

Dara O’Leary

Colm Quinn

Gerard Whelan

Joanna Quinn

Design and production Sub-editing and layout

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

Print Distribution

Impress Printing Sooner than later

within an 18-month time frame and is already

has lent their support, time and expertise to the

shaping the future direction of the RDS

RDS over the past three years. It is upon the

agriculture and Rural affairs work programme,

shoulders of your effort that the Presidency of

and other groups, inside and outside the Society.

the RDS rests, and throughout my term I have

I was delighted to be able to help launch this

taken ever-increasing pride in the calibre of work

initiative just a week before the Dublin Horse

that the RDS, both the Members and the

Show in July. My thanks to the Minister for

Executive, are responsible for.

agriculture, food and the Marine, Michael Creed tD, for officially launching the report.

It was my last time to preside over the Dublin

ROYaL DUbLIN SOCIEtY

Horse Show and I hope that those of you who

ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

attended in person or watched the coverage

t: 01 668 0866 f: 01 660 4014

enjoyed it as much as I did. We were honoured

www.rds.ie

to have President Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Mrs Sabina Higgins, present for the

Minerva:

minerva@rds.ie

General:

info@rds.ie

furusiyya fEI Nations Cup. We were also

RDS Membership:

members@rds.ie

delighted to have HRH the Princess Royal in

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.

attendance. the Show was something that she had long anticipated coming to, and she was just sorry that she didn’t have more time to take it all in. the great success of recently introduced classes at the Show is testament to how

Contents

Matthew DeMpsey RDs pResiDent septeMbeR 2016

8

Feature RDS supporting agricultural history research

DepaRtMent contacts

3

arts

(01) 240 7255

arts@rds.ie

equestrian

(01) 240 7290

equestrian@rds.ie

philanthropy the RDS Membership philanthropy campaign

10

RDS Gold Medal for Industry

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

4

agriculture &

events 12

Members' gallery

RDS visual art awards

14

calendar of Members' events

Feature

16

Dublin horse show

RDS Craft awards RDS StEM Learning

6

industry & commerce

Feature

(01) 240 7215

industry@rds.ie

2 | MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016

Climate-Smart agriculture Report

Review of this year's Show

PHILaNtHROPY

Have you joined our 2016 Membership philanthropy campaign?

FOUNDATIONS OF ACHIEVEMENT Clockwise from left: Soprano Aoife Gibney won the 2016 RDS Music Bursary Award worth €15,000; the first RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick took place this year and was a great success; and, RDS STEM Learning renewed enthusiasm for science teaching among primary school teachers around the country.

the RDS is a philanthropic society and our Members continue to

foundations of a new era of endeavour and achievement for Ireland.

inspire the pioneering RDS work programme in areas such as science,

Many Members have already responded generously to our campaign

music and the visual arts, among others. President Matthew Dempsey

and we are sincerely grateful for their support and leadership. We

wrote to Members in May to tell you about some very exciting plans

have just passed 50% of our campaign goal. If you would like to join

we have to deepen our commitment to these areas of Irish life and

them and make a gift to the 2016 Membership campaign, please send

culture.

it to us today by using the freepost envelope provided in the

this year our aim is to raise €100,000 from Members to improve and

information pack sent to Members in May.

expand four vibrant areas of our philanthropic work programme:

If you are a taxpayer and make a gift of €250 or more, we can send you an easy-to-complete form, which will help us to reclaim tax on your

1. the RDS Music bursary.

gift. for example, a gift of €1,000 from an individual Member could be

2. the RDS visual art awards.

worth an additional €449 to the RDS, at no extra cost to Members.

3. RDS StEM Learning (science, technology, engineering, maths).

If you would like more information on our Membership philanthropy

4. the RDS Primary Science fair.

campaign, or to make an immediate gift payment, please contact Eamonn Carroll, Membership Relationship Manager, on 01 240 7297, or

We believe that through these investments we are helping to build the

via email at eamonn@rds.ie.

MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016 | 3

EvENtS

RDS – supporting Patrick Rafter in emerging craft makers London

SUPPORTING MAKERS This year's RDS Craft Awards Exhibition attracted almost 10,000 visitors.

IN FULL FLIGHT 2015 Music Bursary winner Patrick Rafter performing in London.

almost 10,000 people visited

with refreshing intelligence and

this June, 2015 RDS Music

the 2016 RDS Craft awards

wit. this exquisite piece

bursary winner Patrick Rafter

this prize fund increased to

Exhibition during the five days

demonstrates the confidence of

performed to an appreciative

€15,000 in 2016, which makes

of the Dublin Horse Show. On

the maker and shows how, over

London audience, including

the RDS Music bursary one of

display was the work of some of

time, the repertoire of the

several London-based RDS

the largest single bursaries on

the best craft makers in Ireland.

potter evolves to establish a

Members. this was the first of

offer to young musicians in

for the second year running,

unique voice”.

two solo engagements that came

Europe. the bursary assists one

the competition was split into

Ríona finn’s hand-fabricated

with the bursary awarded to

young professional musician

two strands, with emerging and

18ct yellow gold, sterling silver

Patrick last year by the RDS, from

every year to develop their

established makers being

and champagne diamond

which he has already progressed

career through further study at

treated separately. this

bangle was inspired by an 18ct

towards international

home or abroad, or for the

initiative was introduced to

tsuba (Japanese iron sword

recognition.

purchase of a musical

specifically help newer makers,

guard) and won her the RDS

RDS President Matthew

instrument.

and it seems to be working,

Emerging Maker award of

Dempsey represented the

the Music bursary is a key

with 61% of all entries this year

Excellence. Judges singled out

Society at the event, which was

component of the RDS arts

in the emerging makers

Ríona’s piece as “an inventive,

kindly organised by Irish

Programme, which provides a

category.

well thought out and expertly

Heritage – a London-based

platform that supports the

One of the stars of the

crafted piece of jewellery. the

organisation that contributes to

transition from student to

exhibition was Karen Morgan’s

effect of the silver gilt tracery,

the RDS Music bursary prize

emerging artist and encourages

pair of hand-thrown porcelain

bordered by two silver bands, is

through this performance

the pursuit of a career in the

vessels entitled Kiss, which won

given an extra impact by the

opportunity. also in attendance

visual arts, crafts or music.

awarded to him last year.

the RDS Established Maker

dark oxidised background.

was the ambassador of Ireland

Patrick is the special guest at

award of Excellence. Karen’s

Everything in this piece is right”.

to Great britain, Daniel Mulhall,

our next RDS Rising Stars

entry was praised by the judges

the winning pieces are now on

who witnessed Patrick in full

Concert, which takes place at

for the “exquisite handling of

display, along with a host of

flight. the bursary winner has

7.30pm on November 17 in the

the material and subtlety in the

other winners and selected

spent the last year working with

RDS Concert Hall. the concert

making of these pieces. this is a

pieces, in the National Museum

leading violinist Maxim vengerov

is free to attend but booking is

potter whose skill and precision

of Ireland, turlough Park,

in Geneva, which was enabled by

essential at

explores the beauty of porcelain

Castlebar, until November 13.

the €10,000 RDS bursary

www.rds.ie/risingstars.

4 | MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016

EvENtS

first RDS StEM Learning graduation this May, the first RDS StEM Learning graduation took place. this peer-to-peer learning network was piloted by the RDS to encourage creative primary school teaching of science and imbue teachers with greater confidence in their science teaching. both DCU and Science foundation Ireland shared the Society’s vision of a skills-based approach for StEM education in Ireland, and they both provided unique support for the programme. RDS StEM Learning was reliant upon the teaching community embracing new ideas, facing new challenges, exploring new methodologies

EMBRACING NEW IDEAS Teachers participating earlier this year in the RDS STEM Learning peer-to-peer science programme.

and sharing all these experiences

given me the confidence to allow

ended approach to StEM, which

among themselves. It wouldn’t

the children to think like

in turn improves higher order

have worked without this

scientists, and to allow them to

thinking as well as promoting the

building on this success, the RDS

collaboration, but thankfully it

have more control over their

development of scientific skills.”

StEM Learning National

was welcomed by all who

learning in the classroom.”

participated, as these quotes

from a book or demonstrated.”

Conference 2016 will take place “I think that this CPD course has

on November 26. featuring

“It has undoubtedly raised the

helped shift an attitude towards

keynote speaker Sam Kendall

level of teaching and learning of

the teaching and learning of

from the Eden Project in the UK,

“I wouldn’t have been very

science. teachers are open to

science. It has opened the minds

the conference will explore

confident teaching science

discussing ideas that they have

of teachers that science is

creative approaches to teaching

before taking part in RDS StEM

used. the students are now

fundamentally inquiry based

the primary curriculum using the

Learning. this programme has

becoming used to the open-

and not intended to be done

outdoor environment.

from teacher participants show:

Experience the RDS visual art awards Running from October 26 to

opening until 8.00pm on

art, for a Q&a – bookings can be

Saturday, October 29, at 11.00am,

October 31, the inaugural RDS

thursday evening.

made through the Library desk

a panel discussion on ‘Starting

visual art awards Exhibition will

On thursday, October 27, at

(librarydesk@rds.ie; o1 240 7296).

an art Collection’ will be held

feature Ireland’s best graduating

6.30pm, the Library Speaker Series

an exclusive tour of the exhibition

for Members in the thomas

visual artists, curated by renowned

will feature alice Maher speaking

for RDS Members will take place

Prior Room.

artist alice Maher. the Exhibition

about her work, and she will be

on friday, October 28, at 3.00pm,

for more information and to

will be open from 10.30am to

joined by Seán Kissane, Senior

with RDS arts Programme

book these events, please see

6.00pm daily, with late night

Curator, Irish Museum of Modern

Manager Dara O’Leary, while on

www.rds.ie/visual art.

MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016 | 5

FEATURE

Climate-smart agriculture report launches the report by the RDs and the iiea is already proving to be influential.

CHALLENGES FOR IRELAND The report recommends increasing the level of Ireland’s forested area (above), and the provision

food security and climate change are two of the world’s major challenges

comparable to the agricultural Revolution of the 18th century”.

this century. Informed by international expert opinion over an 18-month

the international framework of CSa specifies three objectives that can

period, the RDS and the Institute of International and European affairs

help in this transformation:

(IIEa) launched a report in July 2016 on how Ireland could become a global leader in climate-smart agriculture (CSa).

n increasing agricultural productivity and farm incomes;

n adapting and building resilience to climate change impacts; and,

Ireland’s anomalous dependency on agriculture and lack of heavy

n reducing greenhouse gas emissions (where possible).

industry make our circumstances almost unique among developed

the ‘where possible’ clause relates to developing countries that have a

countries. In order to negotiate Ireland’s challenges and responsibilities in

very low carbon output and where reducing greenhouse gases may not be

this area, creative thinking needs to be applied, which this report aims to

a priority.

do. It outlines where Irish agriculture should concentrate its output and

the report suggests that Irish agriculture should be strategically

where it might cut emissions, enabling the country to potentially lead the

re-orientated around these three pillars, making Ireland an international

way internationally in CSa.

leader in CSa. taking this leadership will require political commitment and a management development framework to track and report on progress.

three pillars of climate-smart agriculture Ireland has to meet emission reduction targets set out in EU and other

change is possible

international agreements and has a number of unique challenges to

the report recommends that incentives to promote dairy-beef enterprises

overcome. Ireland has little heavy industry in comparison with our

are put in place, as these are more carbon efficient than suckler beef

continental neighbours, yet in spite of this, our emissions per capita are

systems. the ending of EU milk quotas presents an opportunity for the

above the EU average. agriculture is the single largest contributor of Irish

expansion of dairy-beef enterprises, which are more climate smart and

greenhouse gas emissions, and without ambitious actions to reduce these

economically beneficial to farmers.

emissions, the Exchequer will incur heavy costs in the period to 2030.

Carbon sinks (forests and other areas that take in and store carbon dioxide)

but these actions will be challenging. as the report finds: “the scale of

are vital to Ireland meeting its emissions targets. the level of Ireland’s

transformation required in the agriculture and land use sector is

forested area will need to be increased beyond the current 11% of land use.

6 | MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016

FEATURE

a successful partnership In March 2015 the IIEa and the RDS partnered to establish a Leadership forum on Climate-Smart agriculture, launched by then Minister for agriculture, food and the Marine, Simon Coveney tD. the final output from this initiative was a report launched by his successor, Michael Creed tD, in July 2016. through this project we pooled our resources, collaborated and shared the burden of the commitment in various ways, and this partnership was the key to the success of this initiative. of incentives to promote dairy-beef enterprises (right).

Since its foundation in 1731, the RDS has been committed to improving standards within Irish agriculture and promoting economic and social development in rural Ireland. tom Kirley, and

the report recommends that the Government should be implementing

others in the RDS, provided substantial editorial guidance and

financial incentives to encourage farmers to invest in this area. While it is

intellectual support throughout the project, and played a key role

difficult to overcome the cultural barriers to forestry, creative solutions to

in engaging with stakeholders in the agriculture sector, with

address these obstacles should be explored, including the reconsideration

whom the RDS has long-standing relationships. When added to

of the replanting requirement. Chairman of the RDS Committee of

the IIEa’s own strengths, we had at our disposal a unique

agriculture and Rural affairs, and one of the report’s editors, tom Kirley,

analytical capability in dealing with an issue that covers science in

said that the report will certainly change how the RDS Committee

its broadest sense, crosscutting policy making, public

operates: “We’re already making adjustments and plan to increase these

administration and the challenge of social change. the RDS also

from next year onwards. Ireland is at the forefront of scientific research

played a key role in hosting several high-profile international and

into the development of new climate-smart technologies to make the food

national speakers, and workshops involving stakeholders.

we produce more carbon efficient, but what we need to see is the adoption

the challenge we took up together was how to ensure global food

of this research on farms throughout the country.”

and nutrition security while tackling climate change; without

He went on to point out that the report highlighted that one of the

question this is one of the great issues of the century ahead, and

key factors in the adoption of new CSa technologies will be to increase

an area where Ireland has the capacity to provide leadership. the

the level of land under the management control of our highly trained

report proposes that Ireland should become a global pioneer in

young farming graduates. He added that this is an area that the RDS

climate-smart agriculture and provide policy leadership at

believes strongly in and will continue to focus our efforts on. the report

European and international level. We were delighted with the

is an important contribution in bringing the agricultural and scientific

final output and the partnership with the RDS, which was key to

communities together for the future success and sustainability of

delivering on our objectives for this project.

farming in Ireland, and the RDS is playing a significant role in linking these two areas.

tom arnold Director General, IIEa

please see www.rds.ie/csa to view the full report.

MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016 | 7

fEatURE

Living history Dr Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh is the recipient of this year's RDs Library and archives bursary. he describes his research in the RDs on irish agricultural history.

post-Independence Irish State and the RDS through the prism of their shared commitment to agricultural development.

He said: "I assumed that because they both had a common interest in supporting the ongoing development of Irish agriculture, this would draw them together, despite the fact that the new Irish government comprised revolutionaries and the RDS represented the old establishment. I also wanted to undertake a project that might have a wider appeal than purely to those interested in agricultural history, to relate agricultural history to the wider political context". although Mícheál's research is ongoing, his initial conclusions UNIQUE ARCHIVE RDS involvement in agricultural development dates to the Society’s first meeting in 1731.

are positive.

the RDS Library and archives has long been a source of great pride to

leading lights in the RDS might have had about Irish nationalism, they

Members, but its collections and highly professional staff are perhaps

recognised that this was a positive development for Irish agriculture."

"What is emerging from my research is that the RDS was very willing to work within the new Irish State. Whatever political misgivings the

not so well known beyond the Society. the collections relating to Irish agriculture and the Society's involvement in agricultural development,

a joy to use

which dates to its first meeting in 1731, are particularly extensive.

Mícheál's experience of using the archives has also been very positive.

this year, as part of a suite of measures to raise awareness of this

"Using the archives has been a revelation. I was aware of its existence,

tremendous resource, particularly among researchers and academics,

but I had no idea how extensive it was. also, what's been terrific is to

it was announced that the RDS Library and archives Research bursary

find it in such an ordered state. It's a joy to use."

would be awarded for research in agricultural history. the bursary of

the Library too comes in for great praise.

€8,000 is awarded to a researcher to undertake a piece of research

"there is a huge collection of secondary source material, so when I

using the Library and archives, and to produce an article for

want to cross-reference something I don’t have to run off to the

submission to a peer-reviewed publication. this year's recipient is Dr

National Library or one of the college libraries to find what most

Mícheál Ó fathartaigh, a lecturer in Dublin business School whose

people might consider quite a recondite secondary source because the

area of interest is post-Independence Irish history, in particular

collection is so extensive they generally have it on the shelf."

agricultural history. His book on the subject, Irish Agriculture

this includes a full set of Thom's Directories in excellent condition, a

Nationalised, was launched last year, and the bursary has given him the

highly prized resource among Irish historians.

opportunity to continue his research in this area.

the staff of the Library come in for particular praise.

"I want to emphasise just how welcoming and helpful everybody has

a shared commitment

been, particularly Senan Healy, Natasha Serne and Gerard Whelan.

Mícheál's research project looks at the relationship between the new,

Members, I'm sure, know this, but they are a very professional library

8 | MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016

fEatURE

Remarkable transformations: Reassessing the History of Irish agriculture the RDS Library and archives will host a one-day conference on the history of agriculture in Ireland on friday, September 9, 2016. the conference is being held as part of the RDS Library and archives’ initiatives to promote the use of its archives and to promote historical research.

programme TREMENDOUS RESOURCE The agricultural collections at the RDS Library and Archives will be promoted at the upcoming agricultural history conference.

10.00am

staff, and were very helpful to me, from telling me where I can plug in

10.15am – 11.30am

conference welcome – RDs president, Mr Matthew Dempsey panel 1: Dynamics of irish agricultural change

my computer, to helping me to find source material."

n Dr Peter Solar

neglected field

n Dr Carla King

n Dr Catriona Curtis

the benefits of a bursary such as this go beyond those that accrue to the recipient, as Mícheál explains.

11.30am – 11.45am

coffee break

"It's a bursary that any scholar would love to be awarded. Even if I hadn't been lucky enough to be awarded this bursary, I would be spending this

11.45am – 1.00pm

time researching and trying to get published, but to have this support as

panel 2: innovation and the politics of change

n Dr Mícheál Ó fathartaigh – RDS Library and

archives Research bursary recipient

a relatively young historian trying to establish myself is just terrific.

n Dr Liam Kennedy

Despite how centrally important agriculture has been and continues to

n Dr Joanne banks

be to Ireland, because it's not a glamorous topic, there is very little support for scholarship in this sphere, so I'm very grateful to the RDS." Research like this adds to a fund of knowledge that benefits all of society.

1.00pm – 2.00pm

Lunch

"In order for us to plan best for the future in terms of policy formulation, we need to have a very cogent understanding of what we did well and

2.00pm – 3.15pm

what we did less well in the past. Nowhere is this more pertinent than in

panel 3: agricultural Journalism

n Mr Matthew Dempsey n Ms barbara Hussey

agriculture – in terms of a response to contemporary challenges, an understanding of the past is hugely valuable, because these challenges for the most part are challenges that we faced before."

3.15pm – 3.30pm

coffee break

conference

3.30pm – 5.00pm

panel 4: climate-smart agriculture past and Future

Mícheál will present his preliminary results at the Society's upcoming

n Dr David Stead

n Dr James f. Collins

conference on the history of agriculture – 'Remarkable transformations:

n Mr Joe Curtin

Reassessing the History of Irish agriculture'– on September 9 (see panel), and is looking forward to being part of this prestigious event.

"We'll have a very wide range of papers, looking at the history of Irish

Registration is available online at www.rds.ie or by contacting the RDs

agriculture from all sorts of perspectives. I'll be presenting my findings in

Library via email at librarydesk@rds.ie or telephone at 01 240 7254.

an abstract form and then I'll go on from there and produce a longer version in the form of an article, which I'm hoping to get published in an

Registration fee

international peer-reviewed journal. In addition, I'll obviously be

Standard

€40

disseminating my experiences through the historical community and

RDS Member

€30

publicising the value of the archives in that way."

Student

€30

MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016 | 9

fEatURE

Golden legacy John Moloney, chairman of coillte and former Group Managing Director of Glanbia plc, is the 2016 recipient of the RDs Gold Medal for industry.

When John Moloney arrived in Dungarvan in 1987 to begin working for the Waterford Co-Op he could never have imagined the impact he would have on the organisation that we now know as Glanbia. His vision and bravery not only turned a regional co-op into one of the leading agri-food businesses in the world but also completely changed how we see the dairy sector in Ireland.

In selecting a recipient for the Gold Medal there are numerous criteria that a nominee must meet. they must be a leader, innovator, successful, and have contributed to the sustainable economic development of Ireland. John Moloney’s record of achievement marks him out as one of the leading figures in Irish business over the last 25 years, and that alone makes him worthy of the Gold Medal, but what makes him stand out among his peers is the lasting legacy that he has built that will benefit future generations. a humble and grounded man, John Moloney is never one to make it about himself and is quick to pass on praise to his colleagues, but he is the role model to aspire to, a man who created transformative change in his sector, and the RDS is proud to honour him with the Gold Medal for Industry in 2016.

When John was promoted to the position of Group Managing Director of Glanbia in July 2001, the company was performing poorly. He devised a new strategy to focus on performance nutrition, cheese and ingredients, with a particular emphasis on adding high value to milk constituents. briefing agricultural journalists shortly after his appointment, this new

home life

meet another 24-year-old Oxbridge graduate, you have to start back at the

Sligo native John is married to Joan and they have two sons, David and

cow, and you’re wondering will you make the last flight out of Heathrow.

Stephen. In his spare time he is a keen sailor and musician. One of his four

It’s much easier to go to Castlelyons or Donaghmore, at least they

sisters, Rosarii, is married to the eight-time all Ireland winner Pat Spillane,

understand about the cow bit there”.

who has been known to quip that while John Moloney used to be Pat Spillane’s brother-in-law, now it’s the other way around.

explaining the cow the dairy cow is at the centre of the Glanbia business. Not everyone understood that. Speaking to Stephen Cadogan for an Irish Examiner interview at the time of his retirement from Glanbia, John said: “analysts in New York or London have at times driven me to a certain level of impatience. If it’s the last of eight meetings in the day in London, and you

10 | MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016

HONORARY DOCTOR John received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from UCD in 2011 (photograph courtesy of UCD Communications).

fEatURE

strategy was already in sharp focus but, he observed: “big ships take

Leadership roles

time to turn and Glanbia is a big ship”.

as a result of these achievements, John Moloney is highly regarded by

the strategy required investment and expansion. Joint ventures and

his peers in the agri-food industry. On leaving Glanbia, he joined the

partnerships in the USa and africa quickly grew the business in the

board of Coillte, the commercial semi-state entity responsible for the

2000s into an international force and one such development in New

management of the State's forestry assets, and was appointed Chairman

Mexico is now among the largest manufacturers of premium quality

shortly afterwards.

cheese in the world.

John was subsequently made Chairman of the food Wise 2025

back at home, John provided the vision and ambition to build the

Committee. this Committee’s report was published in July 2015 and is

infrastructure that has helped Glanbia to spearhead innovation in the

seen by the industry as the roadmap for the sustainable development of

agri-food sector over the past decade. Perhaps his greatest legacy for the

the agri-food sector for the next decade.

future of the dairy sector in Ireland is the €235 million dairy processing

Under his leadership, Glanbia’s relationship with barretstown helped

facility at belview Port in County Kilkenny. the largest single investment

raise over €1.6 million for the children’s charity. as a lasting legacy to this

by an indigenous company since the building of the ardnacrusha power

partnership, Glanbia donated a unique sensory garden.

station, belview has the capacity to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of

Prior to joining Glanbia, John worked with the Department of agriculture,

dairy powders a year and is worth an estimated €400 million to the Irish

food and forestry and in the meat industry in Ireland.

economy annually.

He is a non-executive director of Greencore, Smurfit Kappa Group and

During John’s time at the head of Glanbia, profits increased from €59.6

a council member of the Irish business and Employers Confederation

million in 2001 to €212 million in 2012. after 12 years at the helm and over

(Ibec).

25 years in total with the company, he passed the leadership of Glanbia to

John was educated at Summerhill College in Sligo, and at UCD, NUI

current Managing Director, Siobhán talbot, who became the first female

Galway and the University of Navarra, barcelona. He holds a degree in

leader of a major plc in the country in June 2013. With current turnover of

agricultural science as well as an Mba. In 2011, he was awarded an

over €3.5 billion per annum and almost 6,000 employees worldwide, John

honorary Doctor of Science degree from UCD. He has also received

Moloney’s vision turned Glanbia into one of the world’s top-performing

several major industry awards from bodies including the Irish Exporters

nutrition companies. the big ship had turned.

association and Institute of Management Consultants and advisers.

RDs Gold Medal for industry award Lunch n RDS Concert Hall

n friday December 2, 2016

n Reception at 12.15pm followed by lunch at 1.00pm

n tickets cost €100 per person or €800 for a table of ten. RDS

Members and their guests can book tickets at the discounted price of €80 per person

n to book, go to www.rds.ie/goldmedal

all Members of the Society are invited to book a seat or a table at the lunch to participate in the presentation of the RDS Gold Medal for Industry to John Moloney.

A SPECIAL OCCASION The RDS Gold Medal for Industry Lunch takes place on December 2, 2016.

MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016 | 11

MEMbERS' GaLLERY

Social summer From the Dublin horse show and the RDs craft awards to the RDs steM Learning graduation, it’s been a busy and productive summer at the RDs.

IN GOOD HaNDS RDS Council Member Bernardine Hurley with the Aga Khan Trophy on display at the RDS Library Exhibition.

DRaWN IN RDS Members at the Members' Bar for the Dublin Horse Show.

REWaRDING MaKERS At the RDS Craft Awards Exhibition were (from left): Committee of Arts Chairman Joseph Lynch; RDS Award of Excellence Winners Ríona Finn and Karen Morgan; RDS President Matthew Dempsey; and, Committee of Arts Vice-Chair Lorraine Egan.

12 | MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016

DIStINGUISHED GUESt HRH The Princess Royal attended the Dublin Horse Show, and was welcomed by RDS President Matthew Dempsey and RDS CEO Michael Duffy.

MEMbERS' GaLLERY

CLIMatE-SMaRt At the launch of the IIEA/RDS Climate-Smart Agriculture Report were (from left): RDS President Matthew Dempsey; Tom Arnold, IIEA; Tom Kirley, Chair, RDS Committee of Agriculture & Rural Affairs; Michael Creed TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; and, Brendan Halligan, IIEA.

HONORaRY MEMbERS 2016 RDS Honorary Life Members – charity founder Father Peter McVerry (left) and racehorse trainer Jim Bolger.

GREat tIMES RDS Member Philip Dodd and guest at this year's Dublin Horse Show.

REaDY tO tEaCH RDS Member Keith Young with Kate Richardson (left), a teacher at Alexandra College Junior School, and Avril Lamplugh, Head of the Alexandra College Junior School, at the RDS STEM Learning graduation.

MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016 | 13

CaLENDaR Of EvENtS OPEN tO MEMbERS

Classes autumn/winter 2016 SEPTEMBER 19

SEPTEMBER 14

computer classes every Monday for four weeks

business Members' networking breakfast – 7.30am – €10 Declan Coyle, Director, andec Communications, and author,

September 19 until October 10, 10.30am-1.00pm,

The Green Platform: Living Your Life on the Green Platform

Members' Club. €40 Members/€48 Non-Members 23

RDs Members’ visit to Mount stewart house and Gardens – 8.00am – €70

19

bridge classes every Monday for 10 weeks With Peter Pigot, September 19 until November 28,

27

2.30pm-4.30pm. €150 Members/€180 Non-Members

RDs economic Vision 2020 – RDs concert hall – 7.30am Ronan Harris, CEO, Google Ireland

There will be no class on October 31 – classes will resume on 29 – 31/10 exhibition: Royal horticultural society of ireland bi-

November 7.

centenary: a Growing tradition – RDs Library – 19

Monday to Friday 10.00am – 5.00pm

Fitness classes every Monday for 10 weeks With Sylvia fleming, 11.00am-12.00pm and 12.15pm-

OCTOBER

1.15pm, September 19 until December 5 €66 Members/€80 Non-Members. There will be no class on October 3 (classes will resume on October 10), or October 31 (classes

3

RDs Library speaker series – RDs concert hall – 7.30pm Dr E. Charles Nelson: To Reclaim the Art of

will resume on November 7).

Gardening: The Origins and Early Years of the 20

Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland

afternoon bridge every tuesday for five weeks

Dr Nelson was senior research botanist and

With Sally Dawson, September 20 until October 25, 2.30pm-4.30pm, Members' Club. Cost is €5 per game and

horticultural taxonomist for 20 years at the National botanic

you must bring a partner. There will be no class on October

Gardens.

18 – classes will resume on October 25

OCTOBER

5

ian Fox autumn series: Famous fiascos – great compositions which were flops at their first performances but went on to

4

art classes every tuesday for six weeks

become much acclaimed pieces – Members' club – 12.00pm-

art classes with Carole Shubotham, October 4 until

1.15pm

November 15, 10.00am-12.30pm. €175 Members/€200 Non-Members. all materials supplied. There will be no

12

you ever wanted to know about HR but were afraid to ask!

NOVEMBER 22

computer classes every tuesday for four weeks

business Members' networking breakfast – 7.30am – €10 David bell, solicitor and MD, the HR Department: Everything

class on October 18 – classes will resume on October 25

12

ian Fox autumn series: Famous fiascos 2 – Members' club – 12.00pm-1.15pm

November 22 until December 13, 10.30am-1.00pm, Members' Club. €40 Members/€48 Non-Members 18

RDs economic Vision 2020 – RDs Merrion Room – 6.00pm John Higgins, CCO and President, Avolon Aviation

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

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

RDs Library book sale – september 19-23 the annual RDS Library book sale will take place from Monday, September 19, to friday, September 23. Duplicate and out-of-date books

Use your Food and beverage credit

will be available for purchase. Donations of

Remember to use your Members' Club food and beverage Credit

by October 31, 2016.

books will be accepted from Members of the

14 | MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016

RDS to help raise funds for the Library.

CaLENDaR Of EvENtS OPEN tO MEMbERS

OCTOBER 19

19

RDs Library speaker series – RDs Minerva suite – 6.30pm

NOVEMBER 11

Edmundo Murray: The Irish Diaspora in South

Dublin Book Festival: An Evening with Hubert Butler

and Middle America

Launch of Hubert butler’s Balkan Essays, with a

Irish immigrant groups in Latin america and

screening of Hubert Butler: Witness to the Future,

their relationships with Ireland.

followed by Q&a.

ian Fox autumn series: Famous fiascos 3 – Members' club –

15

12.00pm-1.15pm

26

RDs Library speaker series – RDs Library – 6.30pm

RDs economic Vision 2020 – RDs Merrion Room – 6.00pm Kevin Lane, CEO, Ornua

ian Fox autumn series: Famous fiascos 4 – Members' club –

16

12.00pm-1.15pm

RDs Library speaker series – RDs concert hall – 10.00am – 3.30pm One-Day Seminar: A New System of Banking for

26-31

RDs Visual art awards exhibition – RDs concert hall

SMEs – Simply Different a proposal to establish an SME banking system,

27

RDs Library speaker series – RDs Library – 6.30pm

improving access to finance for SMEs.

alice Maher: Reservoir alice will address the themes in her multimedia

22

RDs Library speaker series – RDs Library – 6.30pm

approach, followed by a visit to the RDS visual

Reel Images & Real Lives: Differences in the Art

art awards Exhibition.

of Making award-winning film maker Ciarín Scott will talk

28

exclusive tour for Members of the Visual art awards exhibition

about her life and the diversity of her work.

RDs arts programme Manager Dara o’Leary – 3.00pm 30 29

RDs Library speaker series – RDs Library – 6.30pm

collecting art: expert panel discussion

Heads and Tales in the RDS Library: A Portrait

– thomas prior Room – 11.00am

of the artist Marjorie FitzGibbon Megan O'beirne looks at Marjorie fitzGibbon’s

31 – 2/11

Members' trip to the wexford opera Festival – booked out –

artistic life.

waiting list in place 30

NOVEMBER

Members' trip to La Boheme at the bord Gáis energy theatre – 3.30pm – €130 including transport, prosecco reception, dinner at the clayton hotel and admission

9

business Members' networking breakfast – 7.30am – €10

DECEMBER

annemarie Graham, employee health and well-being expert: Mental Health for Peak Performance in the Workplace 2 10

RDs Gold Medal for industry award Lunch – RDs concert hall – 12.15pm – see pages 10-11

Dinner theatre with wonderland productions: A Midsummer Night's Dream – thomas prior Room – 6.30pm – €98 – dinner and theatre

11

Members' christmas carol concert – RDs concert hall – 3.30pm

RDs Library speaker series

Members’ evening Dining

Please join us for these unique presentations.

september

2

16

november

4

18

admission to lectures in the series is free and open to the public,

october

7

21

December

2

9

16

but booking is essential. for bookings and information, please call 01 240 7254, email: librarydesk@rds.ie, or log on to www.rds.ie/speakerseries. please note days and times vary for the speaker series this autumn.

RDs bridge club Competitions held every Wednesday evening in the RDS Members’ Club – www.bridgewebs.com/rds/

MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016 | 15

HORSE SHOW REvIEW

Lorenzo steals the Show at the RDS the irish team narrowly missed out on victory at another fantastic Dublin horse show.

MASTERS Pat Parelli (left) giving the first of his Masterclass demonstrations at the 2016 Show, and Lorenzo de Luca (right) on his way to winning the 2016 Longines International Grand Prix of Ireland.

an individual performance that has rarely been matched at the RDS saw

a more sustainable and flourishing model.In the last number of years the

Lorenzo de Luca win both the Longines International Grand Prix of

RDS has played our part in shaping this model by rewarding and

Ireland and the furusiyya fEI Nations Cup with Italy, as well as three

showcasing specific classes. for instance, this year we had a record

other international competitions at this year’s Dublin Horse Show. His

number of Connemara Performance Hunter entries and the quality was

great success should not overshadow the great performance of several

top class. a significant factor in this has been the introduction of the

Irish riders in the international competitions. Indeed, if it wasn’t for

International Connemara Performance Hunter Class last year. Yards

Denis Lynch’s refusal at the last fence of the jump-off, it might have been

around Ireland have quickly recognised the potential value in well-

a very different story for the Irish team. Robert Splaine’s selection had

produced Connemara ponies. It follows the ongoing successful

matched the Italians with a team total of zero faults before going into

introduction to the Show in recent years of other classes, including the

the jump-off, which Piergiorgio bucci secured for a first Italian aga Khan

international seven- and eight-year-olds, the Performance Irish Draught

victory since 2009.

classes, the broodmare futurity and the traditionally bred championship for young horses, which was introduced this year.

a proud tradition but the 14 international show jumping competitions only make up part

all-round success

of the Dublin Horse Show. the Show was founded over 150 years ago to

the success of the Show this year extended beyond the rings, with

provide a showcase for the best horses in the country and its reputation

the RDS management team anticipating a good show weeks in

has been based on Ireland’s ability to breed, produce and export

advance. attendee numbers were again very healthy, with

excellent sport horses. the mission of the RDS is to see Ireland thrive

approximately 100,000 visitors over the five days of the Show.

economically and culturally and, given the importance of the Irish sport

Included in this was a great attendance from RDS Members, with the

horse industry to rural Ireland, the Dublin Horse Show is a crucial aspect

spruced-up Members’ bar in the Main arena proving very popular. the

of how we fulfil that mission. today the Show not only provides a

help of the many volunteers and stewards from the RDS and beyond

window for Ireland’s best sport horses but, through the development of

made the Show the success it was and their time, effort and

the Show’s programme, the RDS is helping to move the industry towards

dedication is greatly appreciated.

16 | MINERva | SEPtEMbER 2016