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.
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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.
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