Rotary News

January / February 2015 • Issue 002

YOUTH

CONFERENCE 2014 IN PICTURES

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY See pages 4 & 5

ATHLONE CLUB AIDS YOUTH EXCHANGES See page 23

See pages 12 & 13

Dundalk Club Celebrates Winners Last month, the Rotary Club of Dundalk hosted a lunch in the Ballymascanlon Hotel in Dundalk for the eight School Winners who took part in the Youth Leadership Competition.

These eight represented all the Secondary Schools in the Dundalk Area.

The Teachers involved were also invited. The Manager of The Dundalk Credit Union, one of the sponsors of the competition, was also present.

Before the announceme nt o f t he overall winner for the Dundalk Rotary area, Dundalk Club President, Oliver Ni xo n s p oke t o t h e

guests and the members.

Pr e s i de nt Oliver we l c o me d the pupi l s , teachers, Manager of the Dundalk Credit Union and the Rotary members.

He thanked the teachers for their help in organising the competition in their respective schools this year and in former years. He pointed out to the winners from each sc ho o l tha t the y w e r e already winners in their

own right, but that only o ne pe r s o n wou ld g o forward to the Regional Finals.

He then thanked the owners of the Ballymascanlon Hotel for kindly sponsoring the beautiful lunch again this year. He also thanked the Dundalk Credit Union for sponsoring the competition for the 3rd year in succession.

Annual Dinner For North Down Club

Pictured here are: Paddy Williams, Sean O'Hanrahan, Criona O'Reilly and Oliver Nixon, Dundalk Rotary Club, and Billy Doyle, Dundalk Credit Union, Sponsor, along with Ballymascanlon House Hotel, with finalists in the Club's Youth Leadership Award, Conor Begley, Colaiste Ris; Mohamed Beshr, De La Salle College; Shew Emmanuel Jshoza, O'Fiaich College; Karen Smyth, St. Vincent's Secondary School; Thomas Dorian, Scoil Uí Mhúiri, Aoibh Carroll, Dundalk Grammar School; Eimear Shine, St. Louis Secondary School and Wiktoria Staszak, St. Mary's College.

Presid en t Oliv er also p oin ted ou t th at th e Rotary Club of Dundalk p u ts g reat tim e an d effort into this competition with practically every member involved in interviewing in the schools, organising the competition and so on.

He thanked all the members involved with

particular thanks to Sean O’Hanrahan and Criona O’Reilly, who ran the competition in a very professional manner. He also pointed out that the Dundalk club has a very high success rate in this competition.

The overall winner was Conor Begley fr om Colaiste Ris in Dundalk.

He received a cash prize and special certificate.

All finalists received a certificate, and each school involved received a cash donation.

Christmas Extravaganza Enjoyed By Armagh Club

Pictured here are Entertainment Chair Steve Blayney, President Bertie Carson, Guest Speaker Tim McGarry and Assistant District Governor Garth Arnold at the Annual Dinner of the Rotary Club of North Down.

See story on page 03

The Rotary Club of Armagh recently held a Christmas Extravaganza of Food, Fashion and Fun with Celebrity Chef Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador and Ambassador for Ulster Wildlife, at The Armagh City Hotel in Armagh. A number of shops participated in the event, and the club would like to thank all who did. All proceeds from the day went to the Society of St Vincent de Paul, NSPCC, Ulster Wildlife and Rotary charities.

Pictured here is Chairman Eamon Long (left) and President of Carlow Rotary Club, Karl Mc Donough pictured in Barrack st Carlow with the Christmas Tree of Remembrance filling up prior to Christmas. The project was a great success for the club, up 25 per cent on last year's project.

02 Continued Support For ‘Sand Dams’ Project Jan / Feb 2015

Rotary clubs in Ireland have become very good at saving innocent children’s lives. Via just one of its international projects, called ‘Sand Dams’, they will bring water to thousands of people in Kenya.

Rotary clubs across Ireland and the UK will spend circa £1m on building sand dams.

22,000 thousand innocent children die every day, needlessly. Two billion people live below the poverty line and one in every seven people on the planet wake up each morning not knowing how they can fill a single cup with “food for the day. But Rotary change that for some children in this area of Kenya.

For those that don’t know, a sand dam is a reinforced concrete wall built across seasonal river beds. A pipe is built into the dam, going

20 metres upstream. Over one to three seasons, the dam fills up with water.

Then the dam fills up with sand. The sand holds and filters water. Sand dams can hold an incredible 20 to 30 million litres of water, and each dam provides a clean water supply for up to 1,200 people, animals and nurseries for trees and vegetables.

The benefits of sand dams are staggering, impacting on health, education, food supply and much more.

A dam provides a year-

Contact Us: Leader House, North Street, Swords Tel: 8 400 200

Advertising Tel: 01 8400 200 info@rotarynews.ie Sales: Gerry Fitzmaurice

Newsdesk Tel: 01 8400 200 info@rotarynews.ie Editor: Dale Orr Newsdesk: Jennifer McShane Managing Editor: Gerry Fitzmaurice

Publishers

Printer

Else Newspapers Ltd.

Kerry’s Eye

Reaching All Rotary Members Throughout The Island Of Ireland

ADVERTISERS:

please note terms and conditions

Rotary News reserves the right to decline, omit, suspend or alter any advertisement in the newspaper or to terminate any contract and will not be held responsible for any loss caused thereby.

No liability is accepted for any loss caused thereby. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error in the printing of any advertisement. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage alleged to arise through delay in forwarding copy. All advertisements placed in Rotary News appear online in our digital formats.

round source of water so people do not have to spend long back-breaking hours collecting water from far away. Children go to school more often - not just because they don't collect water themselves, but because they don't have to stay at home looking after children whilst their mothers take 8 hours to collect water.

The water is also much cleaner, having been filtered through the sand, protecting communities from parasites, so children are less likely to get ill.

Instances of typhoid and diarrhoea are virtually eliminated.

A sand dam also transforms the environment.

The tree survival rate increases and allows other crops to grow that would not normally survive. More trees and plants mean more food for humans and animals, making it possible for people to create a sustainable livelihood.

Rotary groups all around Ireland are proud to support the Sand Dams project.

ROTARY NEWS

Pictured here is President of the Sligo Rotary Club Sean Doyle, being interviewed at Ocen FM radio station recently.

Sligo Club Takes To The Airwaves President of the Sligo Rotary Club, Sean Doyle was recently interviewed at Ocean FM Radio Station about Rotary’s Bikes 4 Africa project. Ocean FM is the largest regional broadcasting station in the North West with listenership across Counties Sligo, Leitrim, and South Donegal. As a result of the interview, the club got a number of offers of second hand bicycles which have been added to those already collected and are now in

the process of delivery to Loughan House Open Prison for refurbishing. The Rotary Club also took the opportunity to tell listeners about their Youth Leadership competition and the forthcoming Remembrance Tree project. "A number of people told us that they had heard the interview so that in itself indicates that we got our message across on how Rotary and Rotarians contribute to society," said Sligo Rotary President, Sean.

Nominations For 2017/18 Rotary President Now Open Do you know of an active Rotarian who has served previously as a district governor within Great Britain or Ireland?

The nominations for Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) President in 2017/18 and Honorary Treasurer in 2016/17 are now open!

Information relating to the duties required of each position, and how to apply, can be found on the Rotary website.

There will be one Selection Advisory Committee in 2014/15 to recommend candidates for nomination as President and Honorary Treasurer of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI).

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

Antrim Rotary Club recently held a special Charter Night with a dinner in Dunadry hotel to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. Pictured here is John McConnell with Andy Lyttle and guests.

Carrickfergus Club Offer Condolences Back in September, Rotary Club members were shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of their member Philip Bryan while on holiday in Corfu. President Sam Crowe led members in a silent tribute to Rotarian Philip and offered the condolences of club members to his wife Rhoda, their son, daughter and the wider family circle.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

03

Dublin Fingal Club Ends 2014 On High Note The Dublin Fingal Rotary Club are celebrating the end of a hugely successful year. They have had many projects and events running throughout the year, and Club President of Dublin Fingal Rotary Club, Andrea Malloy, spoke to the Rotary News about some of the highlights: “It’s really been a fantastic year for our Rotary Club,” she said, happily. “We’ve been particularly busy over the last few months and recently raised funds for two of our prioritised charities. ‘Project 538,' a project to provide clean water for schoolchildren in Kenya, and St Vincent de Paul, who we've been fundraising for over the past few months," she said.

District Governor, Philip Beggs visited the Dublin Fingal Rotary Club, where the members presented him with cheques containing the funds that had been raised.

"We raised over €2,500 for Vincent de Paul," she said, adding that both charities where Beggs' preferred charities in terms of fundraising.

"We have a vibrant group of members, which makes up a

Club President, Andrea Molloy presents cheques to District Governor, Philip Beggs.

brilliant group of people," she continued. "It's fantastic to see the club come together for such good causes, and we hope to have more of the same this year, as we have lots planned for 2015," she concluded.

Pictured at the Maldron Hotel recently are the Rotary Club of Dublin Fingal Youth Leadership Development Competition finalists with teachers and parents. Pictured are Ciara May Barron of St. Mary’s Secondary School Baldoyle with her mother Patricia, Volodymyr Bunyak of St. Finians Community College Swords with Principal Patricia Knightley and Transition Year Head Fiona Derivan, Mary O’Reilly of Loreto College Swords with Career Guidance Teacher Patricia Kennedy.

The finalists are pictured here with Club President Andrea Molloy and Youth Leadership Chair Willie Maxwell.

Not in picture is finalist Sofija Gvozdeva of Malahide Community School. The overall winner of this year’s Youth Leadership Development Award was Mary O’Reilly (pictured centre with President Andrea Molloy).

Open Day For Lisburn Club

Christmas Festivities For Monaghan Monaghan Rotary Club got into the spirit of Christmas recently, and organised a special Mulled Wine and Mince Pie Stand at the Turning on of Monaghan Town Christmas Lights in Monaghan Town. The stand was very well supported and had a great atmosphere, as Rotarians danced behind the stand in their festive outfits, whilst serving their community.

President of Monaghan Rotary Club, Audri Herron presented Sinead McKenna from MSPCA (Monaghan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), with a cheque Donation at the turning on of Monaghan Town Christmas Lights. Other donations were made on the day to Monaghan St Vincent de Paul and Monaghan Branch of the Wheelchair Association.

Pictured here is President of Monaghan Rotary Club, Audri Herron and fellow rotarians presenting Sinead McKenna from MSPCA (Monaghan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) with a cheque Donation at the turning on of Monaghan Town Christmas Lights.

Annual Dinner For North Down Club Over 100 members and guests attended the Annual Dinner of the Rotary Club of North Down, which was held recently in Helen’s Bay Golf Club recently. An excellent dinner was followed by a most entertaining after-dinner speech by television personality Tim McGarry. The evening raised a total of £1200, most of which will be going to the charity ORBIS to support their work in countering trachoma in Ethiopia. Just two days after the dinner Louise McCourt, daughter of Past-President Greg McCourt, took part in the Great Ethiopia 10K Run in Addis Adaba, also in support of the charity.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

To help promote Rotary international and encourage new members the Rotary Club of Lisburn held a recent open lunch meeting to enable members to bring business colleagues and friends along to showcase what Rotary is about.

The club had around 10 visitors and 1st Vice President Gary welcomed them and gave a short talk on the aims and principles of Rotary.

The members were also thankful to their speaker Allister McGowan, who filled in at short notice after the previously arranged speaker had to cancel.

Allister gave an excellent talk on the Police and fire Games, which had taken place in Northern Ireland in the summer of 2013 He then told members how he came to believe that Northern Ireland could host this big event when he was attending the games in Ottawa.

After gaining support from authorities here in Ireland, he then took on the mantle of heading

up the organisation of what became a hugely successful event. He particularly mentioned

Special Discount For Rotary Members

the volunteers and we had several associated club members who had volunteered - Robin Holliday and Margaret, Melanie Minshull and Margaret McDonough.

The club said they were very encouraged by the response of the visitors, and there was positive feed back from a number of prospective members.

10%

10% Discount for any Rotary member when you mention Rotary News The Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport is proud to host the weekly meetings of Rotary Club Of Dublin Fingal

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

04

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Jan / Feb 2015

Great Success For Kilkenny

Pictured here are The nine school winners in the recent Kilkenny Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Competition 2014 pictured with Rotarian Dermot Gaynor and Club President Joe Mulhall.

Cork Club Proudly Selects Winner The Youth Leadership Development Competition is one of Cork Rotary Club’s longest running youth projects, and it aims to reward young people who have demonstrated that they have clear leadership potential mainly based on their extra-curricular activities.

The prize for the overall winner is a week long Leadership Development Programme which includes a visit to Belfast to meet with local political and business leaders, then travel to Dublin for further meetings with leaders and then the highlight of the trip is the opportunity to debate a variety of motions in the European Parliament in Strasbourg at Euroscola.

The Cork Club had 12 applicants from four postprimary schools: Scoil Mhuire-Girls Secondary School, Christian Bothers College-Boys Secondary School, St

Rotary Kilkenny ran the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Competition in Kilkenny again last year with 35 students from nine secondary schools in Kilkenny City and County.

This is one of the key activities of the Rotary Club of Kilkenny, and the main Youth project of the year.

The standards set by the applicants were very high and the Rotary Club of Kilkenny would like to compliment all the schools that took part on the calibre of their students.

The club raised awareness of the Rotary Summer Camps as part of the broader range of Youth programmes available to

Aloysius-Girls Secondary School and Presentation Brothers College-Boys Secondary School.

Recently, the club hosted the school winners and their families at the Presentation of the Overall Winner Ceremony, where President Anthony Dinan thanked them and their schools, most sincerely, for embracing the competition with such sincerity, efficiency and courtesy.

He said that it was most gratifying for Colin Nicholls and Eugene Currivan to experience such warmth and courtesy when visiting each school and he acknowledged the great work that Colin Nicholls has put into the running of the competition.

Colin said that great credit was also due of course to the parents and guardians of these students and to their teachers. To say that the standard of each candidate was very high indeed making our task of selecting just one from each school quite demanding”.

The second stage in the overall competition was held in the afternoon when all four candidates were again interviewed, in order to select the successful candidate.

The overall winner was Elaine McCarthy, from Scoil Mhuire, Cork.

Pictured here, Oliver Nixon, President, Dundalk Rotary Club, presents the Club's Youth Leadership Award to Conor Begley, Colaiste Rís, with sponsors, Billy Doyle, Dundalk Credit Union, Niall Quinn, Ballymacscanlon Houde Hotel and members of Dundalk Rotary Club, Criona O'Reilly, Sean O'Hanrahan and Paddy Williams.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

the community. Individual school winners were deemed to have satisfied the interview criteria to apply for a place in a summer camp.

The event was organised and run by Siobhan Collier (New Generations chair) and was a huge credit to Siobhan’s organisational skills. The Kilkenny final was held in early November in the Club House Hotel with the winner going onto the regional final, which this year is kindly hosted by the Waterford Club.

Two winners from the regional final go on to represent Ireland at a ‘youth parliament’ in the EU parliament buildings in Strasbourg.

Bangor Club’s Competition A Great Success The Annual Rotary Youth Leadership competition proved to be a popular and challenging one this year for Bangor Rotary Club.

Bangor Academy and Sixth Form Centre, Bangor Grammar School and Glenlola Collegiate each put forward an impressive list of candidates all of whom could well have been chosen as our representative to go forward to the Zone and National finals.

The winner from each school was invited to join the club for lunch on November 19th when a winner was announced.

The finalists were: Kimberley Lai, Bangor Academy and Sixth Form Centre, Luke McWatters, Bangor Grammar School and Sophie Boyd, Glenlola Collegiate.

The overall winner was Luke McWatters who qualified for the Zone final which will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Combe. All entrants are now much better prepared to go forward into the work situation having had the benefit of sitting through a fairly intense interview procedure.

Luke, along with five other club final winners from local Rotary Clubs will face another interview panel from which three will be selected. These three along with more than 200 successful applicants selected by Rotary Clubs throughout Europe, will spend some time in early 2015 as guests of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Here they will be given the opportunity to study the workings of the Parliament and to head up working groups debating various current parliamentary subjects.

There will be 24 successful applicants from Ireland travelling to Strasbourg and the Irish leg of the competition is sponsored by the Irish District of Rotary International, Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI). The club would like to thank Jack Watson for undertaking the planning and smooth administration of the competition, and to the Rotarians who served on the Judging Panels at each of the schools.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Antrim Winner Selected Conleth Burns, a Year 13 student has been selected by the Rotary Club of Antrim, Derry and Tyrone to represent them in the ‘Rotary Youth Leadership Development Awards,’ in Strasbourg this January.

Conleth endured three gruelling interviews as part of the application process before finally receiving news that from the 2,500 applicants from all over Ireland, and he is one of only 24 winners!

On Monday 17th

November, at the Adair Arms, Ballymena, Conleth attended his final interview where he was asked to evaluate the role of the EU, to talk about his favourite leader, and define what characteristics he thought it took to make it as a leader.

As a winner, Conleth will get to enjoy a trip in late January visiting Stormont, Dail Eireann and the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He will take part in several debates in Strasbourg – “as if it was

Jan / Feb 2015

05

the actual EU,” Conleth said. He will also join over 500 students from all over Europe in ‘a day’s business’ at the EU where they will try and put the world right!

If you know Conleth you will have every faith in this being achievable!

Ballycastle Rotary Club are sponsoring Antrim’s representative Conleth, and he said a heartfelt thanks to them, as well as Mrs McCallum for “all the organising.”

Successful Youth Leadership Competition For Wexford Club In a competition, which highlighted the calibre of Wexford’s youngest leaders, Conor Glynn, a pupil at St. Peter’s College Wexford, has been declared as the winner of the 2014 Wexford Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition. Conor will now represent County Wexford when he competes in the South East Regional final in Waterford and if he is successful in the regional final, Conor will join 23 other students from across the island of Ireland for a week-long

event which will enable them to spend time in parliaments in Dublin, Belfast and Strasbourg.

The County Wexford final was contested by students from 11 schools; Laura Bruen (Loreto), Andrea Byrne(Presentation), Kirsty Moran (Bridgetown), Emma Tobin (Ramsgrange), Ruairi Murphy (St. Mary’s CBS Enniscorthy), Eoin Hickey (CBS Wexford), Lucy O’Gorman (Enniscorthy Vocational College), Conor Kelleher (Good Council College New Ross) and

Hugh McInerney (FCJ Secondary School Bunclody).

Chairman of the Youth Leadership Competition, Karl Fitzpatrick was delighted with the calibre of students that entered this year’s competition, and told the Rotary News: “Rotary Wexford interviewed more than 30 students from across the county and following the interviews, the overwhelming consensus from the judges was that the country is in safe hands with our next generation of leaders and on behalf of the Rotary Club of Wexford, I’d like to wish Conor every success as he represents County Wexford in the regional final.”

Monaghan Club Congratulates Past Winner The Rotary Club of Monaghan wishes to extend their congratulations to one of their past winners of Rotary’s flagship youth competition – the Youth Leadership competition, Peadar O’ Lamhna.

Pictured here is David Small, this year’s winner of the Rotary Club of Comber’s heat of the Rotary Ireland Youth Leaders competition.

David Wins Comber Competition David Small from Down High School was the winner of the Rotary Club of Comber’s heat of the Rotary Ireland Youth Leaders competition.

David participated in the recent Regional Final, where he competed with winners from other Rotary clubs in the district.

The purpose of this competition is to select 24 representatives from all over the island of Ireland. These winners will travel to both parliamentary assemblies in Ireland and then go on to the European parliament in Strasburg.

This competition has been going on for over 20 years and many young people, including several selected by the Rotary Club of Comber, have benefited from this Rotary Ireland initiative.

“It is important to obtain feedback on how on Rotary’s flagship youth competition – the Youth Leadership competition has contributed to the life and career goals of its previous winners,” the club told the Rotary News.

“Peadar is now the Irish representative of emerging leaders for the Gaisce Awards and was successful in his election for a three year term on the International Council of the Award,” they said.

O’ Lamhna told the Rotary News how winning the youth programme some years ago, ultimately helped him achieve his goals: “Having come through the Monaghan heat of the Youth Leadership Competition back in October 2008, I was awaiting the results of regional final held in

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

Belfast. I was fortunate to have been successful that evening and along with 23 others I visited parliaments in Belfast, Dublin and Strasbourg the following February,” he explained.

“The Rotary competition not only helped me to focus on goals, but also let me meet some like-minded people who were active within their local communities with various voluntary groups,” he continued.

“The feedback received at both interview stages was a fantastic encouragement to continue on with the targets I had set myself and it was also a brilliant opportunity to build networks with people throughout the country when I was organising various events and projects during my time in UCD.” Not only did the competition help to make me

Pictured here is Monaghan Rotary Clubs past winner of their Youth Leadership competition, Peadar O’ Lamhna, receiving his Gold Gaisce Award from President Michael D Higgins.

aspire to achieve a Gold Gaisce Award, it also planted a seed of being a leader within my local community,” he added.

“To those that are taking part in the competition this year, the very best of luck to you all, make sure to listen to your inter-

viewers feedback through the various stages,” he concluded.

“We have no doubt this young man will be a great ambassador for Ireland and we wish him well in his new position,” the Monaghan Rotary club concluded.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

06 Kenya Visit For Banbridge Man

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

This year, another Rotarian from Banbridge Rotary Club, Louis Boyle visited Rambo, in Kenya for two weeks this summer. Here is his story: “During a two week period in July 2014, I visited Rombo, a small village in a very rural part of Kenya, five hours drive to the south west of Nairobi near the border of Tanzania. The indigenous tribe throughout this very large area is the Maasai.

My host was a woman from Ireland, Elaine Bannon, who has been living and working in Kenya for 12 years.

Over the past 10 years with financial support from family, friends and Rotary in Ireland, some amazing work has been undertaken under the auspices of the “Light of Maasai” charity in respect of water, health and education. No video, talk or photograph could prepare you for the shock of experiencing the level of poverty and deprivation which is endemic in this area. Many of the Maasai live in rudimentary dwellings, some in mud huts, other’s with a tin roof. There is no electricity, running water, sewage and only primitive cooking facilities.

Washing is all done by hand with the clothes set out to dry on the little hedges surrounding the small holding.

The extended family live together in a little homestead with their animals, goats, chickens and cattle.

At the same time throughout my visit, I witnessed Rotary in action and was able to visit water projects and schools where Rotary’s funding has made a direct impact on the lives of local people. I found that Elaine and Rotary are highly regarded throughout the area and Elaine is supported by a number of well-grounded local people who work closely with her.

Clean water is the life blood of these communities, essential for both drinking and irrigation and Rotary funding from Ireland has supported the building of a large water tower which supplies water to many parts of Rombo which previously did not have a water supply. Rotary funding has also supported the

construction of sand dams which bring great benefit to the surrounding areas and water to over 1,000 people. I am very pleased to hear that with further significant funding from Rotarians in Ireland, and a matching grant from Rotary International, Project Ciara will see the construction of another large water tower and will bring water to 10,500 people.

Parents are very keen on education and there are a large number of day schools and some boarding schools in the area. Some of these are in very remote areas and with a very basic structure. One classroom I visited had 142 children under the age of 6 being taught by two teachers. Elaine has also been able to recruit sponsors to fund some children through school and there is a great need for this to be continued and extended. Education is the key that helps people break the poverty trap for themselves.

With funding of almost £800 from Banbridge

Pictured here is Banbrige Rotarian Louis Boyle during his recent trip to Kenya, with a number of local children and a resident.

Rotary Club, I agreed with Elaine to purchase desks for the children in four schools where they were badly needed; 36 desks were made by a small local firm and delivered to the four schools before I left. One of the schools had no furniture at all before the desks arrived.

It was just a rudimentary structure of a tin roof supported by a number of upright wooden beams.

The school had been set up at the request of parents as prior to this children had to walk a very long distance to the nearest school. The teacher, children and a few parents who came

Armagh Club Celebrates 70 Years The Armagh Club was granted its charter on 11th September 1944, and, under the leadership of the President Kevin Boyd, the members celebrated their 70th anniversary recently.

The club still holds its meetings in the Charlemont Arms Hotel, so it was fitting that a Celebratory Dinner was held in the hotel, with the present manager joining in the festivities. At this, the Secretary, Maria McGilly, displayed a Certificate of Congratulations signed by the current President of Rotary International Gary C.K. Huang from Taipeh in Taiwan, incidentally the first Chinese President of the organisation.

Pictured here is the Lord mayor with senior Rotarians from the Armagh club: Back row: Tom Duncan, Harry District Governor Phillip Carson, John Price, Tom Haverty, Ian Millar, Maria McGilly. Front Row: Gerry Gribbon, Robert Cardwell, Beggs then congratulated President Kevin Boyd, the Lord Mayor, Reg Hippolite, Amanda Boyd. the club on its longevity.

The club were further honoured by the Lord Mayor of the commended all the members on their work both, locally and City of Armagh, Cathy Rafferty, and a special reception was internationally. The final celebration was a dinner in a held in the Council Offices at the Palace Demesne. She local restaurant, to celebrate the conjunction of the Past

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

along were delighted with the gift of desks. In this school and many others, the children receive no nutrition other than water during the school day, simply because there are no resources to pay for food. Children walk several miles to school and spend a long day there and their only nourishment is water at lunch time. This was for me a complete shock and I wondered how children could possibly learn and thrive in the complete absence of nourishment during a long school day.

In contrast to all of the poverty and deprivation I witnessed, I found that

people and especially the children, in spite of the obvious hardships of their life, were always happy and smiling and they always had a greeting for you whether a wave, a handshake or a big smile.

I would encourage Rotarians to visit Rombo.

Elaine and her local supporters are always very keen to have visitors.

The accommodation is comfortable and the food is of a good standard. You will be able to witness the impact that Rotary fund raising and other support has directly on the lives of local people. Our efforts are making a big difference.”

President’s 70th birthday, matching that of the club. There was much reason for celebration as it was also the 85th birthday of one of the clubs oldest and most highly thought of members, Harry Carson. At the dinner, Harry was able to tell the members of his trip to Buckingham Palace to receive the MBE. One of the most significant members of the Rotary Club of Armagh, Harry served as Honorary Secretary for several years, is a past President and a recipient of the Paul Harris Award. He is also a member of Probus having been President in 2006.

By profession a Librarian, he spent all his working life in the Public Library Service reaching the position of Chief Librarian in the Southern Education and Library Board. He was the President of the Library Association of Ireland in 1980, and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Library Association in 1989, and of the Library Association of Ireland in 1990.

He was involved in the Boy Scout Movement for 52 years, during which time he received the Silver Wolf Award for services to scouting, eventually retiring as County Commissioner in 1990. Harry also found time to act as Honorary Secretary to the Armagh Arts Committee, and was the Director of Open Arts, which provided access to the Arts for the Disabled. For 21 years he acted as Secretary to the Macan Trust for the Blind, which provides financial support for the visually impaired and blind persons in the Armagh area. Harry was also Honorary Secretary to the Friends of Armagh Church of Ireland Cathedral, and a Governor and Guardian of the Armagh Public Library, founded by Archbishop Robinson in 1771. The Armagh Club say they are proud to number Harry Carson among their members, as he is the “very embodiment of voluntary service.”

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

07

Antrim Club Busy As Ever Pictured here at the Rotary Clonmel Remembrance Tree Launch are Lena O’Gorman, (Hospice) Mayor Martin Lonergan, Breda Ryan (Hospice) Joe O’Sullivan (President Clonmel Rotary) and Roratians Billy Farrell and Billy Doyle.

Successful Remembrance Tree Project Clonmel Club Christmas shoppers in Clonmel recently give generously to South Tipperary Hospice over the festive season.

The annual Remembrance Tree campaign, recently organised by Rotary Clonmel, aimed to raise funds for South Tipperary Hospice. Hospice’s homecare nursing service continues to do tremendous work each year to relieve the suffering of those who are seriously ill, in addition to supporting families throughout their loved one’s illness.

Hospice costs around €600,000 to run annually, with the majority of that sum being raised voluntarily.

There were two trees on display this year; one in Market Place outside Superquinn and another tree on O’Connell Street right up to Christmas, which acted as powerful symbols of Christmas and its true meaning.

Members of the public were invited to come to either tree and write the names of those they want to commemorate on a ribbon, and they also had the opportunity to make a donation to Hospice in memory of their loved ones.

Both Hospice and Rotary Clonmel were overwhelmed by the kind donations made during the Remembrance Tree campaigns in the past, and once again in 2014.

Joe O’Sullivan, President of Rotary Clonmel, said: “The tree was really an excellent way to remember your loved ones and support Hospice at the same time. We at Rotary Clonmel were delighted to assist South Tipperary Hospice with its fundraising efforts by organising our 2014 Remembrance Tree project.

We recognise and appreciate the wonderful work that Hospice does in our community, for which it richly deserves the continued support of our club.”

“One in four people will seek Hospice care in the future. Therefore it was very important that people supported the project,” Breda Ryan of South Tipperary Hospice said.

Coleraine Rotary Club Looks Ahead The Coleraine Rotary Club have had a busy 2014, jampacked full of events and activities. Among other things, they had a very successful fashion show in Coleraine Rugby Club back in October. Then, on December 16th, the club had their Christmas Lunch, and looking ahead, Coleraine Rotary Club will have their President’s Dinner on 20th February. They will have plenty more on over the coming months, and they will announce details as they get them. They are looking forward to getting involved in many activities during this coming year.

Antrim Rotary club presented a cheque for £1300 to the Children's Hospice. This money was raised from the handover night in June.

The evening took the form of an Australian Christmas.

Several members turned up dressed as Santa's, elves, kangaroos and santa's helpers. A great night was had by all.

Antrim Rotary also hope to have a fundraising night to help Riverside.

The school need to put down new tarmac on the

school playground and the cost is over 30K. Antrim Rotary made a donation to Riverside last year, this money went to help set up a new multi sensory room within the school.

Antrim Rotary also recently held their 40 year charter night in Dunadry Inn in November, which was a great success.The visiting Rotarians had a great time mixing with Antrim Rotarians, and commented on the great hospitality that they were shown.

Pictured at the recent Rotary Seminar in Belfast are The Mayor of Belfast, Nicola Mallon and Geoff Irons (president Antrim Rotary) The Friday night dinner was held in the City Hall in Belfast.

New Members Join Kilkenny Club

Pictured here is Stephen Costello who recently joined Kilkenny Rotary Club. He is being presented with his new Rotary pin by Club President, Joe Mulhall.

Pictured here is Jason Dempsey who recently joined Kilkenny Rotary Club. He is being presented with his new Rotary pin by Club President, Joe Mulhall.

Pictured here is Des Manning who recently joined Kilkenny Rotary Club. He is being presented with his new Rotary pin by Club President, Joe Mulhall.

The Rotary Club of Kilkenny were delighted to welcome three new members during the later period of 2014.

These were: Jason Dempsey, Des Manning and Stephen Costello. Jason began his involvement through leading a Rotaract project in Kilkenny and went on to join the Rotary Club. Des and Stephen first came into contact with Rotary through family involvement with Rotary. All are very welcome and their enthusiasm and energy will be in much demand.

Busy Christmas Season For Dublin Viking Club The rotarians in Dublin Viking Rotary Club have just had a very hectic Christmas season. “Christmas is always a busy time for the club, involving fundraising, carol singing, collecting with the Celtic Choristers and co-operating with Dublin City Business Improvement District to collect funds for local Dublin charities during the turning on of Dublin Christmas street lighting," said group PRO, Christoph Buller.

Dublin Viking Rotary Club is Dublin’s only breakfast Rotary club. The club is very active throughout the year. They host Ambassadorial scholars, support the 'End Polio' scheme, collect bicycles for Bikes4Africa, and participate in the rotary Youth Leadership programme. Their fellowship events range from casual BBQs, cooking events to museum and concert visits.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

Great Year For Dublin Rotary Club The Rotary Club of Dublin has had one of their busiest years yet in 2014. The ever-active group put on a variety of interesting events throughout the year including: a Euromeeting in Sweden, a visit from the Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay Rotary Club, and much more. They are looking forward to the coming year, and participating in and organising various events.

Successful ‘Evening’ For Cork Douglas Club The Cork Douglas Rotary Club’s recent ‘Evening of Songs’ event in support of Alzheimer Society of Ireland was a great success! The club wants to say a particular thanks to Denis Lane for organising a fantastic show.

They also wish to thank those who supported by attending or providing spot prizes.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

08

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

Bangor Rotarians Rise Early For Charity

Antrim Rotary Club recently held a special Charter Night with a dinner in Dunadry hotel to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. Pictured here is Nikki Craig with her husband and Brian Surgenor with his wife.

Pictured here, guest speaker at Bangor Rotary Club Breakfast Lembit Opik is greeted by the Mayor of North Down, Councillor Peter Martin (centre) and the Club President Ian Wilson.

An early morning start by Bangor Rotarians recently has raised more than £3,000 for charity.

The members of the Bangor Club were ‘up with the lark’ to welcome over 200 guests, mainly businessmen and women for the North Down area, to their 23rd annual Charity Breakfast in the Clandeboye Lodge.

Guest Speaker was former MP and Reality TV star, Lembit Opik.

The money collected is to be split between three charities, the Daisy Lodge Respite Facility in Newcastle, the Northern Ireland Hospice, and Rotary Foundation, which provides funds for Rotary projects throughout the world.

In a highly amusing address, Lembit Opik described his life growing up on Clifton Road in Bangor and going to school at Royal Belfast Academical Institution. He said he really enjoyed being back in Bangor and had very fond memories of living in the house next to the Royal Ulster Yacht Club, which unfortunately has now been demolished.

He told his audience that after leaving INST, he went to University in Bristol before joining Proctor and Gamble in the marketing department. It was during his time there that he got involved in politics and became a local councillor. Eventually he was persuaded to stand for election as a Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire in Wales. He said his most rewarding time in politics was as Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary of State working alongside Mo Mowlam, who he held in the highest regard.

Mr. Opik then went on to describe in a most lighthearted way how he almost died in a paragliding accident when he fell 30 ft to the ground breaking his back in twelve places as well as other fractures. He is still undergoing facial surgery to realign his jaw bone.

He said one of his political colleagues asked him if he realised he was only 10 ft from a by-election.

He also drew great laughter from his audience when he held up his hand to show the scars of a snake bite he received on live television during his time in ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.’

Finishing on a serious note he urged everyone to live life to the full by treating every day as if it was the last. Thanking everyone for attending the Breakfast, Bangor Rotary Club President Ian Wilson, said: “Rotarians aim to change lives for the better. The charities that Rotary supports exemplify this aim by helping so many people to overcome distress in their lives.”

Amazing Response to Clonmel Club’s Jole Project 200 bicycles donated by people in the Clonmel area are getting a new lease of life and will soon be transported to Africa where they will allow children to travel to school.

There was a wonderful response to the recent appeal by the Clonmel Rotary Club for secondhand bikes and recently the bikes were brought to Loughan House Open Prison in Co. Cavan to be reconditioned by the inmates.

The bikes will then be shipped to the Gambia by the Jole Rider Bikes4Africa charity to transform the lives of children by enabling them to travel to school. Bikes will remain school property when they arrive in The Gambia, with teachers allocating them to the children who need them most, and when a child gradu-

ates from school, their bike is re-allocated to another child.

Joe O’Sullivan, President of the Rotary Club of Clonmel says he was “amazed” by the response to the appeal. “The club was thrilled to get so many bikes, and they will be put to really good use.”

Joe went on to thank all those who helped publicise the appeal, all the people who kindly donated bicycles and to Thomas Ronan for providing a premises at Dudley’s Mills, Clonmel,

where the bikes were collected and stored. Local transport operator Sean Carroll of Kilmacomma, Clonmel, provided a 40foot container, which he then transported to Loughan House.

Volunteers from the Rotary Club and the Clonmel Men’s Shed loaded the bikes for transport, helped by Maurice Morrissey who provided his expertise in fitting them properly into the container.

Rotarian Sean O’Dea ran the Dublin Marathon and raised €1,000 which has greatly helped alleviate the cost of €12 per bike to transport to Africa.

Tom Fennessy of Clonmel Rugby Club came up with the idea of an envelope collection at Clonmel Rugby Club’s annual dinner-dance, which raised an additional €940 (plus there were some private donations).

The authorities and inmates at Loughan House were also delighted to receive so many bikes for refurbishment: “When I contacted them to say how many we had collected, they were delighted. The bikes will be refurbished for going to Africa, and the inmates will learn bike maintenance skills, so it’s a win-win situation,” he concluded.

Great Night For Antrim Antrim Rotary Club recently held a charity Indian night at Spice on the Ballyrobin Road in Antrim in aid of Rotary Foundation. There was great food and craic had on the night, all whilst supporting a very worthwhile charity.

The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

Getting ready to transport the bikes by Sean Carroll Transport are Gerard Carroll, Gerry Flynn, Rotary; Vinnie Carroll, Joy O’Carroll, Rotary; Sean Carroll, Joe O’Sullivan, President, Clonmel Rotary Club; Bernie Carroll and Rotary members Brendan Nyhan, Michael O’Malley and John O’Sullivan.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

09

Leading Citizens Recognised By Belfast Club Reflecting Rotary’s motto Service above Self and in recognition of their outstanding commitment to the community, The Rotary Club of Belfast has bestowed Paul Harris Fellowships on former Lord Mayor Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir and Baroness May Blood MBE at a reception hosted by Lord Mayor Councillor Nichola Mallon in Belfast’s City Hall.

The Rotary Club of Belfast President Ronnie McLean introduced the Fellowships as Rotary's highest honour for individuals who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, with an emphasis on personal efforts and active involvement in

helping others. He said: “The Rotary Club of Belfast are delighted to recognise two extraordinary people for quietly doing extraordinary things for the citizens of Belfast.”

The citations reflected Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir’s building

bridges among the communities and Baroness May Blood being the people’s ambassador and her commitment to support people to be their best.

Lord Mayor Councillor Nichola Mallon noted that Rotarians reflect her focus of unsung heroes by quietly doing selfless work and congratulated the club and the recipients. Baroness May Blood and Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir thanked the club for their great honour and paid tribute to the work of The Rotary Club of Belfast.

Pictured here are the Rotary Club of Belfast Past President Ken Morrison, Club President Ronnie McLean, Baroness May Blood of Blackwater in the County of Armargh, Lord Mayor Councillor Nichola Mallon, Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir and Rotarian Walter Rader.

Photography Competition For Athlone Club

Pictured here are the New Beginnings Children's Choir from Uganda, who recently performed at a concert organised by Portadown Rotary Club.

New Beginnings Choir Visits Portadown The New Beginnings Children's Choir from Uganda recently performed at a concert organised by Portadown Rotary Club. Acting Portadown President, Gordon Speers introduced the New Beginnings Choir from Uganda at the recent concert organised by the Portadown Club, which raised in excess of

£2,000. New Beginnings was founded by Roger Annett from Kilkeel after many visits to Uganda on building teams. Roger was very touched by the children he met there who, des pi te e c o no mi c a nd so c i a l de pr i v a ti o n, reta i ne d s uc h g o o d humour and love. Roger now lives and works on site covering all aspects

of the work there, providing a full caring service dev oted to orphans and underprivileged children.

New Beginnings is a nonprofit making organisation set up by a group of volunteers in Northern Ireland who work closely with an experienced and carefully selected team in Africa to help bring a better quality of life to

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

some of Uganda's vulnerable young children.

The New Beginnings children's village is one of their major projects providing children with a safe and loving home in which to grow and develop. It is situated in rural Uganda and has a large farm to help with self-sustainability through growing crops and vegetables to feed the children. The charity seeks to p rov id e th e resources to allow the development and maintenance of secure housing, educational and medical facilities for underprivileged and orphaned children in Uganda.

The Rotary Club of Athlone recently selected the winners for the 2014 St Hilda's Photography Competition and the winners were presented their medals and certificates in The Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone. Unfortunately the National School were on holidays so they weren't in attendance to collect their awards. Certificates and medals were presented to the ATC Group and Work Therapy Units attached to St Hilda's Services Athlone.

St Hilda’s Services Athlone was established in 1964 by the community, St. Holdalls Services. This is a voluntary organisation that provides a comprehensive quality service to people with mild, moderate and severe / profound intellectual disabilities.

President Dermot Neary welcomed everyone and introduced himself as the new President of Athlone Rotary Club. He said that it was an honour to have as his first official duty the presentation of these awards. He congratulated everyone who had entered the competition on their wonderful photographs. He mentioned the strong links between the Rotary Club and St Hilda's through the Photography Competition, which has been running for a few years now, and also their association through the Tree of Remembrance for the past two years.

He thanked Ann Hennessy for organising the competition. He had special word of thanks for Rotarians Helen Keenan and Siobhan Bigley for organising everything on the day and for displaying the photographs around the room, and Geroid O’Brien and Staff at the Aidan Heavey Library for allowing them the use of their lovely libery. Rotarians Mel O'Flynn and Tom Keady were also in attendance on the evening.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

10

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

Castlebar Club Praises Local Students Castlebar Rotary Club was delighted to be invited to the launch of St Joseph’s Secondary School's new garden recently.

All the work was done by the Transition

Year girls and the Rural Social Scheme.

The place looked absolutely fabulous,” said the club, and they encouraged former pupils of the school to take a look at its transformation Rotary was also present for the launch of their revamped school library, as the club had made a small donation towards the library. Great credit goes to teacher Niamh Sweeney and Patricia from the RSS for an excellent project. Rotary was represented by Vivienne Kyne.

Proud Win For Monaghan Club Pictured at the 70th Anniversary celerations in Armagh were DG Phillip Beggs with Armagh President Kevin Boyd. Also in the picture are Marjorie Beggs, Maria McGilly and Harry Carson.

St Macartan’s College student, Niall McManus from Monaghan town represented Monaghan Rotary Club at the regional finals of the Youth Leadership Development competition in Derry recently. Niall was interviewed along with the other finalists and was selected as a winner. Niall will represent Rotary in February for a week-long development programme in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Dáil Éireann and Stormount. Many congratulations to Niall from Monaghan Rotary Club.

Pictured here is Niall from Monaghan Rotary Club with his Mum Anne McManus and Monaghan Rotarian Tom Britton.

30th Anniversary Celebrations For Limavady Club Winners of the Zone 4 Regional Final of the Youth Leadership Development Competition hosted by the Rotary Club, Dublin and held in the Grand Canal Hotel Dublin 4 on November 17th last were (from left to right): Aoibhin Tutty Barden Newbridge College supported by the Newbridge Rotary Club; Jessica Hayes Firhouse Community College supported by the Rotary Club, Dublin; Mary O’Rafferty New Generations Rotary Club, Dublin; Henry McCann Scoil Mhuire Community College supported by Naas Rotary Club and Assistant District Governor Monica Robertson Dublin Central Rotary Club.

Limavady Rotary Club recently celebrated a milestone when they reached their 30th anniversary.

The club arranged a special evening in which a dinner took place for all members.

The club also organised a few unique events to mark the occasion; they sold a booklet of photos showing details of local buildings, which required

participants to take a route through town to find them all. Then, later in the day, treasure hunters handed in their book and a winner was announced, but not before several strong Rotarians bravely took the Ice Bucket Challenge! The group then sat down to a buffet dinner cooked by Limavady Club Members and their room featured

photos and memorabilia from the past 30 years.

The club also ran Killers event, which is a "three strikes, you're out" football pool, and proceeds went go to the club’s international charity Happy House in Kenya where they sponsor a child (Lucky Harry) who was found on a garbage pile only hours after he was born.

New Rotary Resources Available A redesigned “What is Rotary” small folded business card leaflet is now being printed and will be available very soon.

Rotary have also completely redesigned the “We're for Communities” pull ups and leaflets now renamed “The Rotary Effect”. These are all available to order via the online shop.

These new designs embrace the new Rotary International initiative whilst still supporting the “We’re for Communities” theme. The “Rotary Effect” leaflet replaces two old leaflets, the membership leaflet and the “We’re for Communities” Leaflet, as they felt that the two old versions were covering the same message and it was prudent to combine the two.

The Zone 4 Regional Final of the Youth Leadership Development Competition was hosted by the Rotary Club, Dublin and took place in the Grand Canal Hotel Dublin 4 on Monday November 17th last. The ten Regional Finalists are pictured here with Dublin President Tom O’Neill.

From left to right they are: Aine Hogan Fellenz (Dublin Central candidate), Aoibhin Tutty Barden (Newbridge candidate), Georgina Francis (Dun Laoghaire candidate), Jessica Hayes (Dublin candidate), Rusne Nestroviene (Dublin North candidate), Mary O’Reilly (Dublin Fingal candidate), Henry McCann (Naas candidate), Annie Connolly (Wicklow candidate), Shay Kenneally (Bray candidate), Vanessa Donavan (Dublin Viking candidate). Vanessa, Aoibhin and Henry were selected to participate in the leadership trip to Dublin, Belfast and Strasbourg.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

Bangor Rotary Festival Lights Up The Rotary Club of Bangor recently held its annual Festival of Lights Parade, along the Main Street in downtown Bangor, and it was a stirring success. Their 2014 parade theme was ‘Light Up the Season.’ As in previous years, they presented a spectacular night time parade, featuring entries that conveyed the many ways of celebrating winter in Maine.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

11

Special Visit For Donaghadee Club The Rotary Club of Donaghadee had a visit by this year’s Rotary District Governor (DG), Phillip Beggs very recently.

Pictured here are Pat Tyner and John Weldon from Dingle selling Rotary Beads at the Conference in Belfast .

No Let Up For Dingle Club Dingle Rotary Club are still as busy as ever, and held a wide range of activities for the last quarter of 2014.

Just recently, they had their bonfire night fundraiser in aid of Pieta House and other charities supported by Dingle Rotary. The guests received a warm welcome from bean 'n tí Áine and President of Dingle Rotary, Kathy O Connor.

There was traditional Irish music, story telling, Sean nós singing and dancing, and the Blazing bonfire against the evening light created a spectacular backdrop for this Rotary event, as it does every year.

The group are also taking part in the 'End Polio Now - the Dingle Bead Project,' and members of the Rotary Club of Dingle are helping with this

International Campaign.

They have designed and created a beautiful Sterling Silver Rotary Bead, which can be used as a necklace, bracelet or key-ring charm. The cost of the bead is €35.

The club donates €10 to Polio Plus from the sale of every bead. Dingle Rotary Club also had a stand at The Annual Conference in Belfast selling these beads. For more information about this, email rotaryclubofdingle@gmail. com.

The club also erected a Memory Tree again this year, with all proceeds from this going to local charities.

Carrickfergus Club Aid Local Families

Carrickfergus Rotarian Doreen Dobbs, Community Service chairperson, is pictured here with Rotary President Sam Crowe and one of the Christmas food hampers prepared by the Rotary Club of Carrickfergus. The hampers were distribution to needy families in the Carrickfergus area during the Christmas period.

Doreen Dobbs, Chairperson of the Carrickfergus Rotary Club Community Service Committee recently organised the preparation and distribution of Christmas hampers to needy families in the Carrickfergus area.

The Rotary Club has engaged with local organisations namely the Carrickfergus Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the Salvation Army and Storehouse (Whitehead) to identify local families most in need of extra support at Christmas.

The club said they were delighted to join forces with these local organisations for the benefit and support of deserving families in the Carrickfergus community.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

Phillip gave an insight into Rotary from the D.G’s point of view with a power point presentation. He pointed out that anyone elected as DG does not need to worry as their year in office comes after the culmination of a week’s intensive training in San Diego.

Then, Rotary International President Gary C.K. Huang highlighted this year’s slogan ‘Light up Rotary’ by explaining that it is better to light a single candle than curse the dark. He added that Rotary could light 1.2 million candles. There were 534 people present at the training from 232 countries.

Phillip then went on explain the various aspects of Rotary this year. He drew attention to the Presidential Citation and the D.G’s. Citation and encouraged clubs to consider both. He also spoke about Rotary Foundation saying that it was “making the impossible possible,” and pointed out that if a project cost £3000 and a Rotary Club raised £1500, then the Rotary Foundation would give another £1500. Phillip then moved on to the subject of the

Pictured here is District Governor Philip Beggs, with President of Donaghadee Rotary Club, Fraser Menzies.

Sand Dam Project in Kenya, which cost $30,000 in a project to trap water in the wet season to have it available in the dry season.

He mentioned that locally £47,000 has been donated by Rotary to another project, the ‘Cancer Fund for Children’ by the Daisy Lodge charity; a respite home to give families time out. This has now become an all-Ireland charity.

He then went on to talk about the work being done in

Keringet Kenya by Gorta supported by Rotary. He also spoke at length and showed a video of Project 538 as it provided water for a primary school in Kiptulwa.

Finally, President Fraser Menzies mentioned how Donaghadee was involved in the various projects mentioned. Fraser then presented the D.G. with a picture of Groomsport painted by Rotarian Les Jones MBE.

Kilkenny Club Raises Polio Funds Rotary Club of Kilkenny were recently delighted to raise much needed funds for the Rotary Polio Plus campaign last month. Organised and run by John Ryan (Foundation Chair) the event involved selling small packs of crocus bulbs to members, friends and colleagues. Not only did the event raised in excess of €500 for the cause, but it will also mean loads of blooming purple crocus around Kilkenny in the spring!

DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT

BY THE STORMS EFFICIENT REPAIRS OF STORM DAMAGE TO YOUR PROPERTY

Proprietor

Dublin Fingal Rotarian Michael McEnery

• Proper Drainage Installed • Fences Reinforced • Walls Built • Trees Cut Back

Contact Virgoe McEnery Landscaping Fairways, Balheary, Swords

T/F: 01 840 7674 M: 087 687 6143 www.vmce.ie

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

LANDSCAPING AWARD WINNER

12

CONFERENCE 2014

Jan / Feb 2015

Ray Jordan (Gorta CEO) , Declan Tyner (Cork Bishopstown), Matt Porter (Dublin) and Rory Sturdy

Members of the Rotary Club of Cork Bishopstown

Anna and Alan Harrison, Tom O'Neill and Ethna Fitzgerald all from Dublin Rotary Club

Ann and Bob Scott from Canada (Rotary International)

Lisburn Rotary President Sam Patterson

Bridget and Tom Murphy (Athlone)

David Swettenham (Jole Rider CEO) and DG Phillip Beggs (Comber)

Comber Member Roy Ramsay

DG Phillip Beggs (Comber) and Gillian Creevy (Head of Cancer Fund For Children)

Siobhan O’Reilly, Dougie Bennet, Michael Thompson and Liam McCartney

Tony O’Reilly (Guest Speaker)

Guest Speaker Bill Lao (CoderDojo) and DG Phillip Beggs (Comber)

Archie and Nancy Ralston (Galashiels)

Members of the Rotary Club of Lisburn

David Sands and Catherine Powell (Light Of Massai) with Matt Porter (Dublin)

District MPRC Chair, Dale Orr (Lisburn)

District Secretary, John Dawson

Donald Gordon and Belfast Lord Mayor Nichola Mallon

Galashiels Member Gwen Croan

Gerard Kilcommons (Cork Bishopstown)

Dr. Eamon Phoenix (Guest Speaker)

CONFERENCE 2014

Gerry and Nuala Kierans (Newbridge)

Master of Ceremonies, Claire Savage (Rotary Belfast)

Gerry and Sharon Flynn (Ennis)

Trevor Morrow, Mary Beth Porter, Ursula Callaghan (Dublin)

Gerry McElvogue (Banbridge), Maria McGilly (Armagh) and Bill McCarthy (Dundalk)

Ivor Fogg (Mullingar), DG Phillip Beggs (Comber), Nichola Mallon (Lord Mayor) and Bertie Dunne (Mullingar)

RI Conference Trip Organiser Sandra McCabe (Lisburn)

Jan / Feb 2015

John and Helen Trimble (Enniskillen)

Members of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen

Peter Croan (Galashiels) and Rory Sturdy

Jack and Miriam Kinane (Dublin North)

Aisling McGrath (Dublin North), Dave Murray (Dublin Fingal) and Gerry McElvogue (Banbridge)

Gwen Croan with Archie and Nancy Ralston from Galashiels

Joe Crawford, John Richie, Bertie Carson and John Gilvray (all from North Dublin)

Joyce Rankin (Coleraine), Gerry McElvogue (Banbridge) and Heather Burns (Coleraine)

13

RI Representetive, Bob Scott

Kevin O’Hara, Bill Miller, Desmond Gregg, Ann Miller and Peter Ryan (all from Lurgan)

Garth Arnold (Donaghdee) , Tom Murphy (Athlone) with Sean and Wilma Laverty (Ballymoney)

Matt Porter , Joan Gormley and Mary Beth Porter

14

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

Thank You From Wexford Club

Pictured here is Fr Sean Devereux who was over in Gambia assisting with Wexford Rotary Club's Bicycles Gambia Project. He received a 40ft container with a large amount of items that will help to make life better for the local people.

The response from the public to Rotary Wexford’s appeal for bicycles and other items to be brought to Wexford Enterprise Centre Car Park just recently was overwhelming, according to the Wexford Rotary Club.

The club said that many families called by with bicycles, clothes, toys, computers, seed trays and most importantly school copy books, pencils/pens and reading material. People were so generous and said that they were so very grateful to everybody for the tremendous support they received.

Fr Sean Devereux, who assisted the club with the project, said: “It certainly seems that the project has gone very well thanks to the efforts and support of Rotary Wexford. I am deeply grateful to Rotary for their support and for the opportunity given to me to address your organisation earlier in the summer. I am humbled by the huge support that there is in Wexford for our work here in The Gambia. The generosity of people should never be underestimated even when times are hard at home. Many thanks for your support

and for all the hard work.” Speaking on behalf of Wexford Rotary, President Madeleine Quirke, told the Rotary News: “I am overwhelmed with the response we received from the community. The donations in terms of bicycles, clothes, electrical goods, tools and so on were phenomenal and our 40ft container was packed with really good quality items which Fr Sean Devereux had requested. The assistance we received from many people in business across Wexford was so supportive and without them we simply could not have dealt with the volume of sorting and packing that this project required.”

“This is what Rotary is all about,” she continued, happily. “Making somebody else’s life more comfortable and doing something that will benefit somebody else. I am so grateful to everybody for working collaboratively and co-operatively – an opportunity to bring the community together that has resulted in an amazing success story for our ‘Bicycles for Gambia’ project.”

Carrickfergus Club Welcomes District Governor

Pictured here is Rotary Assistant Governor William Cross (a member of the Rotary Club of Larne), Rotary District Governor Phillip Beggs and his wife Marjorie pictured with Carrickfergus Rotary Club President Sam Crowe on the occasion of their visit to the Carrickfergus Club.

Cork Bishopstown Rotary Gears Up For Jole Project The Cork Bishopstown Rotary recently took on a new project; the Jole Rider. They are now busily chasing up old bicycles. So far, they have a few collected and are off to a great start. They hope to collect 26 at least.

Its nice that our new project generates such enthusiasm in the club, and we have lots of colourful posters to advertise the project," said

Carrickfergus Rotary Club President Sam Crowe recently used the visit of Rotary District Governor Phillip Beggs to the Carrickfergus Club as an opportunity to introduce him to the Mayor of the Borough.

Alderman Charles Johnston was delighted to welcome DG Phillip, his wife Marjorie and a group of Carrickfergus Club members to the Mayor’s Parlour.

He gave a brief insight into his life and work in the Borough, a conducted tour of the Mayor’s parlour pointing out the significant art works and historical and architectural features including the stain glass windows featuring the

Pictured here, Rotary District Governor Phillip Beggs signs the Visitors’ Book in the Mayor’s Parlour watched by his wife Marjorie, Carrickfergus Mayor Alderman Charles Johnston (left) and Carrickfergus Rotary Club President Sam Crowe (right).

coats of arms of the four Provinces of Ireland, before he presented the guests with gifts as a memento of the visit.

Prior to the visit to the Mayor, DG Philip, Marjorie and Assistant

Club President, Mary O'Mahony. "Our club member Ger Kilcomons did cycle - in relay - from Cork to Belfast for the Conference recently, and got almost 3000 euro for Cork Simon from that sponsorship, so this term we are really into bicycles," she continued.

"Up to the Christmas season, we were more into y el l ow r i b b o n s flu t t e r in g o n o u r T r e e o f Remembrance! We manned the tree in cold and rain to raise funds for Marymount Hospice and spread the spirit of Christmas," she explained.

"We then sat down to our Annual Christmas Dinner, followed a week later by our Christmas Lunch. So we had a mix of fellowship and fun.

We hope all Rotarians, and especially our really good friends in our three other Cork Rotary Clubs, had a wonderful Christmas and New Year," she concluded.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

governor William Cross joined the Carrickfergus Club members at their lunchtime meeting where they were warmly welcomed by President Sam Crowe.

DG Philip outlined the

major District projects for this Rotary year and he congratulated the club on its record of service to the community and its planned programme under the leadership of President Sam.

Lisburn Club Supports ‘Daisy’ Cancer Fund Recently, the official opening of the wonderful new Cancer Fund for Children facility at Daisy Lodge by Rory McIlroy took place. Sponsors were invited to a reception and a tour of Daisy Lodge.

The Rotary Club of Lisburn has been supporting this project over the last few years and President Sam and Janine, with a number of other Rotarians and their partners, were given a tour of the five-star facilities which families going through cancer treatment are already enjoying.

Coffee and snacks were served and the team at Daisy Lodge then gave the members a stimulating talk on the development and building of Daisy Lodge and the support it provides to families in a very difficult time in their lives.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

15

North Down Club Visits Ulster Aviation Society Recently, the Rotary Club of North Down heard a talk

by Mr Ernie Cromie on the history and work of the Ulster Aviation Society. The speaker was introduced by Rotarian John Perry who mentioned that Ernie had had a career in Countryside Planning as well as having been Chair of the Aviation Society for thirty years. He had been a founding member and, although no longer Chair, continued to be active in the work of the Society and its promotion.

In his talk Ernie, ranged over the history of aviation in Northern Ireland as well as of the Society itself. He pointed out that both in aircraft construction and in aviation itself, Northern Ireland has been an area of particular note. It was also worth noting that the first Municipal airport in the world was opened by Belfast City Council in Upper Malone in the 1920s.

There was a total of 25 air bases in Northern Ireland, ranging from fighter squadrons to the flying boats

which patrolled the Atlantic from Lough Erne. The pilot who sank the most U-boats in that war was Terry Bulloch from Lisburn, now approaching his 100th birthday. Ernie reminded his audience that the Belfast Telegraph had raised sufficient money to pay for 17 new fighter planes, all of which were given local names.

The Society now has a collection of more than 30 aircraft in the hangars at Long Kesh. The start of the collection came in 1984 with the acquisition of a Grumman Wildcat which had ditched in Portmore Lough in 1944. It was in need of very extensive restoration, work that still continues to-day. The collection, which is by some margin the biggest in Ireland, is an eclectic one representing almost every variety of machine capable of flying from microlights to bombers and will shortly include a Phantom fighter which has just been procured.

As well as the aircraft themselves, there is also a

Pictured here are the North Down Rotary Club members and their hosts at the Ulster Aviation Society's base in Long Kesh.

rapidly growing collection of artefacts, photographs and documents including a growing number of pilots' log books. A section is devoted to radio and radar equipment used in aircraft and another to the engines themselves. Much of this material is on display alongside the aircraft and interested visitors are encouraged to follow up enquiries.

A week after hearing the talk, a group of Rotarians and guests were shown around the Society's collections at Long Kesh by Ernie Cromie and two of his colleagues.

Members were fascinated by the aircraft and the stories that were associated with them and enjoyed the opportunity to see them at such close quarters. From all involved there was evidence of the immense enthusiasm which has driven the project since its inception and which energises the volunteers who give so much time to the wide range of tasks needed.

Following both the talk and the visit the thanks of the Rotary Club were voiced by President Bertie Carson who pointed out that a number of members had personal interests in the work of the Society. His own uncle had been killed as a member of the crew of a Wellington bomber. He expressed the hope that the Society would grow and develop and was confident that the knowledge and skills that had been on display would provide an excellent platform for the future.

Limavady Man Marches For A Great Cause

Wicklow Tree Raises Funds For Local Charities In recent years the Remembrance Tree has been an integral part of the Wicklow town Christmas experience. The Remembrance Tree, erected by the Rotary Club of Wicklow in December, was another opportunity to remember friends and loved ones as well as raising funds for local charities.

“We invited the people of Wicklow and visitors to the town to sign the ‘Wicklow Book of Remembrance’ and to name or sponsor lights to be place on the tree from December 16 to Christmas Eve,” said Stephen Morley, Chairman of the Wicklow Remembrance Tree Committee.

“The Remembrance Tree helped to raise much needed funds for two local charities, Wicklow Cancer Support and St. Colman's Hospital, Rathdrum,” he said. “The Remembrance Tree is a voluntary project and 100% of all contributions were donated to the charities.”

Seamus Parle, President of Wicklow Rotary said the club is part of a worldwide association whose motto is ‘Service above Self’. “Our members use their professional skills in volunteer work and fund raising to make a difference to lives in Ireland and overseas,” he maintained.

“The Remembrance Tree is an important event in our annual programme, which supports school projects

Pictured here is North Down Rotary Club President Bertie Carson, preparing to "take off" in one of the Ulster Aviation Society's collection of aircraft.

Rotarian Sam McCrea from Limavady Rotary Club was recently on a march (on behalf of the club), to stamp out polio – one of the many important causes that Rotary Clubs all around Ireland support throughout the year. Last year, he walked from his home to Cookstown, clocking up around 40 miles, and th is y ear h e d id it all again! Only this time, he did it the hard way, taking the mountain Pictured here are members of Wexford Rotary Club as they were organising their Tree of Remeberence project in December.

including the Youth Leadership Competition and Young Chef Award as well as raising funds for a number of local charities,” he said.

“In addition, we look beyond Wicklow and support international projects such as the Polio Eradication Programme. The crippling disease of polio is present in only three countries today but when this programme began in 1985 it was rife in 125 countries.”

The Remembrance Tree was manned by members of Wicklow Rotary and representatives of both charities, and ran in mid December.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

route. The club was all behind him as he geared up to take on the challenge.

When the time came to actually complete the trek, Sam made it through the treacherous mountain pass (avoiding trolls and banshees, of course) and made it to Lissen House. He was th en welc omed by Limavady ‘s friends in Cookstown Rotary Club.

“Put your feet up Sam!” said the club.

The Four Way Test ... of the things we say and do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

16

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

Cork Club Visits National Maritime College Recently, members of the Cork Rotary Club visited the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy. “During our visit to the 'Bridge' we experienced a virtual voyage into Sydney harbour and despite our members best efforts we did not run aground although there were some scraping noises as we passed one naval aircraft carrier!” said Club Secretary, Eugene Currivan.

“NMCI is fully equipped with state of the art simulators which are used for training Navigation and Engineering personnel who work on board ships,” he explained. “The simulators are fitted out with instructor stations which allow

instructors to control and monitor exercises as well as recording students' performance for analysis later. Various ship models can be used in different geographic locations with varying environmental conditions, in order to create different scenarios for students. Engine models can be connected to ships bridge simulators to simulate realistic on-board operating conditions,” he continued.

The college has a very proud and historic development. Marine Engineering education and training in Cork dates back to the 1950s when Irish Shipping Ltd, then a semi-state organisation, used the facilities of the Crawford Municipal Technical Institute (now the College of Art and Design) to educate and train its Marine Engineering Cadets.

“All in all it was a most exciting and educational visit to NMCI and the club wants to thank our two excellent guides for the evening, Ms Horgan and Mr Tom Timmons,” he concluded.

Seen outside the Grand Hotel Fermoy in front of the Rotary Club plaque are Pat Leogue, outgoing President of Fermoy and District Rotary Club, Maire Pragt, Veronia White the new President of the Fermoy Club, and Ann and Jim Christensen. Marie and Jim are members of the Rotary Club of West Wollongong in New South Wales.

Fermoy And District Club Welcomes Australian Visitors Pictured here are group of five Past District Govenor's enjoying themselves at the reception held in Belfast City Hall during the recent District Conference. L-R. Sean Doyle (Sligo Rotary Club), Maurice Kelly (Dublin Rotary Club), Wes Armstrong (Coleraine Rotary Club), Ray Cosgrave ( Cork Rotary Club) and Robert Warren (Tralee Rotary Club).

Prestigious Awards For Enniskillen

Pictured holding the trophies are: John Trimble (Enniskillen Foundation Chairperson), Angela McKinney (Enniskillen Club President) and Roy Crawford (Enniskillen Past-President).

At Rotary’s 89th Annual District Conference, held in the Titanic Quarter, Belfast recently, the Rotary Club of Enniskillen picked up two prestigious national awards.

They were first awarded the 'The Rotary Foundation Trophy', in memory

of Chris Croft for services to the Rotary Foundation in Rotary year 2013/2014 and then they received The Howard Caskie Cup,' for the best per capita support in Ireland for the Rotary Foundation last year. These are great achievements for the club.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

The worldwide appeal of Rotary International was very much in evidence recently, with the visit to Fermoy and District Rotary Club of Rotarians Jim and Ann Christensen and Marie Pragt from Australia. All three are members of the Rotary Club of West Wollongong in New South Wales, and they were delighted with the warm reception they received in Fermoy.

Jim’s parents were born in Denmark, but Ann and Marie can trace their ancestors to a Barry family from Glenville who emigrated to Australia in 1851 and they would like to make contact with anyone who can help them in their family research. As is custom with Rotary Clubs all over the world, pennants were exchanged between the two clubs and the visitors went on to enjoy a most sociable evening in The Grand Hotel Fermoy, during which many new friendships were forged.

The outgoing president of the Fermoy club, and the new president, Veronica Whyte presided over the exchange of pennants. As Veronica begins her new term of office, Pat Leogue and all the members of the Fermoy club can look back on a year in which much was achieved, not just within the local community, but also at international level with the End Polio Now Campaign.

The group also participated in a number of projects, including the Student Exchange Project, in which a number of local students were involved.

Since its inception over six years ago, the Fermoy Rotary Club has also built up very strong links with the COPE Foundation, and in November the club organised an Art Exhibition which featured the work of COPE members and local artists. Those who attended were very impressed by the artistic talents of all members of the COPE Foundation, and also by their boundless enthusiasm in producing craft work and Christmas cards.

The club also participated in the Bikes For Africa Project, in which bikes that were no longer in use were collected by Rotary members and then were refurbished at Loughan House Open Prison in County Cavan. This entailed a partnership between the Irish Prison Service and Rotary, and provided the inmates of Loughan House the opportunity to learn new skills and to give something back to the community. The refurbished bikes were then shipped to Gambia in West Africa, where they will be distributed by Rotary Africa and used by young school children. All in all, this was yet another busy term for the hugely active Fermoy and District Rotary Club.

Rotarian Volunteers Needed For 'Immunisation' Event On 22 February 2015, a group of Rotarians will be going to India again to take part in the National Immunisation Day (NID). All Rotarians, family and friends (18 years and above) are welcome to attend whether or not you have participated in a NID before. The whole trip is a wonderful experience from beginning to end with previous participants describing it as the trip of a lifetime, which changed their lives. Rotarian Mike Yates is once again organising the trip and is keen for as many people as possible to sign up. If this sounds like something for you then why not join the Rotary group by contacting Mike Yates at: mike.yates@yates-international.co.uk.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

17

Ballycastle’s Aoife Has A Way With Words As if to further prove the unquestionable depth of talent that exists amongst Ballycastle youngsters, former Ballycastle Integrated Primary 7 pupil, Aoife Heverin, has scooped the prestigious Young Writer Award hosted by Rotary International, Great Britain and Ireland.

Thousands of children took part in the competition, which required entrants to write about something that has made a difference to their lives and submit their work to their local Rotary Club.

Aoife, now a student at Dalriada Grammar School, clearly impressed judges with the maturity and originality of her work. Her flair for

creative writing was noted by Integrated Principal, Mrs Diana Evans, who encouraged her participation.

Such was the significance of her achievement that Aoife was requested to recite her work at the Rotary Conference in the Titanic Building, Belfast and indeed preliminary plans are afoot to have her read again in April

2015 at the International Conference to be held in the Waterfront Theatre, Belfast.

As a club who place great emphasis in providing opportunities for young people, Rotary in Ballycastle say they are are absolutely delighted with the success thus far experienced in their chosen competitions.

Earlier this year, High School student, Emma Orr took part in the Youth Leadership Award and travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

“To then follow this up

with Aoife’s award is something which no other Club in Ireland can boast and we are immensely proud of our candidates and the honour which they have bestowed upon the Rotary Club of Ballycastle,” the club said. For pupils interested in participating in the Young Writer, this year’s theme is ‘Light up your Community.’ Please contact the club either in person (they meet each Tuesday night at 7.30pm in the Central Restaurant) or follow us on Facebook – Rotary Club of Ballycastle.

Pictured here is Aoife Heverin, who recently won the prestigious Young Writer Award hosted by Rotary International, Great Britain and Ireland.

Rotary Aims To Breathe ‘New Life Using Old Clothes’

Pictured here is Immediate Past President John Hurley (left) with President Joe Mulhall, with the Citation for John’s year as president.

Kilkenny Club Receives Citation Award The Rotary Club of Kilkenny are delighted to have been awarded a Presidential Citation by Rotary Ireland for actively working to Engage Rotary, Change Lives in 2013/14. They wish to say congratulations to Past President John and his team for their excellent work in 2013/14.

The Four Way Test ... of the things we say and do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned

Imagine your old clothes could change a child’s life in Africa.

This is a dream that Rotary and Gorta have made real.

Rotary have an annual conference every year, but this year they decided to make their conference ‘make a difference.’ Each attendee was asked to bring a bag of clothes, and children’s lives were changed as a result.

Over 500 bags of clothes were collected at the recent Rotary in Ireland conference in Belfast. A Rotary club that meets in Dublin Airport, the Rotary Club of Dublin Fingal, collected the highest number of bags brought to the conference. The clothing has provided Gorta-Self Help Africa with the opportunity to open a new retail store in Phibsboro, Dublin and will also provide stock for the opening of Gorta-Self Help Africa’s 13th store in Galway city on the 13th of November.

Without the help of Rotary this would not be possible.

The stock mainly consists of good quality clothing with some Hugo Boss suits for men, and an

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

absolutely startling array of colourful golfing

clothes. The estimated value of the stock is in excess of thousands of euro.

Gorta is Ireland’s longest established not-for-profit development agency focused on long term sustainable projects. Self Help Africa has been working in sub-Saharan

Africa for thirty years. In July 2014 Gorta and Self Help Africa merged in order to combine their strengths. Rotary has 73 clubs all over Ireland and 33,000 clubs worldwide.

Together Rotary and Gorta – Self Help Africa, know how to give innocent children in Africa a chance at a better life.

Pictured here are some of those involved in Limavady's recent Tree of Remembrance project. People were encouraged to write a little dedication to someone who can't be with them this Christmas on a yellow ribbon and we put them on the tree. There was a multi-denominational prayer service with carols when it opened and the ribbons were taken down at another service and burned. The tree raised over £6000 for local charities this year!

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

18

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

Volunteer With Rotary And Make A Difference

Rotary Club of Dublin Fingal President Andrea Molloy presents Dennis Barry, president of St. Finian's Conference of St. Vincent de Paul with a cheque for €2,500. Rotary Club of Dublin Fingal do a special collection on behalf of SVP every year.

Informative Talk For Antrim Club Foundation Chair Patricia Lindsay came to Antrim Rotary recently and gave a very informative talk on the work that Rotary Foundation is doing. Naomi Carey who holds the Foundation Chair in Antrim recently ran a very successful fundraising evening in Spice Restaurant, over £1000 was raised at this event.

Nicki Craig who holds the Youth Chair in Antrim Rotary is planning some exciting events in the near future, and hopes to involve the young people of the borough in different events, including questions and answers to politicians.

Nicki is a school teacher and she was involved with the two girls who won the BT prize for their invention. This item of equipment helps to change dirty water into drinking water. The girls were given funds by Antrim Rotary, and they have been a couple of times to give talks and show slides of the work they did in Africa.

Several Antrim Rotary members also recently helped out with the collection for the hospice, which was held in Tesco in Antrim at the end of November.

Whether you are volunteering by helping your local community set up a foodbank or responding to local and international disasters, there is a project or activity to suit everyone. By volunteering with Rotary, you know that you will be changing people’s lives for the better.

Being part of Rotary is more than just giving back to the community by volunteering. It is also about you bringing your skills, experience and enthusiasm to help it thrive, whilst making some great friends along the way. The clubs all around Ireland are friendly places which

invite speakers from a wide range of backgrounds to share their knowledge, increasing your social and cultural understanding. Members also share a common interest in friendship and if you visit any of our clubs around Great Britain and Ireland you will immediately feel the sense of camaraderie and fun.

Whether you become a member of Rotary or volunteer your time and abilities to your local club, you will be helping to make people’s lives better. There are many ways to get involved with Rotary: You could join your local

Rotary club or donate to a club or Rotary initiative.

Do you consider yourself an ‘expert’ on certain issues or have a story or interest you would love to share with others? If so, you could volunteer to speak at a club about a cause or interest. If you are a school pupil, you could take part in a Rotary competition, or you could volunteer to help the club in one of its initiatives, without becoming a Rotary member.

If Rotary sounds like the organisation for you and you feel like volunteering some of your spare time, they want to hear from you!

Paul Brockman, President of Dublin North Rotary Club is pictured here welcoming new members Mila Castillo Ilao, Dr Patrick J McDevitt and Stephanie Regan to the club.

Cork Clubs Come Together For Joint Meeting

Pictured here is Past President of Dingle Rotary Club, Tony Buckett presenting a cheque for xxx500 to The Kerry Women's Refuge.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

Fifty-five Rotarians and guests attended the second joint meeting of Cork Clubs, hosted by Cork Rotary Club recently.

The guest speaker for the evening was Terry Prone from the Communications Clinic, who addressed the meeting using what she called the “natural talent for storytelling inherent in the Irish.” She also emphasised that good communication was achieved through personal

honesty, integrity and sincerity.

“Word of mouth and face to face talking cannot be replaced by any of the modern social media. Listening is key to all effective communication, without the ability to listen effectively messages are easily misunderstood, communication breaks down and the sender of the message can easily become frustrated or irritated,” she told the attendees.

According to the club, Prone is often described as a communication expert who never indulges any topic so heavily that there is no room for wit or humour.

Cork Rotary Club President Anthony Dinan, then presented her with a signed copy of a new book 'Aerial Pictures of Cork' by Dennis Horgan.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

ROTARY NEWS Provost Of Trinity College Visits Wexford Club Recently, Wexford Rotary Club welcomed guest Dr Patrick Prendergast, Provost of Trinity College.

Patrick was accompanied by his mother Mary.

Originally from Oulart, Patrick attended St Peter’s College and then went to Trinity in 1983 as an undergraduate student.

After postdoctoral positions in Bologna, Italy and Nijmegen, The

Netherlands, he was appointed to the engineering faculty in Trinity College Dublin in 1995, ultimately becoming Professor of Bioengineering, and Director of the Trinity Centre for Bioengineering.

During this period he published several hundred articles related to implant design and tissue mechanobiology, and supervised 40 graduate

Jan / Feb 2015

students. He has held Visiting Professorships at many universities and has also served on the boards of several companies. In his presentation to Wexford Rotary, Dr Prendergast emphasised the importance of focusing on the core mission in education and research, and of the importance of Trinity’s role in contributing to the public good through educating for active citizenship and innovation.

Prendergast was elected by academic staff and student representatives as the 44th Provost of Trinity College Dublin coming into office on

August 1st, 2011, after having served as the ViceProvost & Chief Academic Officer (2008-2011), and Dean of Graduate Studies (2004-2007). The Provost is the Head of the University, equivalent to President or Rector in other universities.

He holds a BA, BAI, PhD, and ScD degrees, all from Trinity College Dublin.

He is a Member of the Royal Irish Academy (MRIA), a Fellow of the Irish Academy of Engineering (FIAE) and in 2013 was elected an International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) in the UK.

Cookstown Club Assists Those In Need Cookstown Rotary Club has been busy planning and hosting a number of different events over the past few months. In particular, they recently held a very successful bag-packing day at Tesco Cookstown. Funds from this were used to assist under-privileged families in the run up to Christmas.

In previous years, the Cookstown club have been able to help struggling local family's in the Cookstown area get over Christmas with a degree of comfort. Supplying them with coal, heating oil, gifts, food hampers and toys to ensure some kind of normality over the festive period. “We have professional assistance in identifying those in most need,” explained the group.

Sligo Rotary Club To Celebrate 50th Anniversary Carlow Rotary Club, the Carlow Lions Club and the local St Vincent de Paul group were recently recognised for the work they have been doing over the years, and came together for a special evening to celebrate this. Pictured here is Eileen Brophy who was Chairperson of the Carlow Town Council, presentating a xxx500 Bursary to Carlow Rotary Club President, Karl McDonough at the Recognition Night Ceremony in the Carlow Town Hall.

The Rotary Club of Sligo will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary on the 27th February 2015 at the Sligo Park Hotel and anyone who wishes to join in the fun and fellowship on that evening will be most welcome.

Sean Doyle, President of Sligo Rotary Club said: “As I am the sole active founder member, the Club requested that I act as President again for this particular year and we have a full programme of events to undertake for what should be a really memorable year for us in 2015.”

Inspirational Speakers For Ballymoney Over the past month Ballymoney Rotary Club has enjoyed a variety of top speakers covering subjects as diverse as Life of Barry John (Rugby Legend), Children In Crossfire, Biblicia Europe, Raleigh International Trust, Medical Action Research for Children and a P.S.N.I. Statistical Analyst talk.

The club prides itself on the quality of guest speakers and none was more inspirational than Richard Moore from Children in Crossfire.

In 1972, aged 10, Richard Moore, the founder of Children in Crossfire, was blinded by a rubber bullet fired at point blank range into his face.

Amazingly, from childhood to the present day, he has never allowed bitterness to stunt his development. "I have learned to see life in a different way," is how he describes his remark-

able acceptance of what, for most, would be a debilitating trauma. A decade ago he felt the need to harness all that he had learned and put it at the service of humanity, particularly children around the world who have been caught in the crossfire of poverty.

Children in Crossfire has become an international organisation working to protect and promote the rights of some the world's most vulnerable children.

Following this, members also had the opportunity to hear Chris Henderson from Action Medical Research for Children tell them about this charity.

The charity was founded in 1952 by Duncan Guthrie in his quest to find a cure for polio, a condition that affected the lives of many thousands of children including his own daughter, Janet. Early research funded by the charity helped to develop the first oral

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

19

polio vaccine which eradicated new cases of the disease in the UK. Since then, the charity has been saving and changing lives through medical research and has spent over £100m, funding some of the most amazing breakthroughs.

Chris told the group that there was still so much more to do, but with the public's continued support more lifechanging research for some of the UK’s sickest babies and children could continue.

Then, the club welcomed Patricia Roulston from the P.S.N.I. Patricia works at gathering statistical information on crime and advises on various plans of attack to combat it. She informed the members on the changing trends away from traditional burglaries and theft to modern day internet scams and trafficking .

Bangor Club President Ian Wilson is joined in a replica World War 1 trench by (from L-R) Bob McKinley, Chairman of the Bangor Historical Society, Rotarian Luigi Rossetti and Past President Robin Mussen.

Bangor Rotarians Remember Those They Lost Members of Bangor Rotary Club recently gathered to remember the dead of both World Wars and other conflicts.

In a short solemn service at the Somme Heritage Centre, near Newtownards in County Down, Club President, Ian Wilson, led the Rotarians and guests in prayer for all those who had died, were injured or affected in any way by war.

Before a period of silence Past President Robin Mussen read a passage from the Bible and the Words of Remembrance were spoken by Rotarian Luigi Rossetti .

The Last Post and Reville were sounded by Rotarian Brian Hall.

On display at the service, was an inscribed tray marking a one day flag collection organised by the Belfast Rotary Club in 1915 to raise funds in aid of wounded soldiers and sailors. According to the inscription, the collected raised an astonishing £3,000, which in today’s terms would be at least £120,000.

After the service, the Chairman of Bangor Historical Society, Bob McKinley, gave an amusing and informative talk on alleged German spies before and during the First World War, particularly in the North Down area.

He described how one man who lived near lead mines in Conlig had raised suspicions because he had stayed behind after a German mining company had closed down in 1911. He was eventually arrested in 1914 and brought to court to face several charges of spying based mainly on the fact that he possessed a camera along with drawings, maps and sketches and a photograph of a war ship, which had already appeared in a newspaper.

Afterwards the Rotarians and their guests were given a conducted tour of the Somme Heritage site including the replica WW1 trenches.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

20

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

Rotary Ireland Organises Thrilling Technical Event

Past President Alan Cook of North Down Rotary Club (Pictured here), recently appeared on BBC Antiques Road Show at Hillsborough Castle and told the WWII stories of how his Grandfather and Father won the DSC and MBE plus Lloyds Medal for Bravery respectively. The BBC have now decided to make a programme about Alan's Grandfather who was Captain of the Medway Queen paddle steamer at Dunkirk in 1940 when they saved some 7000 soldiers in 7 trips to the beaches and quays.

Plenty Ahead For Dublin Central Club The Rotary Club of Dublin Central have been very active recently. Firstly, they held a very special event at Stephen's Green Hibernian Club in Dublin.

They organised exhibition and silent auction of works by artists Michael Gemmell and Anne McNulty. The artists kindly offered a significant portion of the silent auction proceeds to Rotary charities. In addition, there was a raffle for a painting worth around €7,000. To top the evening off, artist Michael Gemmell painted a brand new work on the night.

Then, at another event, the club inducted two new members, Eamon Porter and Joni Wyckoff, and listened to a very moving story by Seraphine Habimana, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. They also announced the winner of their Youth Leadership competition, who was Aine Hogan Fellenz. The members have a number of interesting events and trips lined up over the coming weeks and months including, a trip to Kenya to see one of their international projects, a cheese and wine session in the US Embassy, a trip to visit a Rotary club in Genoa, and they will have various interesting speakers on as well.

Antrim Rotary Club recently held a special Charter Night with a dinner in Dunadry hotel to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. Pictured here is Janet Montgomery with some guests.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

As part of the Rotary International Great Britain & Ireland (RIBI), the Rotary Ireland Technology Tournament (TT), encouraged teams of four design and technology students with an interest in engineering and science subjects to apply to compete in a full day out of school event to devise and build a solution to an unseen technical task.

Working against the clock, the teams needed to have good communication skills, be well organised and able to show the development of their solutions to the task on the day.

Rotary is a worldwide network translating passions into relevant social causes, to change lives in communities.

Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) enrichment activities can inspire and engage young people aged 519 years and it is the furtherance of STEM subjects which is the ultimate aim behind the idea of the Technology Tournament (TT 2014).

The event held in The Long Gallery of Stormont on Tuesday recently, was the culmination of TT events run by Rotary Ireland with events having previously been run in Limavady, Dungannon and Cork Bishoptown.

Seamus Walsh (Dungannon Rotary Club) trail-blazed the take up of these Tournaments after travelling to observe a TT event in action in York back in March 2012. He ran the first TT event in Dungannon in 2013 after which Betty

McNerlin ran an event in Limavady in November 2013 followed by Cork Bishoptown club organised by District Youth Service Chairman Gráinne Bagnall.

The Stormont invitation to run a live TT event in The Long Gallery for 60 local Belfast students in 15 teams provided a platform for Belfast Rotarians to become involved and this high profile exposure will certainly ensure the Tournament take up and it's further development across many more clubs across Ireland.

Rotary Ireland Governor Philip Beggs was at the Stormont event for the full day and his enthusiasm and support was very much appreciated by the organising Rotarians.

Tony Jordan from the RIBI Steering Group for the Technology Tournament Youth Challenge was present with his wife Carol on a special trip as their first visit to Belfast and the North Coast whilst helping to promote the event.

The schools who accepted the TT Challenge were: St Malachy’s School, St Marys CBGS, St Dominic’s Grammar, Rathmore Grammar, Colaiste Feirste, Ashfield Boys High, Aquinas Grammar, Wellington College, Vistoria College and St Patrick's Bearnageeha.

A total of 15 teams (60 pupils) and accompanying staff had a truly wonderful day at Stormont with the final winners being the Rathmore Grammar girls team.

Pictured here is Dingle Rotary Club President Kathy Ó' Connor, and members presenting a cheque for a 1,000 to Eddie Dieckmann founder of Hope Guatemala - the funds were proceeds from The Dingle Food Festival Pancake Fundraiser.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

21

Carrickfergus Initiates Talks On New ‘Interact Club’ The members of the Rotary Club of Carrickfergus are anxious to engage young people in extending the scope of Rotary in the town. To that end, Club President Sam Crowe, Youth Activities Chairman Jim Dunlop, and PR and Communications Chairman Mary Sinnamon visited Downshire School to talk to fifth year, lower sixth and upper sixth year students about Rotary and in particular about the possibility of setting up an Interact Club in Downshire.

There was a very positive response from the students and a wide degree of interest expressed in becoming involved with Interact.

The Rotarians of Carrickfergus are looking forward with anticipation to progressing the formation of a new Interact Club. This will be their second Interact Club in the town.

Pictured here are Carrickfergus Rotarians Jim Dunlop (Youth Activities), Mary Sinnamon (PR & Communications) and President Sam Crowe pictured with senior pupils of Downshire School following their discussions on Interact.

Dingle Club Makes Special Effort To Combat Polio Members of the Rotary Club of Dingle are currently making a special effort to help with an international campaign, ‘End Polio Now’, to stamp out polio from the world for good.

Polio eradication has been Rotary's top priority since 1985. Since then, polio cases have fallen from 350,000 a year to under 1,000 a year. Two billion children have been protected from the disease and the number of endemic countries has fallen from 125 to just three: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. India was removed from the endemic list in January 2012 and must have no new cases for the next two years in order to be officially declared polio free. Thanks to the Rotary campaign, it is estimated that five million children

have been spared from disability and 250,000 deaths have been averted.

“For our project we have designed and created a beautiful Rotary Bead from which all profits will be donated to Rotary International and its associate foundations. This includes €10.00 directly going to Polio Plus,” said John Weldon, project manager from the club.

“We are asking all Rotarians to please support our cause by buying just one of these Rotary Beads which make a lovely piece of jewellery, be it a necklace, bracelet or key-ring charm. Crafted of solid sterling silver it makes a perfect gift for all Rotarians and all friends of Rotary,” he said.

“A world without polio has been Rotary’s dream for many years and there are only three countries left to tackle. We are tantalisingly close to eradicating polio once and for all, thanks to the unwavering support by the public and Rotarians. Hundreds of thousands of tiny children are vaccinated during National Immunisation Days with many volunteers going into slum areas and reaching out to remote communities to make sure every child is protected,” he concluded.

Informative Speakers Visits Castlebar Club The Castlebar Rotary Club recently had a number of speakers visit them to give a hugely informative talk on health and well being.

Dr George Bennett spoke first. He has a PHD and Masters in Holistic Medicine from Queens University in Belfast. He is also a Dr of Philosophy. He educates people on some crucial research results concerning our health today and some risk factors that can be avoided. He has written a book, which is now in its third print run.

Also with Dr Bennett, was Padraig O’Hara, the Managing Director of a health and wellness Company called Health Source, based in Belfast. Both travelled from Belfast to visit the club. The members described the evening as “educational and informative.”

Remembrance Tree Appeal A huge success For Kilkenny The Rotary Club of Kilkenny recently ran its annual Remembrance Tree collection for Christmas, raising money in aid if the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team that delivers palliative care in the two counties.

The event is now a feature of Christmas in Kilkenny City, appearing the County

Council publications and promotional material about Christmas in Kilkenny.

Dedications and donations were collected at three separate locations in Kilkenny City and County from Friday the 14th of December. These collection points were staffed every day by Rotarians and friends

Pictured here are pupils from Gael Cholaiste Ceatharlach who helped with the Remembrance Tree in Carlow with Club President Karl Mc Donough, Sec. Randall Dempsey, Chairman Eamon Long, Dan Mc Donnell and Julie Long. The Tree was very successful again this year and concluded with all ribbons placed in Carlow Cathedral for Mass on January 4th. The club now hopes to embark on new project for Carlow this year ---Jolie Rider. They recently had a talk from James Shivnan to guide the members in the right direction.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

or relatives of Rotarians. On Christmas Eve, the club held a public open air ecumenical service of remembrance at the large Remembrance Tree erected on the Parade, next to Kilkenny Castle. The Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland Bishops took part in the service as well as

a contribution from the Mayor of Kilkenny City. Music was provided by the Kilkenny Gospel Choir. Over 2000 dedication cards were blessed and the event was well attended by the general public.

The appeal raised €18,000 for the Carlow Kilkenny Home Care Team despite a huge amount of equally laudable charity drives run by other organisations in the run up to Christmas.

The Rotary Club of Douglas recently organised ‘An Evening of Song’ event, which featured timeless arias, duets and songs from the operatic classics. All proceeds from the hugely successful evening were donated to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Pictured here is: some of the cast performing on the night, which included two Rotarians Denis Lane (Douglas) Noel Somers (Bishopstown)

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

22

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

Kilkenny Club Continues Programme Of Speakers

Pictured here is Kilkenny Rotary Club President Joe Mulhall (left) with John McCormack CEO of The Irish Cancer Society. John was guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Kilkenny recently.

The programme of speakers, as part of the vocational element of service, continued in the Rotary Club of Kilkenny.

September and October saw several high profile speakers with Immediate Past President of the Irish Farmers Association, Mr John Bryan, Bishop of Cashel and Ossory, The Right Reverend Michael Burrows, and CEO of The Irish Cancer Society, Mr John McCormack.

The speaker programme adds an additional element of interest to normal lunchtime meetings and makes an ideal occasion to invite potential new members along as guests. The programme also includes speakers with a local focus, for example Chairman of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Mr Pat Nolan addressing the club.

Monaghan Club’s Christmas Appeal A Success Monaghan Rotary Club would like to thank all who supported their Christmas appeal over the festive season in December. They had a special Christmas Tree of Remembrance placed in Monaghan Shopping Centre for the duration of December, where the public could remember the passing of a loved one by placing a Christmas Ribbon in their memory on the club’s Christmas Tree.

Register For Rotary Conference 2015 Registration is now open for the Rotary Conference in 2015. Join Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) President Peter King in Belfast, 10-12 April 2015, for what is sure to be a fantastic Rotary Conference full of fun, fellowship and inspirational speakers.

The RIBI Conference is open to every Rotary member around Ireland and the UK and is a great way to meet new people from across the isles, as well as hear from supported projects and gain a better understanding of this incredible organisation. With amazing guest speakers and fabulous evening entertainment, there is plenty for everyone.

Registration will be opening soon so do be sure to check Rotary website for regular updates.

Pictured here are Gordon Robinson (President of Ballymoney Rotary Club), Joanne McCallister (Fundraising Manager Cancer Fund for Children) and Phillip Beggs (District Governor Rotary lreland).

Ballymoney Rotary Supports Cancer Fund For Children The Rotary Club of Ballymoney held their annual dinner at Royal Portrush Golf Club recently, and chose local charity Cancer Fund for Children to benefit from fundraising on the night of the event.

Gordon Robinson, President of Ballymoney Rotary Club told the Rotary News: "Every week in Northern lreland three children, teenagers and young adults (up to 24 years old) are diagnosed with cancer. We are delighted to have raised over £1,400 at the President's Night to support local families living with cancer," he said.

Earlier this year, Cancer Fund for Children opened the doors to its brand

new therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge, in Newcastle Co. Down.

The centre, which was officially opened

by Rory McIlroy last month, will provide free short breaks for up to 500 families a year who are living with cancer. At Daisy Lodge, families will have precious time to be together as a family during a traumatic and challenging time, to share experiences and gain support from other families and to create special memories together.

Cancer Fund for Children is the leading local cancer charity providing practical and emotional support to families in the community at home and in hospital.

Busy Christmas Period For Dublin Viking Club The Rotarians in Dublin Viking Rotary Club have had a very hectic Christmas season. During the festive time they have been busy

organising fundraising, carol singing collecting with the Celtic Choristers and cooperating with Dublin City Business Improvement

The Four Way Test ... of the things we say and do: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned

District to collect funds for local Dublin charities during the turning on of Dublin Christmas street lighting.

Dublin Viking Rotary Club is also Dublin’s only breakfast Rotary club. The club has been very active throughout the year. They hosted Ambassadorial scholars, supported the 'End Polio' scheme, collected bicycles for Bikes4Africa, and participated in the rotary Youth Leadership programme. They are looking forward to planning further Rotary activities for the year ahead.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

Pictured here are pupils from CBS Carlow who helped with the Rotary Reembrance Tree in Carlow pictured with Club President Karl Mc Donough, Chairman Eamon Long, Randall Dempsey Sec, Rev. Fr John Cummins, Dan Mc Donnell and Julie Long. The Tree was very successful again this year and concluded with all ribbons placed in Carlow Cathedral for Mass on January 4th.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

ROTARY NEWS

Jan / Feb 2015

23

Athlone Club Aids Youth Exchanges Young people from Athlone gave a talk about their summer travel experiences in Europe at the Rotary Club of Athlone meeting recently in the Prince of Wales Hotel.

The four students spent between two and three weeks in various European countries while on Rotary Youth Camps and Short Term Exchanges.

Ellen O'Meara (Moate Community School) took part in a two week trip to the Netherlands to learn about the Dutch people and how they have learned to live with water. Katie Linnane (Moate Community School) was in Germany near Dusseldorf for two weeks where she enjoyed a range of activities including culture, sightseeing, discussions and

bicycle tours. Emma Haran (Our Lady's Bower) had a six-week exchange with a German girl from near Nuremberg and Oisin Rowe (Marist College) had a four-week exchange with a French boy from Bordeaux.

Molly O’Meara (Moate Community School), who was unable to attend on the night, was on a two week hiking and biking trip to the forests of Bohemia and Bavaria.

Dermot Neary, President of the Rotary Club of Athlone thanked the Prince of Wales Hotel for hosting the event and said: “The members of the Rotary Club of Athlone were delighted to be able to enable five young people from Athlone to enjoy a fantastic, international experience this summer.

Rotary’s Youth Camps and Short Term Exchanges are great opportunities for young people to see the world, experience a different way of life, maybe learn another language, make international friends and discover a lot about themselves whilst acting as an ambassador for their own country.”

Joanne O’Connor organised the event and coordinates the Youth Exchange programme for the Rotary Club of Athlone.“Rotary Camps and Tours are for young people aged 15 to 25 and they bring together groups of young people from all over the world for a 10 to 14 day tour,” she said. “Normally there is only one or two from any one country, so they offer an excellent oppor-

Pictured here is the Rotary Club of Athlone President Dermot Neary (centre) with youth camp and exchange students (L-R): Oisin Rowe, Ellen O’Meara, Katie Linnane and Emma Haran.

tunity to find out about other cultures and lifestyles first hand.”

“Rotary Short Term Exchanges are designed for those between 15 and 19 years of age,” she continued. “A local family hosts an exchange

student in their home for two to three weeks. Then their son or daughter returns with the exchange student to spend a similar time with their family. For the student’s safety, the Rotary Club here in

Athlone and in the host country visits the homes in advance and ensures that everyone involved is Garda vetted. These exchanges help students improve their language skills and make lasting friendships.”

Fabulous Fashion Show For Monaghan Club Monaghan Rotary Club’s recent Fashion Show, was a huge success raising over €4000 for local charities.

There was up on 250 people in attendance in the Hillgrove Hotel’s Van Gogh Suite, despite the stormy rainy evening - crowds came in droves to support the event.

Dea of Italy Boutique from Glaslough Street in Monaghan started the show off with an array of funky and fun children’s outfits, modelled by some of the cutest kids on the planet!! This was followed by stunning ladies wear attire from the Dea Pictured here are: Michael Quinn, John Bole, Barra Flynn, David Johnston. L-R Sitting: Krista Rushing, Collection, elegantly modeled Diane Wright-Kendrick, Cathy Lavery, President Audri Herron, Molly Heckard, Sinead Corrigan from by some of Monaghan’s finest Monaghan Rorary Club at their Fashion Show event. ladies, complimented by beauoff and made over and arrived back on stage at the end of the tiful headpieces by Hats Off Ally, Castleblayney.

The ladies were closely followed by some gentlemen (including evening to show off her beautiful outfit and hair and make up.

Rotarian Michael Liddle), modeling gorgeous menswear from There were over twenty winners of the amazing spot prizes on Etiquette Monaghan. The evening was excellently compered offer on the night.

by Siobhan O’Connor and Lighting and Sound was provided President of Monaghan Rotary Club, Audri Herron, would like

by Gary Landers and Conor from Develish DJ’s. The venue to sincerely thank all the sponsors, and also to all the was sponsored by the Hillgrove Hotel, Leisure & Spa and the amazing models on the evening. “Thanks to Gary and Conor advertising was sponsored by the Northern Standard. from Develish DJ’s and to our compere Siobhan O’Connor. A Presentation Flowers were sponsored by Wilma in JP Flowers. massive thank you everyone who attended, making the night Prior to the event, the public was offered the opportunity to an outstanding success,” she said. Audri would also like to nominate a lady for a makeover in Lir Spa & Wellness Centre thank her fellow Rotarians for all their hard work and at the Hillgrove Hote, with a fabulous outfit, sponsored by Dea support. “Please watch our Facebook page Rotary Club of Boutique. Reverend Betty Thompson was the lucky Winner of Monaghan, to see us give this money to worthwhile charities the prize, receiving the most nominations. Betty was whisked over the coming months,” she concluded.

HAS YOUR CLUB BEEN MENTIONED IN THIS ISSUE?

Pictured are Rotary Club of Dublin Fingal members, Greg Langan and Alan Spain, loading bikes collected from their members for Jole Rider for transportation to Loughan House

Christmas spirit For Rotary Kilkenny The Rotary Club of Kilkenny held its annual Christmas Dinner event at the end of 2014. The dinner took place in Mount Juliet’s prestigious Kendals Restaurant. This event is the key social event in the Club’s calendar and was well attended by members and their partners. Assistant Governor Pat O’Dwyer and his wife Kathy attended as guests of the president.

Send your club news today: Tel: 01-8400200 • email: info@rotarynews.ie

24

ADVERTISING

Jan / Feb 2015

Massive range of stoves and fireplaces on working display

NOW ON

Best prices In Ireland

FIREPLACES from only

€595 €350

STOVES from only

No middle man we supply and fit Fully qualified fitting staff Older chimneys can be relined to ensure no leakage Huge range of suppliers so we are sure to have the right stove or fireplace for your home 20 years serving the East Coast Member of INFO, & HETAS certified Open 7 days a week

FIREPLACES AND STOVES DIRECT Unit 5 Newgrange Business Park, Donore Road, Drogheda Tel: 041 – 9843700 Fax: 041 – 9843745 • email: info@fireplacesdirect.ie • www.fireplacesdirect.ie

Opening Hours: Mon - Friday 9am - 6pm Sat 10am - 5.30pm Sunday: 2pm - 6pm