Minerva - Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022

FOR MEMBERS OF THE RDS

JULIETTE MORRISON WITH HER WORK “QUARANTINE (2020-2021), RDS VISUAL ART AWARDS & EXHIBITION 2021

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CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS The RDS Membership Committee of Council developed a Code of Conduct for Members. It builds on rules and polices which already exist in the by-laws, such as the dress code and the requirement for non-members to be accompanied by Members in Members’ Club.

The current policy does not permit admittance of children under 16 years of age unless there is a special event, such as our Family Day during the Dublin Horse Show. With the development of new technologies and changes in lifestyle several other elements were incorporated into the Code of Conduct. For example, vaping is not permitted on the premises, electric scooters cannot be brought into the Members’ Club and pet dogs cannot be brought to the Members’ outdoor dining area.

Only electric vehicles may be parked in spaces designated for charging electric vehicles.

It also refers to elements such as behaviour towards fellow Members and staff, and the policy around quiet conversation. As in many other private member clubs, phones should be switched to silent on entry and answering in designated areas, such as the Members’ foyer and corridor. The use of laptops and tablets is permitted in the Library, Samuel Madden Room and the Members’ meeting rooms, but is not permitted in the Thomas Prior Room.

The Code of Conduct was adopted prior to the Members’ Club re-opening in June 2021.

RDS MEMBERS CODE OF CONDUCT The Code of Conduct may be viewed online at www.rds.ie/images/uploads/general/RDS_Members_Code_of_Conduct.pdf Alternatively, Members can pick up a copy from the Membership Desk. The Code of Conduct is included in the welcome packs we post to new Members.

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EDITOR Malachi Quinn

Contents

CONTRIBUTORS Kerrie O’Connor Dara O’Leary Niamh De Loughry Amy Harrington Fiona McLoone Paul Farrelly

PRODUCED BY Ashville Media Group ashville.ie PRINT WG Bairds DISTRIBUTION Sooner Than Later

SUMMER 2022

FOR MEMBERS OF THE RDS

JULIETTE MORRISON WITH HER WORK “QUARANTINE (2020-2021), RDS VISUAL ART AWARDS & EXHIBITION 2021

FRONT COVER: Juliette Morrison with her work “Quarantine (2020-2021), RDS Visual Art Awards & exhibition 2021

ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 T: 01 668 0866 www.rds.ie

WELCOME The start of the Summer always brings with it new beginnings and possibilities. The same can be said of the RDS as we start to emerge from the long shadow cast by Covid over the past two years. From this pandemic, the RDS is moving forward with ambition and purpose as we look towards our tricentenary. This can be best exemplified with the development of our new strategy; one that will help to shape the RDS for the next 30 years.

The strategy is focused on a renewed purpose for the RDS: To inspire, enable and empower positive change in Irish society. In the creation and honing of this new strategy, I must acknowledge the very extensive work which has been undertaken by the Council, the various Committees, the Board of Management, and the Foundation Board, and especially the RDS Executive. It is a testament to all.

Another important step forward for the Society has been the recent purchase of St. Mary’s Church on the corner of Simmonscourt and Anglesea roads. This is a further statement of ambition by the RDS, as this acquisition will play a key strategic role in unlocking new potential for the campus and in the redevelopment of the Arena, and ultimately help to strengthen our Foundation programmes.

As always, moving forward also means change, and the yearly cycle sees several people step back from roles on various Committees. All have served the Society with remarkable distinction, while sometimes having to soldier through extraordinary times. To them all the RDS owes a debt of gratitude.

The onset of Summer, as all RDS Members know, means that RDS Dublin Horse Show is only around the corner. This year will see the return of the Show in all its glory for the first time since 2019 and I have no doubt that it will, once again, be the main event in August 2022! I look forward to meeting many of you there.

EXPANDING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Geradine Ruane, Chief Executive of the RDS, looks forward to the future expansions, activities and successes of the RDS.

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2021 RDS VISUAL ARTS AWARDS The RDS Visual Art Awards provided a platform to showcase the ten emrging art graduates in Ireland

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ESB SCIENCE BLAST Through the RDS’s investment in ESB Science Blast, a long-term investment in the future of Irish society is being made

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2022 RDS MUSIC BURSARY PROGRAMME The RDS Music Bursary Programme assists Irish musicians to help fulfil their potential

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GOING FOR GOLD Entrepreneur Brian McCarthy was Awarded the RDS Gold Medal for Contribution to Irish Business

13 2021 RDS IRISH FOREST & WOODLAND AWARDS Award winners highlighted for climate-smart agriculture in practice 16

BECOME A RDS CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR Play a key role in to delivering successful conferences and unique experiences for Ireland

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ISLAND EXCURSION For several years, the RDS has organised exclusive excursions for its Members to Lambay Island

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A RECIPROCAL WELCOME RDS Membership is delighted to announce a new arrangement with the Reform Club on London’s Pall Mall

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THE RETURN OF THE DUBLIN HORSE SHOW The RDS is delighted to confirm the return of the 147th Dublin Horse Show

Prof. J. Owen Lewis RDS President

RCN 2002008 General: info@rds.ie RDS Membership: members@rds.ie Minerva, the magazine for Members of the Royal Dublin Society, is typically published bi-annually. Any views expressed are not those necessarily held by the RDS or its Council. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission.

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DEPARTMENT CONTACTS Library & Archives ....................................... (01) 240 7254 librarydesk@rds.ie Membership .................................................. (01) 240 7296 members@rds.ie Foundation ..................................................... (01) 240 7206 foundation@rds.ie

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IMPACT

EXPANDING FROM

STRENGTH TO STRENGTH GERALDINE RUANE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE RDS, LOOKS FORWARD TO THE FUTURE EXPANSIONS, ACTIVITIES AND SUCCESSES OF THE RDS.

I’D

like to think that Minerva, who was the Roman goddess of the arts, trade and strategy, would be happy if she were to visit the RDS these days. After the Covid-inspired hiatus, the Society is busy supporting all of Minerva’s favoured activities along with many others from Ideal Homes Exhibition to the Horse Show which makes a welcome return this August.

In the arts, the RDS continues to sponsor artists from across Ireland while also helping members who paint themselves. Art classes

Barry Andrews, MEP, Jack Chambers, Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Sport, Geraldine Ruane, Chief Executive, RDS and Prof. Owen Lewis, RDS President

recently finished and will resume in September with an exhibition in December. A rather wonderful exhibition inspired by Van Gogh has begun and I’d highly recommend viewing it before it ends in August. It is almost certainly unlike anything you have ever seen before!

In trade we are busy relaunching our Vision 2030 series with former RTE presenter Sean O’Rourke as the host. This year we are focussing on a topic that has been core to the purpose of the RDS since we were founded; sustainable economic development. How we think changes but purpose remains constant. The RDS’s founding fathers could not have imagined that we would be worrying about emission targets, renewable energy and the circular economy. But I’m sure they would approve.

In March we were delighted to host the IRFU Women’s team for their first match in the TikTok Women’s Six Nations Championship. It was a fabulous day and great atmosphere with a record crowd for a stand-alone women’s rugby match of 6,113. One of those in attendance was Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins!

The 2022 RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards took place in early May with our President Owen Lewis and Minister Pippa Hackett presenting prizes. Congratulations to all 13 winners who came from every corner of the island. Buoyed by this success, we are already looking for entries for the 2023 Spring Awards.

The wildly successful ESB Science Blast is almost finished for the year but the programme will continue in the years ahead to ensure the next generation embraces the gifts that science can give us. This is quickly becoming part of the organisation’s DNA because it is such a good example of why we exist and how the RDS has always helped society.

I’m delighted to report that the RDS is expanding physically for the first time in decades. We recently bought St Mary’s church

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which is on the corner of the main campus where the Merrion Road intersects with Anglesea Road. I’m confident that this will unlock many opportunities for the RDS in future and provide good rental income in the meantime.

We also remain deeply committed to investing in our infrastructure. We had very positive meetings with government this Spring regarding the Anglesea Stand Redevelopment to seek support to bring the stand up to modern standards. This will enable the RDS to host visitors to the Horse Show, concerts and rugby games in greater comfort while also creating new opportunities with other sports. The proposed development would also allow the RDS to strengthen its claim to be a natural home for women’s sport in Ireland.

Every organisation needs to take a look at what it is doing from time to time. We have been doing just that. Council has recently approved a new strategy to ensure the success of the RDS at it enters its fourth century in just nine years’ time. I believe this will pay rich dividends in the years ahead and I look forward to telling you more about this at a later date.

Finally, I’d like to finish by congratulating Gerard Whelan who retires

The RDS & Vice President, John Dardis were delighted to host both Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins and the IRFU, for Ireland v Wales in the TikTok Women’s Six Nations Rugby Championship in March of this year

Teresa and Bertie Roche, Kilmore Farmhouse Cheese, Galway, winners of the Sustainable Rural Innovation Award, 2022 RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards

Mathew Forde and Brian Malcomson, Seaforde Estate, winners of the Production Forestry Award, 2022 RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards

“This year we are focussing on a topic that has been core to the purpose of the RDS since we were founded; sustainable economic development. How we think changes but purpose remains constant. The RDS’s founding fathers could not have imagined that we would be worrying about emission targets, renewable energy and the circular economy. ”

as librarian in June after 47 years of service.

The library embodies many of the RDS’s finest qualities and Gerard’s achievements in maintaining and expanding the library since the 1970s is an extraordinary testament to his dedication but also to the the close links between so many of you, the staff and the RDS over many decades.

Enjoy the summer and be sure to pay a visit now that we are back again.

RDS MISSION

ESB Science Blast

Learn more about the RDS involvment in agriculture, the arts, enterprise, equestrianism, science & technology via www.rds.ie/about-rds/

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2021

IMPACT

RDS VISUAL ART

THE RDS VISUAL ART AWARDS PROVIDED A PLATFORM TO SHOWCASE THE TEN EMERGING ART GRADUATES IN IRELAND.

AWARDS EXHIBITION

THE

winners of the 2021 RDS Visual Art Awards were presented by the RDS President, Professor Professor J. Owen Lewis, on 23 November, 2021 in the RHA Gallery. The exhibition was officially launched by Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

The quality of this year’s applications was outstanding, and the follwing ten artists were included in the exhibition: KAROLINA ADAMCZAK LAUREN CONWAY RACHEL DALY FIONA GORDON VANESSA JONES ORLA KELLY CATHERINE MCDONALD JULIETTE MORRISON FINN NICHOL ROIBÍ O RUA

The competition and curated exhibition gives an opportunity for the artists to win a significant share of the €30,000 prize fund.

RDS ARTS

Find out more about how the RDS supports artists in their professional careers www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/arts

Vanessa Jones, “Self Replicating, Self Portraits”

Winner of the R.C. Lewis-Crosby Award & RDS Mason Hayes & Curran LLP Centre Culturel Irlandais Residency Award Vanessa Jones Vanessa is a figurative painter whose practice explores feminine themes using self-portraiture. Working representationally in oils using traditional techniques, she employs the history of Western painting alongside medieval and primordial symbolic associations to engage the viewer with the concepts of myth, beauty, replication and duality as they relate to the feminine archetype.

Vanessa is a figurative painter whose practice explores feminine themes using self-portraiture. Working representationally in oils using traditional techniques, she employs the history of Western painting alongside medieval and primordial symbolic associations to engage the viewer with the concepts of myth, beauty, replication and duality as they relate to the feminine archetype.

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2021 EXHIBITORS

Finn Nichol, “The Lonely Sea”

Winner of the RDS Taylor Art Award Finn Nichol Finn graduated from the Limerick School of Art & Design last year with a first-class honours degree in Sculpture and Combined Media.

His practice is a multi-disciplinary inquiry into storytelling and appraises the lived experience of the Anthropocene; an unofficial unit of geological time used to describe the most recent period in Earth’s history when human activity started to have a significant impact on the planet’s climate and ecosystems.

The work in the exhibition is a clay and digital animation titled The Lonely Sea. This piece is a response to Covid-19 lockdown and its isolation.

Devoid of interaction or connection, the characters on the screen live out choreographed loops of work and travel against the backdrop of an increasingly surreal world. Their fixed expressions betray only emotional catalepsy while the labour-intensive method used in the creation of the amination only serves to emphasizes repetition and labour. The music composition is influenced by luminaries such as Steve Reich and Laurie Anderson creating a psychedelic soundtrack to accompany the piece.

Orla Kelly, “As much as I wouldn’t like to”

Rachel Daly, “Til we part”

Roibí Ó Rua, “D1G1TR@N”

“THE ARTS ARE A KEY COMPONENT OF THE RDS FOUNDATION PROGRAMME AND ITS MISSION TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF IRELAND. THE RDS VISUAL ART AWARDS CONTINUES A LONG-STANDING RDS TRADITION OF SUPPORTING EMERGING IRISH ARTISTIC TALENT.” GERALDINE RUANE, RDS CHIEF EXECUTIVE

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IMPACT

2021 EXHIBITORS

Juliette Morrison, “Quarantine (2020-2021)”

Karolina Adamczak, “I Am Selling Myself”

Winner of the RDS Members’ Arts Fund Award

Catherine McDonald, “How Far”

Fiona Gordon, “Excessively Chaotic Utopian Escape”

Karolina Adamczak Karolina graduated from IADT Dún Laoghaire with a first-class honours degree specialising in moving image, performance art and photography. Her practice is based around the mediums of performance art and film, with her work often crudely depicting human connection in a modern alienated society.

I’m Selling Myself is a body of work comprising of nine short films and performances, four of which are included in this exhibition. They deal with emotional labour and the marketisation of felt experience. The work offers a topical social critique around the ethics of labour structures in the customer service industry and dramatizes the frustrations and hopes of the service worker. The work operates between the personal and the political where individuality and sense of self is sublimated into the needs of the service industry and its capitalist agenda to depict human (dis)connection in a modern, alienated society.

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Lauren Conway, “A Great Public Meeting”

Winner of the RHA Graduate Studio Award

“IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO WORK WITH THESE TEN TALENTED VISUAL ART GRADUATES, TO BRING THIS YEAR’S RDS VISUAL ART AWARDS EXHIBITION TO FRUITION IN THE RHA. THIS SHOW OFFERS AN INCREDIBLE PLATFORM FOR EMERGING ARTISTS AT WHAT CAN BE A DIFFICULT TIME WHEN THEY HAVE JUST LEFT COLLEGE. THE SHOW LOOKS AMAZING AND HAS A BEAUTIFULLY PRODUCED FREE EXHIBITION CATALOGUE TO ACCOMPANY IT.” VERA KLUTE EXHIBITION CURATOR

Lauren Conway Lauren Conway graduated from IADT Dún Laoghaire with a first-class honours degree in Art. She was awarded a DLR Emerging Artist Bursary, and the Dock IADT graduate award which includes an upcoming group exhibition at the Dock, Carrick-On-Shannon in January 2022.

In October 2021 she presented her first solo exhibition Karen at Ormond Art Studios.

The winning body of work, entitled A Great Public Meeting, comprises of a series of drawings that explores empty educational spaces and questions aspirational promises put forward by the state through formal education.

Using archival materials, documentation from site visits and found images from her teenage years, Lauren explores tensions between the empty school sites and the dense, awkward dancefloors of teenage discos. In one place, there is restriction and conformity, in the other, freedom and connectivity albeit the narrow version presented within popular media. The core question posed is how to be a teenager in these spaces and how to resolve the tensions and polarities between them.

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IMPACT

Church Street National School, Co. Limerick

STEM LEARNING & CURIOUS

QUESTIONS THROUGH THE RDS’S INVESTMENT IN ESB SCIENCE BLAST, A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF IRISH SOCIETY IS BEING MADE. ONE THAT BUILDS ON A DEEP ENGAGEMENT IN SCIENCE EDUCATION DATING BACK NEARLY 300 YEARS!

RDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

RDS is proud to support and contribute to the STEM education programme. Learn more via www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/science-and-technology

IN 2022,

for the second year in a row, ESB Science Blast has gone virtual due to the COVID19 pandemic. The programme has demonstrated flexibility and innovation to ensure primary school students don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in such an impactful programme.

This year we have been blown away by the interest in the programme, with 440 projects submitted from across the island of Ireland. This includes over 60 projects from Gaelscoileanna, projects from DEIS schools, rural schools, first-time participants, long-time participants and special education schools. A total of 11,000 students are participating in ESB Science Blast this year investigating the science behind questions that interest them. This represents a 150% increase on last year’s participation.

We are delighted with the positive feedback from teachers on the programme, the diverse questions which the primary schools around Ireland investigated and how eager the students were to immerse themselves in STEM learning. Here is a snapshot of the projects which were received: ‘What is the best way to stop bananas going mouldy?’, ‘What is the water quality like in our area?’ and ‘What is the effect of gaming on our well - being?’.

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We have 280 STEM experts volunteering their time to carrying out judging with the participating classes. These STEM experts are from Industry, Academia, Education, Government and Philanthropy and are an integral part of the programme. This year judging could either take place virtually or in-person. This flexibility created a new form of accessibility and inclusivity for classes.

We are constantly developing and improving the programme, using evaluations and feedback each year to grow and support teachers and classes in their participation to ensure they have the most worthwhile experience. This year, we developed and launched a set of new interactive resources to provide primary students with top tips for their investigations. The purpose of these new interactive resources is to explain some of the simple strategies employed by real scientists whilst investigating and show children that learning good scientific habits can be a fun and rewarding process. Exploring these will not only give a major boost to a class’ overall ESB Science Blast Investigation but will also enhance students’ critical thinking skills. These are in addition to our lesson plans and TV show

Gaelscoil Donncha Rua, Co. Clare

JUDGE FEEDBACK: “THEIR LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR TOPIC, WAS OUTSTANDING AND WAS AT A MUCH HIGHER LEVEL THAT I WOULD EXPECT FROM A GROUP OF PUPILS THEIR AGE. IN FACT, THEIR LEVEL AND KNOWLEDGE WOULD BE IMPRESSIVE IN STUDENTS TWICE THEIR AGE!”

TEACHER FEEDBACK: “IT WAS BRILLIANT TO TEACH THE STUDENTS STEM AND SCIENCE IN THE REAL WORLD RATHER THAN ON A WHITEBOARD! MY CLASS GROUP IS MULTIGRADE WHICH CAN MAKE SOME PROGRAMS DIFFICULT TO DO BUT ESB SCIENCE BLAST WAS PERFECT FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES.”

Kilkenny National School Co. Donegal

already available on the ESB Science Blast website, all of which help teachers and students get the most out of participating.

Enabling the participating schools to celebrate the work the students have done in the classroom is a hugely important part of ESB Science Blast Showcase Days. This year to make sure that this sense of occassion was created, we hosted the ‘ESB Science Blast Roadshow’ for two weeks at the end of March.

The presenters of ESB Science Blast TV, Clara Murray and John Sharpson took to the road in a branded EV provided by the Ecar team at ESB to meet some of the schools that took part and to hear all about their investigations.

Whether the programme is in-person or online, we firmly believe that students should be exposed to tools and techniques that will allow them to be critical thinkers and future change makers. This is only made possible if students are empowered to play an active role in their own learning experiences, allowing them to develop skills and devise plans to overcome challenges or unplanned results. The STEM field is a world of excitement and curiosity just waiting to be explored! ESB Science Blast has been designed to support teachers and students on their journey of discovery, and we are very proud to be deliver this programme.

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2022

IMPACT

RDS MUSIC BURSARY

PROGRAMME WINNERS THE RDS MUSIC BURSARY PROGRAMME ASSISTS IRISH MUSICIANS TO HELP FULFIL THEIR POTENTIAL. Awarded on an annual basis since 2003, the RDS Music Bursary Programme offers a prize fund of €23,000 and a range of professional performance opportunities to talented young musicians.

RDS MUSIC BURSARY AWARD The top prize is the €15,000 RDS Music Bursary Award which is one of the largest single bursaries on offer to a young musician anywhere in Europe.

RDS JAGO AWARD Valued at €5,000 is supported by RDS member, Ann Jago and has been awarded since 2017. An engagement with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra is part of this award.

RDS COLLINS MEMORIAL PERFORMANCE AWARD With a fund of €2,000, a previous RDS Music Bursary Award winner is selected annually by the Artistic Director of the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and is offered a performance opportunity at the annual Festival which takes place in Lismore, Co. Waterford. This prize is very generously supported by RDS members, Michael and Loret O’Brien.

RDS MUSIC BURSARY

Find out more about how the RDS supports young Irish musicians towards their professional careers www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/arts/ music-bursary

Megan O’Neill

2022 RDS Music Bursary Winner Megan O’Neill Soprano, Megan O’Neill, from Co Kerry, is in the second year of a Doctor in Music Performance Degree at the RIAM studying with Professor Mary Brennan and Dr Andrew Synott. She completed a Masters in the same college graduating with a first-class honour’s degree following her undergraduate studies in Maynooth. A multiple prize-winner in recent years at the Feis Ceoil, Megan has performed in many opera productions. She will play the lead role in the world premiere of the film ‘Dreamcatcher’

by Kevin O’Connell in May 2022 and will also be participating in Wexford Festival Opera in 2022 and 2023.

An engagement with the National Symphony Orchestra and a recital at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris are part of this award.

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2022 RDS Jago Award Winner Mollie Wrafter The RDS Jago Award of €5,000, the second prize in the RDS Music Bursary Programme, was awarded to 24-year-old violinist, Mollie Wrafter from Co. Offaly. She qualified for the RDS Music Bursary by winning the Aileen Gore Cup & RTÉ lyric FM Award at this year’s Feis Ceoil. Mollie will also receive a solo engagement with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra as part of this award. She plans to undertake a master’s at Codarts in Rotterdam studying with Vesna Gruppman starting in September.

Mollie Wrafter

“CLASSICAL MUSIC HAS A STRONG TRADITION IN THE RDS, AND WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT SUPPORTING TALENTED YOUNG ARTISTS TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL THROUGH THIS BURSARY, AND OUR CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR FEIS CEOIL, WHICH IS THE QUALIFYING COMPETITION FOR THE RDS MUSIC BURSARY.” GERALDINE RUANE, RDS CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Phoebe White

2022 RDS Collins Memorial Performance Award Winner Phoebe White Phoebe White (violinist) was also announced as this year’s recipient of the €2,000 RDS Collins Memorial Performance Award, which is awarded in association with the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. A previous RDS Music Bursary Award winner is selected annually by the Artistic Director of the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival. Phoebe will perform at the Festival which takes place in Lismore, Co. Waterford. Phoebe won the RDS Music Bursary in 2021 and is currently undertaking her masters in Berlin at the University of Arts with Professor Laticia Honda-Rosenberg.

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PEOPLE

GOING FOR

GOLD

ENTREPRENEUR BRIAN MCCARTHY WAS AWARDED THE RDS GOLD MEDAL FOR CONTRIBUTION TO IRISH BUSINESS.

B

rian McCarthy, Founder and Executive Chairman, Fexco was the 2021 recipient of the prestigious RDS Gold Medal for Enterprise in recognition of his extraordinary achievements in the financial services sector.

Brian’s record of achievement marks him out as one of the most important and influential figures in Irish business over the last 40 years. His dynamism and vision have transformed Fexco into the remarkable Irish, and international, success story that we know today.

On receiving his award Brian said: “I’d like to thank the RDS for this terrific honour, particularly in 2021 as we celebrate Fexco’s 40th anniversary. I believe Fexco at its heart thrives by connecting to and supporting its customers, driving technology innovation, and investing in the communities where we operate. Our people have always been key to this and to the resulting growth of our business in Ireland and across the world. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their ongoing support in making Fexco the success it is today.”

McCarthy’s devotion to rural Ireland and his resolute belief that international business can work outside the big city was best revealed when once asked if Fexco should switch to the International Financial Services Centre in Dublin.

Brian stated, “This business can be run from the North Pole provided you have the right people. The view is better here in Killorglin”.

The RDS continues to fulfil its commitment to furthering the economic and cultural development of Ireland. The awarding of the Gold Medal for Enterprise is an integral part of the RDS Foundation’s Enterprise programme which aims to promote the sustainable development of the Irish economy.

Brian McCarthy, Founder and Executive Chairman, Fexco

Prof. Lewis, RDS President on Brian McCarthy as the recipient of the RDS Gold Medal for Enterprise “To be considered for the Gold Medal, the recipient must have shown exceptional leadership and have an outstanding track record in business achievement which has contributed to sustainable economic development in Ireland. Qualities which Brian McCarthy has displayed throughout his distinguished career. ”

RDS ENTERPRISE

Find out more about the RDS vision for Ireland’s sustainable economic development www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/enterprise

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REWARDING EXCELLENCE: 2021

DS IRISH R FOREST & WOODLAND AWARDS

AWARD WINNERS HIGHLIGHTED FOR CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE IN PRACTICE

Colm Foy, winner, 2021 RDS Production Forestry Award

RDS Production Forestry Award Winner Colm Foy, Ardagh, Co. Longford Colm’s forest is at Ballymacleavy, near Ballynacarrigy in Co Westmeath. The forest comprises a total area of 36 hectares made up of 29.65 hectares planted in 1995 and 6.55 hectares planted in 2012. The same year the Colm previously received this award. The Judges were impressed by the efficient manner in which the thinning was executed and the present condition of the crop post thinning. Also, by the extent to which Colm is adopting a business-like approach to forestry and the manner in which he has enabled other woodland owners to benefit from his experience. Colm’s ambition for the future of Ballmagleavy is to create a species diverse, multi-age woodland that is manged on a continuous cover system that will be capable of providing a financial return from the sale of products ranging from biomass to sawlogs with the least possible impact on the surrounding local and global environment.

RDS EVENTS

Award winners receive a cheque for €2,000, an RDS Silver Medal and a Certificate of Merit. The runner up in each forestry award category receive €1,000 and a Certificate of Merit. The RDS Forestry Awards are made possible by the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Teagasc.

Find out more on the RDS Spring Awards, visit: www.rds.ie/agriculture

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Award recipients were presented with their 2021 RDS Irish Forest and Woodland Awards by Minister Pippa Hackett and RDS President Professor J. Owen Lewis.

Speaking at the RDS, Minister Hackett said: “The RDS Forestry Awards are a showcase for everything that is good about Irish forests and woodlands. Each year they shine a light on best practice in forestry and highlight the excellent work that is being carried out by farmers, forest owners and community groups around the country to enhance the multi-functional benefits of forests and woodlands.

Now more than ever, with the renewed calls from COP26 on the importance of taking action on climate change, we need more trees in the ground and through the RDS Awards, we can highlight the positive role that sustainable forests can play in meeting our climate obligations.”

According to RDS President, Professor J. Owen Lewis: “Our trees and forests provide many economic, environmental and social benefits, and bring colour and biodiversity to both our urban and rural areas. It is more important than ever to recognise the work of our farmers and foresters who are contributing to the sustainable development of Irish agriculture, which remains the most important industry in rural Ireland.

This year’s Irish Forest and Woodland Award winners have achieved a balance between the economic and environmental needs of the sector and are highlighting what is possible when experience is combined with innovation and dedication.”

This year’s winners include farmers, foresters, and community groups, recognised for employing the principles of climate smart agriculture on their land, including sound commercial management, environmental protection and the encouragement of biodiversity.

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IMPACT

Owen and Madge Cooney, winners, 2021 RDS Teagasc Farm-Forestry Award

Minister Pippa Hackett, Pat Caulfield, Tintern Forest Property, winner, 2021 RDS Community Woodlands Award and Prof. Owen Lewis, RDS President

RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Winner Owen Cooney, Virginia, Co. Cavan The winner of the 2021 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is Owen Cooney of Virginia, Co. Cavan. Comprising 35 hectares, Owen’s farm was primarily a dairy holding of up to 70 dairy cows, but, fragmentation into four different blocks rendered it difficult to operate in later years. Owen first started planting areas of his farm over thirty years ago under a Pre-Cap scheme that was operated by Western Forestry at the time. This initial threehectare Conifer plantation on an out-farm demonstrated to Owen the many benefits that forestry can bring to a farm holding. This small site yielded, on clear fell, an impressive volume of timber and convinced Owen to plant further areas of marginal quality land.

Owen has excellently shown how forestry can integrate with mainstream agriculture. Adding forestry to his farm has allowed Owen to continue to farm in a viable manner, but with the added advantage of providing income, diversity, and landscape improvements.

He notes that these planted areas have undergone, in hindsight, inappropriate reclamation works in the past, but they are now thriving areas of biodiversity.

SUPPORT OUR WORK

If you want to learn more about supporting our programmes, please visit www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/support-our-work

Patrick and Anne O’Reilly

RDS Production Forestry Runner-Up Patrick J. O’Reilly, Belturbet, Co. Cavan The runner-up in the 2021 Production Forestry Category was Patrick J. O’Reilly, Belturbet, Co. Cavan. First planted in 2003 Patrick’s forest is over 19 hectares comprising a variety of species including Sitka and Norway spruce, along with a large percentage of alder and oak. This woodland is an excellent example of how different species can be managed in a way that incorporates both commercial and environmental objectives. Such a woodland could not have been developed without great passion and dedication, and Patrick should also be commended for the work he does to help educate and inspire others about the benefits and potential of forestry. As you walk through his woodland, the hand, care and dedication of Patrick is visible everywhere from the carefully shaped oak and broadleaves to the pruned conifers and well laid out access. He is to be commended for all the work he has undertaken over the years.

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RDS Community Woodlands Award Winner Tintern Forest Property, Co. Wexford The winner of the 2021 RDS Community Woodland Award is Tintern Forest Property, Co. Wexford. Tintern Forest is a sustainably managed mixed woodland which nestles into the south Wexford countryside just off the Hook peninsula and beside Bannow Bay. The property wraps around the historic Tintern Abbey which is managed by the OPW. The judges were impressed with the initiatives and outreach relating to mental health for both residential and day care patients within the local communities. The leading of walks on a weekly basis, the installing of a mindfulness space and labyrinth as well as the innovative Kneipping treatment for physical and mental health. A recent initiative has been the construction of an outdoor amphitheatre in an old quarry which can seat up to seventy people. This has been a fantastic addition to the area providing a unique community facility where local artists can perform.

RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Runner-Up James Ham, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath James Ham, of Moyvore received the Special Commendation Award in the 2021 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Category. James has a 52-hectare farm of which about half is committed to forestry. The farm is managed on a low input basis for a 20 cow, autumn calving suckler herd with some spring barley grown to provide feed grain and straw. By planting land that was difficult for grazing James was able to manage the remaining land for his livestock enterprise more efficiently, noting less time and expense spent on drainage and land maintenance.

The farm is now managed in a much more sustainable manner. From the outset James has managed the farm forest on continuous cover forestry principles with a strong emphasis on wildlife and biodiversity as well as commercial product. James has noticed a visible increase in the levels of wildlife on his farm with buzzards, black-cap, grasshopper warbler, pine martin and a much greater number of butterfly species.

Martina, James and daughter Rebecca Ham

Prof. Owen Lewis, RDS President, Liz McConnell, Kylemore Abbey and Minister Pippa Hackett

RDS Community Woodlands Award Runner-Up Kylemore Abbey Estate, Co. Galway Kylemore Abbey Estate is the recipient of the Special Commendation Award in the 2021 RDS Community Woodlands category. Kylemore Abbey Estate is nonprofit organisation committed to sustainability and conscious of its social responsibility to the promotion of good woodlands stewardship. Since the estate was established in the 1860s it has been an exemplar of good agricultural and silvicultural practice. This Programme’s main elements are a scheme of clearing invasive Rhodendron ponticum followed by native tree planting. This work is integrated into an ongoing outreach programme with local schools and the wider community. This has built a strong sense of community engagement between Kylemore’s woodlands and local children, families and schools, as well as a range of other stakeholders. Kylemore Abbey is situated on an estate of 1,000 acres and approximately 75% of the estate is land under afforestation.

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PEOPLE

BECOME A

CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR

PLAY A KEY ROLE IN TO DELIVERING SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCES AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES FOR IRELAND. WHAT DOES THE CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME OFFER? The Conference Ambassador Programme was developed by Fáilte Ireland in 2009 and its purpose is to support individuals who may be in a position to host an international conference in Ireland. Ambassadors are sector leaders or influencers in their field and often are representatives of international organisations. Since 2009, the Conference Ambassador programme has motivated over 1,000 Ambassadors from academia and medical science to tech companies and special interest groups, to bid for and host international conferences in Ireland.

Fáilte Ireland’s Conference Ambassador Programme provides assistance and financial support to the Ambassador and the conference at every stage of the event. From the initial bid to the event itself, the team at Fáilte Ireland work hard to support Conference Ambassadors to deliver successful conferences and provide unique experiences for delegates.

WHY BECOME A CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR? As a leader in your field, inviting your international colleagues to meet in Ireland reflects well on you and your organisation, provides an opportunity to showcase your successes, and strengthens your networks. It’s also a chance to create a unique and fun gathering for colleagues and peers, while demonstrating what the famous Irish welcome is all about, and the amazing amenities the country offers. The impact of hosting conferences in Ireland goes beyond tourism and economic gain to include palpable knowledge transfer, a boost to our global credibility and the chance to promote Irish innovation within world-leading networks. The Conference Ambassador Programme now has over 2,000 members, each one playing a key role in this process.

Half of all conferences confirmed for Ireland each year are secured by an Irish Conference Ambassador; that’s why the business events team at Fáilte Ireland partners with top thinkers, innovators and researchers at home and overseas through the Conference Ambassador Programme.

Over many years, the business events team at Fáilte Ireland have developed an excellent and successful working relationship with the talented and knowledgeable RDS Sales and Events team.

“As a leader in your field, inviting your international colleagues to meet in Ireland reflects well on you and your organisation, provides an opportunity to showcase your successes, and strengthens your networks.”

RDS CONFERENCE AMBASSADOR

Together we have delivered several successful events at the RDS, so if you would like to explore the possibility of bringing your international colleagues to Dublin, please contact us at info@meetinireland.com

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ISLAND

EXCURSION FOR SEVERAL YEARS, THE RDS HAS ORGANISED EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS FOR ITS MEMBERS TO LAMBAY ISLAND, THE PRIVATELY OWNED ISLAND OFF THE NORTH COUNTY DUBLIN COAST.

M

Tuesday

31st May at 10am Tuesday

14th June at 10am

easuring two and a half square kilometres in area, Lambay Island covers 630 acres, providing grazing for sheep, cattle and wallabies – yes wallabies!

The island also supports insects, grey seals and a large number of seabirds including guillemots, razorbills, herring gulls and kittiwakes as well as greylag geese Manx shearwaters and puffins.

Lambay Island is home to 300 plant varieties. It is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area. There is plenty of flora and fauna to intrigue, but there is also intriguing architecture.

Tuesday

28th June at 10am Tuesday

14th Sept at 10am

Lambay Island, Co. Dublin

Image courtesy Sean Boyne

Lambay Island is believed to have been inhabited since prehistoric times.

It has had a very interesting history and has changed hands many times through the centuries. Challoner, Ussher, Wolseley and Talbot are some of the surnames associated with it. Since 1904 it is has been owned by the Baring family, who hired Sir Edwin Lutyens to design a house incorporating a castle which stood on the island. RDS Members visiting the island will be able to see some rooms in the main house and will visit the White House – also designed

by Lutyens – the chapel, the farm buildings and the ramparts. The influence of the Arts & Crafts movement is clear to see.

As a working farm and as home to a small number of people, Lambay Island is a good place to visit for those interested in sustainability. The Island has its own water source, known at the Trinity Well. It is completely off-grid and is partially run on green energy generated by a wind turbine and solar panels. Even though the turbine and panels produce more than enough energy to run the entire island, the storage system is unable to hold all the energy produced. The Barings aim to generate and store enough power to sustain the entire island on renewable energy.

UPCOMING EXCURSION DATES

This year, excursions for Members are planned for May, June and September. They start from Malahide Marina where a group of 11 Members and their guests take a 30 minute trip by boat to the harbour on Lambay Island. On dry land, visitors will enjoy a guided tour from the Baring family.

To book your place contact our Member Events Coordinator on penny.colley@rds.ie or 01-240 7914.

Due to the small tour size, there is a limit of one guest per Member.

The cost is €140 per person.

DO YOU KNOW

Find out more about about latest upcoming RDS Events www.rds.ie/whats-on

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GIVING

A RECIPROCAL

WELCOME

The Reform Club Library

RDS MEMBERSHIP IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE A NEW ARRANGEMENT WITH THE REFORM CLUB ON LONDON’S PALL MALL.

RDS RECIPROCAL CLUBS

Learn more about worldwide reciprocal clubs members have access to via www.rds.ie/ members/reciprocal-clubs

ONE

of the benefits of being a Member of the RDS is access to our international network of reciprocal clubs including the Reform Club on London’s Pall Mall.

The Reform Club appears in Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne. The novel’s main character, Phileas Fogg, is a member of the club who accepts a bet from his fellow members to circumnavigate the world starting and ending his adventure at the club. The club has also featured as a location for many famous films including two James Bond movies. More recently, the television series Bridgerton has also been filmed there.

Established in 1836, the club has less than 3,000 members.

It has occupied the clubhouse, which was designed by Sir Charles Barry, on Pall Mall since 1841. Like the RDS, the club has a Library and Wi-Fi throughout.

Food and beverage service is provided at varying times in the club. The Hansard Bar is open from 11am to 11pm.

Whereas the Gallery is open from noon to midnight. A self-service buffet lunch is available from 12.30pm to 2.15pm in the Strangers’ Room. A maximum of three guests may be entertained and tables cannot be booked in the Strangers’

The Reform Club Saloon

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Room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Coffee Room. No more than five guests may be entertained at any one time in the Coffee Room, but tables can be booked in advance.

Like the RDS Members’ Club, the Reform Club has a dress code. However, it is slightly more formal than our smart casual requirement. It states; “A jacket and shirt with full collar for gentlemen with a corresponding degree of formality for ladies are required at all times.”

Like our Members’ Club, there is a policy of switching mobile phones to silent mode and restrictions as to where phone calls can be made on the premises.

There are several rooms available for meetings and private events. Overnight accommodation is also available at the Reform Club. In fact, Henry James took a room on a permanent basis and probably wrote many of his novels and short stories there. There are 47 bedrooms with and without private bathrooms and varying in size from single, double and twin.

The Reform Club opens from 7am to midnight everyday except Saturdays and Sundays. Breakfast is served from 7am to 9.45am and Dinner is served from 6pm to 10pm, Monday to Fridays. Breakfast is served on Saturday from 7am to 9.45am, but only for overnight guests staying on a Friday night. Members occupying bedrooms are admitted to the clubhouse at weekends but there is no service after Saturday morning breakfast.

The Hansard Bar

The Reform Club

“The Reform Club appears in Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne. The novel’s main character, Phileas Fogg, is a member of the club who accepts a bet from his fellow members to circumnavigate the world starting and ending his adventure at the club.”

If you would like to visit the Reform Club in London, you should email members@rds.ie specifying the dates you wish to visit.

We will then email a Letter of Introduction to the Reform Club, sending a copy to you. Simply present the letter along with your current Membership card when you arrive.

If you wish to stay overnight at the Reform Club, the same procedure applies, but you should contact its Bedroom Bookings Office first to check availability and to secure your booking with credit card. The phone number is +44 (0)20 7930 9374.

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IMPACT THE RETURN OF THE

THE RDS IS DELIGHTED TO CONFIRM THE RETURN OF THE 147TH DUBLIN HORSE SHOW

DUBLIN HORSE SHOW THE

RDS will run the full complement of showing, show jumping and performance classes at the 147th Dublin Horse Show, which will take place from Wednesday, the 17th to Sunday, the 21st of August inclusive. Majorly increased prize funds for the Show Hunter and Young Horse classes, and the introduction of new pony show jumping classes will ensure the Show gets back to a strong start after a two year absence.

2022 DUBLIN HORSE SHOW

The Dublin Horse Show is an integral part of the Irish summer and will see the return of such favourites as, the Aga Khan Trophy, the Puissance and Ladies’ Day. Tickets are available at 01 240 7903 & www.ticketmaster.ie/venueartist/197051/163163

he Show Hunter classes will see a 53% increase in T prize fund across the three weight categories; light, middle and heavy weight, bringing the total prize money to a staggering €49,000. he prize fund for two Yearling and three Two Year Old T in hand classes, will increase by 65% bringing them in line with the Three Year Old classes, which each offer a prize fund of €5,000 for each of the three class. The total prize fund across the eight Young Horse classes at the 2022 Dublin Horse Show will be €40,000. wo new competitions for 128cm and 138cm 6 & 7 year T old ponies have been introduced, which will benefit and support the production of young ponies in these height categories.

Recognising the need for specialised breeding programmes, the Breeders’ Championship will now be split into two classes to cater for those breeders aiming to produce show jumping foals and those producing foals for eventing.

A new Working Hunter class for traditionally Irish-bred horses will take place on the Sunday of the Show.

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THE RDS MEMBERS

FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO TO THE 20TH SNOW POLO WORLD CUP IN KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA

RECRUIT & REWARD PROGRAMME

Recruit or propose a new RDS member to be in with a chance to win your name will be entered into a draw for each new member you recruit or propose.

As a Member of the RDS, you know the benefits being part of the Society brings.

Have you thought about recommending Membership to a colleague or friend? Now could be the perfect time!

RDS Membership is running a Recruit & Reward Programme. Each time a current Member recruits a new applicant for Membership, then the name of the existing member is entered in a draw for a fabulous trip to the Austrian Alps.

Encourage a friend or colleague to join the RDS or purchase the Gift of Membership for a friend or relative.

Ensure that your name is listed as the Proposing Member on the application form As soon as the application is received with the Membership fee, your name will be entered into the draw Recruit as many new Members as you wish.

Your name will be entered into the draw each time you recruit somebody before the end of February 2022.

Don’t forget Membership ranges from €85 for Associate Membership to €1,700 for corporate Membership.

If you recruit one new Member, your name will be entered into the draw once. If you recruit two new Members, then your name will be entered twice and so on.

THE PRIZE IS FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO PEOPLE TO THE 20TH SNOW POLO WORLD CUP, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE FROM THE 12TH – 15TH JANUARY IN 2023 IN KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA.

If you recruit a corporate member, your name will enter the draw four times to reflect the number of people allowed on a corporate membership.

Membership costs range from €85 for Associate Membership to €1,700 for corporate Membership.

The annual event sees international polo teams compete on snow in the foothills of the Tyrolean alps. You could be there in 2023 if you recruit a new Members or if you purchase Membership as a gift for someone in 2022.

The prize draw will take place and the winner will be announced at a special evening event in Autumn 2022.

COMPETITION

WIN

For information about the Gift of RDS Membership please contact 01-2407280.

The competition is open to current Members only and the prize is for the 2023 winter polo dates only.

The competition is open to current Members only and the prize is for the January 2023 event only.

For more information contact: kerrie@rds.ie

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DUBLIN HORSE SHOW BOOK NOW

17–21 AUGUST 2022 WWW.DUBLINHORSESHOW.COM

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