Minerva Winter 2021

WINTER 2021

FOR MEMBERS OF THE RDS

OLIVIA WICKHAM AND ÉABHA MCLYSAGHT, GAELSCOIL EISCIR RIADA, LUCAN, DUBLIN AT THE 2020 ESB SCIENCE BLAST

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COMPETITION

WIN

THE RDS MEMBERS

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

RECRUIT & REWARD PROGRAMME

Are you interested in equestrian sports or sports such as skiing, snowboarding or hiking?

Or maybe you would prefer slower paced activities sleigh rides, cable car trips and sampling Austrian cuisine? Would you like to do all this while visiting one of our reciprocal clubs?

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.

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. 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 Member or if you purchase Membership as a gift for someone before the end of February 2022.

Full terms & conditions are available by emailing members@rds.ie

Persuade 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.

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.

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

The prize draw will take place and the winner will be announced at a special evening event in the Members’ Club in March 2022.

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

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EDITOR Malachi Quinn

WELCOME

CONTRIBUTORS Kerrie O’Connor Gerald Whelan Amy Harrington Fiona McLoone Niamh De Loughry Nicole Collins Dara O’Leary

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

WINTER 2021

FOR MEMBERS OF THE RDS

OLIVIA WICKHAM AND ÉABHA MCLYSAGHT, GAELSCOIL EISCIR RIADA, LUCAN, DUBLIN AT THE 2020 ESB SCIENCE BLAST

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FRONT COVER: Olivia Wickham and Éabha McLysaght, Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, Lucan, Dublin at The 2020 ESB Science Blast

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

With the clocks going back, the days are getting darker, but things are beginning to look brighter for the RDS all be it with the impact of Covid still with us. First off, I would like to commend the entire staff in the RDS for managing to keep so many of our activities going over the past, very difficult 20 months, working with the voluntary Members of Council, both Boards, and the many Committees and Working Groups; all of whom had to devise new ways of collaborating and delivering for the Society.

From the Foundation team who ensured that all the programmes continued, to the Equestrian team who managed to deliver such an excellent event with the RDS National Equestrian Championships in August. Along with the Membership team, who have been doing such a brilliant job in welcoming all the Members back to the Club; some of whom you will meet in this edition of Minvera. And the Commercial and Operations teams, who have worked tirelessly to secure the return of all the shows and exhibitions to the campus.

And to congratulate our CEO Geraldine Ruane, who has embraced the challenge of steering the ship in challenging times. Her team and herself have been doing some excellent work in supporting Council, along with key stakeholders, in developing a new strategy for the RDS, while also feverishly working away behind the scenes to ensure that the Anglesea Stand project progresses.

In October the RDS had the great pleasure of hosting a 50th Anniversary dinner for the Design & Craft Council of Ireland.

You can see and read about this and many more things that have been happening recently in the RDS in this issue of Minerva. Let us all hope that we may look to a 2022 which enables a reinvigorated Royal Dublin Society continue to fully deliver on its mission.

Finally, as President I would like to wish you, the Members, and your families, a very enjoyable, peaceful and safe Christmas.

Prof. J. Owen Lewis RDS President

RCN 2002008 General: info@rds.ie

Contents 02

THE DESIGN & CRAFTS COUNCIL OF IRELAND The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland celebrates its 50th anniversary this year

02

RDS TREASURES COLLECTION ONLINE The RDS Treasures Collection online exhibition went live in October

03

ESB SCIENCE BLASTS OFF The ESB Science Blast creates a space for thousands of students to reignite their love of learning

06

2021 BURSARY WINNER The RDS Library & Archives announce Dr Orla Fitzpatrick as the winner of the RDS Library & Archives Research Bursary 2021

07

THE RDS NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS The 2021 provided a focal point for many in the sport horse industry this summer

10

BOOKENDS RDS Librarian Gerard Whelan is set to retire after a long and rewarding career

12

RECOVERY & RENEWAL APPEAL As hope rises, creative pioneers and champions of rural Ireland fight hard to survive long enough to benefit from the re-opening

14

MEET THE TEAM Meet the new faces of the RDS Members team

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.

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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GIVING

Geraldine RuaneRDS CEO, Andrew Bradley, DCCI Chair, Rosemary Steen, DCCI CEO and Professor Owen Lewis, RDS President

THE DESIGN & CRAFTS COUNCIL OF IRELAND 50TH YEARS The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

The RDS was instrumental in the setting up of the then Crafts Council of Ireland, and the two organisations have worked together closely ever since. The DCCI is a major partner for the RDS on our craft projects: the RDS Craft Awards, the RDS Irish Craft Bursary and the RDS Branchardiere Lace Bursary. This year the RDS awarded €68,000 through these projects directly to Irish craft makers.

RDS President, Professor J. Owen Lewis and RDS CEO, Geraldine Ruane hosted the Design & Craft Council of Ireland’s 50th anniversary dinner in the RDS. Professor Lewis said of the occasion: We were delighted to celebrate the Design & Craft Council of Ireland’s 50th anniversary here in the RDS. With so many connections interwoven between the two organisations, the RDS could be called its “Spiritual Home”!

DO YOU KNOW

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

RDS TREASURES COLLECTION ONLINE Have you seen it yet? Our online exhibition of the RDS Treasures Collection went live in October!

Created by the Library & Archives team, the digital display is a small-but-beautiful sample of some of the artworks on real-life display all around the RDS. Still lifes, landscapes, literati and ladies, not to mention the ‘RDS Rembrandt’, our precious collection also includes treasured trophies from the legendary RDS shows - horse shows, bull shows, goat shows, pig shows, sheep shows … There’s microscopes, telescopes, thermometers and barometers, as well as a plethora of portraits of our past presidents, professors and patrons - watching, wordless, from their lofty plinths and gilded picture frames.

‘Eclectic’ might be the best way to describe the RDS collection!

Our Treasures were assembled by the Society over three centuries by way of commissions, bequests and donations, as well as acquisitions intended to support the arts and artists in Ireland. With the support of The Heritage Council under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2021, we can now share our historic collection with a worldwide, web-based audience.

The exhibition will be a permanent fixture on the RDS website, and we’ll add more artworks to the display from time-to-time. If you haven’t visited already, you can find it here: https://digitalarchive.rds.ie/exhibits/browse.

Of course, you could always just enjoy the show any time you wish from the plush comfort of the RDS Members’ Club – up close and personal. Although, not too close, if you please!

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ESB SCIENCE

BLASTS OFF

WITH SUBMISSIONS OPEN IN JANUARY 2022, THE ESB SCIENCE BLAST IS READY TO CREATE A SPACE THAT INVITES THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS TO REIGNITE THEIR LOVE OF LEARNING.

Erin Rumley and Ronan Lyons, Lanesborough Primary School, Longford

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IMPACT

A

core aim for ESB Science Blast is to show educators and beyond that the RDS is so much more than a venue, and a positive catalyst, working to make Ireland a more vibrant, and dynamic place. The ESB Science Blast journey is a wonderful journey with many moments of revelation, curiosity and STEM discovery for primary school children.

While the 2021 programme was affected by the COVID-19, ESB Science Blast was re-imagined to successfully move beyond ‘Live Showcases’ to online and the world of ESB Science Blast TV! The new, innovative TV Show was created with tailor made lesson plans, to entertain and educate primary school students with the wonders and curiosity of science. Eight episodes were released (four in English and four in Irish) and are available on both the ESB Science Blast website and RTE Learn. There have been nearly 40,000 views of the TV show and we have received some incredible feedback.

In addition to the TV Show, 165 primary school classes participated in ESB Science Blast 2021 through carrying out a class investigation, with impact similar to previous years. 92% of teachers agreed that participation improved their teaching of STEM in the classroom and 100% of teachers agreed that participation increased students’ skills in working scientifically.

We had 124 judges take part this year from academia, education, industry and Government. Teachers place a huge value on the judging process with many commenting how the online format this

JUDGE FEEDBACK: "IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THE CHILDREN HAD TAKEN OWNERSHIP OF THEIR PROJECTS AND THAT THEIR INTEREST IN STEM WAS GREATLY ENCOURAGED

BY ESB SCIENCE BLAST."

TEACHER FEEDBACK: "THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATE YOU ON THE AMAZING JOB YOU HAVE ALL DONE WITH ESB SCIENCE BLAST TV. MY CLASS WATCHED THE FIRST EPISODE THIS MORNING, WE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT!!

IT MEANS SO MUCH TO CHILDREN ATTENDING GAELSCOILEANNA AND OF COURSE TO THE TEACHERS WHEN MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE AS GAEILGE AND THIS IS JUST BRILLIANT."

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year allowed their class to spend more time with their judge and that the whole class could participate in the judging process further expanded to the benefit of the whole class.

The learnings from this year will be incorporated into the planning for ESB Science Blast 2022. As submissions for projects open in January 2022, we hope to create a space that invites hundreds of classes and thousands of students to reignite and re-engage with their love of learning. Regardless of the setting,

TEACHER FEEDBACK: "THE PROGRAM WAS REALLY WELL LAID OUT TO ADAPT TO THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS. I LOVE THE LIVE SHOWCASE DAYS BUT DUE TO TIME CONSTRAINTS, THIS FORMAT MADE IT SO MUCH MORE ACCESSIBLE, ESPECIALLY AS I WAS UNDER MORE TIME PRESSURE TO COMPLETE OTHER WORK AFTER LOCKDOWN TOO."

in-person or online, Science Blast assists and empowers students with tools and techniques to interrogate the world around them.

Providing a platform and a safe space to voice their opinions and showcase their projects.

ESB Science Blast is designed to be inclusive and accessible while inspiring curiosity in participating students and celebrating the wonderful world of STEM. The TV Show and tailor-made lesson plans remain crucial assets in ensuring the 2022 programme supports teachers and students on their journey.

ESB SCIENCE BLAST 2022

For more information how on to apply for the 2022 awards, visit www.rds.ie/rds-foundation/ science-and-technology/esb-science-blast Laoise Ní Chorráin Ní Fhionnaíl, Aoibhinn Nic Colla, Isaac Kayode , Caoilfhionn Ní Mhóráin and Seaic Ó Céilleachair, Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh

Pupils from Corduff NS with Michelle Maher, Cool Planet Experience

TEACHER FEEDBACK: "MY CLASS WERE SO EXCITED TO MEET THEIR JUDGE VIA ZOOM. THE EXPERIENCE GAVE THEM A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT."

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IMPACT

2021 RDS LIBRARY & ARCHIVES RESEARCH

BURSARY WINNER

THE RDS LIBRARY & ARCHIVES ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE WINNER OF THE RDS LIBRARY & ARCHIVES RESEARCH BURSARY 2021 IS DR ORLA FITZPATRICK FOR HER PROPOSAL, DISPLAYING ART AND INDUSTRY: THE ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY’S EXHIBITIONS AND THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND.

RDS Library Speaker Series: Eating Like Irishmen’: Promoting Irish Agriculture and Nineteenth-century Science at the RDS

The winner of last year’s Bursary Dr Mary Hatfield has now recorded her talk for the RDS Library Speaker Series. ‘Eating Like Irishmen’: Promoting Irish Agriculture and Nineteenthcentury Science at the RDS, in which Mary explores the role of the RDS in the promotion of agriculture and contemporary ideas on nutrition 19th century Ireland.

Available to view on the RDS YouTube channel

Dr Orla Fitzpatrick

Dr Orla Fitzpatrick is an academic, educator, researcher and writer who has published and presented internationally in the area of photographic history, design and material culture. She is also a museum professional and librarian and is currently responsible for the administration and curation of the special libraries at the National Museum of Ireland.

Orla’s research will explore the relationship between the RDS and the National Museum of Ireland through the selection, display and reception of manufactured items for the Society’s exhibitions of the 19th century and their subsequent entry into the collections of the National Museum of Ireland. It will also show to what extent the RDS collections and exhibitions informed the collecting policy of the National Museum.

The formation of collections and the journey of both institutions will be explored through a forensic examination of the RDS and the National Museum’s archives. The outcome of the study will add to the understanding of the history of collections in Ireland and contribute to knowledge of Irish consumer behaviour, art education and exhibition culture and display.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Orla and we look forward to working with her on her research over the next 12 months.

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THE

THE RDS NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS PROVIDED A FOCAL POINT FOR MANY IN THE SPORT HORSE INDUSTRY THIS SUMMER.

SHOW MUST GO ON

Senan Reape and Small Titan flew over the ‘swan fence’ to secure 3rd place in the 138cm National Championship

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IMPACT

Ruben Foley taking the 128cm National Championship title aboard The Silver Legend

Young Rider Bursary winner Niamh McEvoy’s smile could not be damped by the rain.

“WE ARE DELIGHTED TO BE ABLE TO RUN THE RDS NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS AND GIVE A FOCUS FOR EQUESTRIAN PROFESSIONALS TO WORK TOWARDS THIS SUMMER.” GERALDINE RUANE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, RDS

It was all smiles for Marta Hughes Bravo & HHS Mustang Sally who were crowned the 148cm National Champions

SUPPORT OUT WORK

The RDS relies on the generosity of our Members, donors, trusts and foundations and corporate supporters to achieve our mission.

RDS NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2021 IN NUMBERS

Noel Cawley’s Emerald Mystique secured the 7 Year Old National Championship, with Kevin Gallagher in the saddle

400 €186,225 TOTAL PRIZE MONEY AWARDED

HORSES ENTERED FOR THE SHOW

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Toberdane Bournville Star and judge, Ian Stark Conor Brennan with dad, Tom Brennan

Eyes on the prize, Annie Boland and Kahlua du Karl had their sights set on the coveted Children on Horses National Championship title from the outset

Ruben Foley taking the 128cm National Championship title aboard The Silver Legend

3.4K 14 VIEWS ON THE RDS YOUTUBE CHANNEL OVER THE THREE DAYS

SHOW JUMPING COMPETITIONS

3,327

HORSES TURNED OUT OVER THE COURSE OF THE 29 QUALIFIER DAY

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PEOPLE

BOOK

ENDS RDS LIBRARIAN GERARD WHELAN IS SET TO RETIRE AFTER A LONG AND REWARDING CAREER

IT’S

undoubtedly the end of an era for RDS Librarian Gerard Whelan, who after 46 years working at the library is due to retire in 2022.

“I joined the staff of the RDS Library in 1975,” reminisces Gerard. “I answered an advertisement in the paper for a job as a Library Attendant. I applied with a handwritten letter, had an interview with the then-Librarian Alan Eager and (I think) Dolores Flynn. I was offered the position a few days later.”

A self-described “avid reader”, Gerard took on the role straight from school aged just 18.

He had first encountered the library just four months earlier on a school trip and says he didn’t ever think that he’d become part of the staff.

“I was in the middle of doing my Leaving Cert and had to postpone a start date. I finished the exams and started work the following week,” he recalls.

Of course, Gerard has many wonderful memories from his time working there, and it is a delight to listen to him reminisce on everything from the introduction of computers, rescuing books from floods and the many great gigs on site, as well as the appearance of special visitors such as Chris Hadfield, Seamus Heaney, the Presidents of Ireland, and more.

“There was always the opportunity to have a bit of fun,” he says. In particular he mentions working alongside the actor and comedian Dermot Morgan, and in fact wonders if this might not have influenced one very famous episode of Father Ted. “Dermot Morgan would spend some lunchtimes with us in the Library. One year another colleague and I decided to enter a song for the Eurovision song contest, the initial round anyway,” he says. “I remember we had these crummy lyrics and a melody; Dermot did come over and join us with his guitar. It really was a mad idea, but when Father Ted featured entering a song for the Eurovision featuring ‘My Lovely Horse’ I did wonder about where the inspiration had come from…”

When asked about what his mission was during his almost half a century at the library he says: “To bring the very considerable time that many individual members had invested in the library further along, people also needed to be constantly reminded about

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“To bring the very considerable time that many individual members had invested in the library further along, people also needed to be constantly reminded about the resource that is the RDS Library and if anything, that mission is still alive today.”

the resource that is the RDS Library and if anything, that mission is still alive today.”

As for what the future holds, Gerard says he will miss his colleagues and physically “being there” but is also looking forward to the sense of freedom that comes with retirement.

“My wife, who is Dutch, and I are currently planning to retire to the Netherlands. I have a strong interest in art and hope to spend some time at that,” he says, “together with photography and trying a little writing. I have been keeping notebooks for years.”

So there might be a book of his own joining the illustrious shelves, which is rather exciting.

His message for the library going forward?

“There is a very good Library and Archives Committee to guide the Society in its thinking about the collections. I wish it well.”

RDS LIBRARY & ARCHIVES

The RDS Library provides an interesting and diverse selection of material available for borrowing by Members. www.rds.ie/library-archives Gerard Whelan, RDS Librarian

LIBRARY COLLECTIONS THE RDS LIBRARY COLLECTIONS CONTAIN OVER 100,000 ITEMS AND COMPRISES OF MONOGRAPHS AND JOURNALS OF IRISH AND GENERAL INTEREST. OPEN ACCESS MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE FOR LOAN BY RDS MEMBERS AND ALL OTHER MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION IN THE LIBRARY. THE LIBRARY ALSO HAS A RANGE OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES FOR USE BY RDS MEMBERS AT HOME OR IN THE LIBRARY.

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GIVING

AS HOPE RISES, ARTISTS, INNOVATORS, ENTREPRENEURS, CREATIVE PIONEERS AND CHAMPIONS OF RURAL IRELAND ARE FIGHTING HARD TO SURVIVE LONG ENOUGH TO BENEFIT FROM THE RE-OPENING. YOU CAN HELP.

As

Sean O’Sullivan, Castleisland, Co. Kerry

Ailbhe Gerrard,

Brookfield Farm, society re-opens, our brightest emerging Coolbawn, Co Tipperary talents are struggling in the arts, craft, music, science and other key sectors. Thankfully, there’s optimism on the horizon at last, but they need support more than ever to recover and rebuild after the devastation that Covid-19 caused. Your Membership and your kind donations can play a powerful and transformational role in coming to the rescue.

Rolling lockdowns and government restrictions, have seen performances and concerts stopped, galleries closed, vibrant careers put into cold storage and livelihoods were destroyed.

The RDS Foundation responded quickly and decisively, launching our own Covid-19 Appeal. The response was inspiring and this fund continues to assist those in challenging situations, carefully investing in people; talent; innovation; imagination; creativity.

However, the Society’s events, exhibitions and trade fairs that generate crucial income to fund our landmark philanthropic programmes, that provide career-boosting awards, mentorships, bursaries, the promotion of science for the young, and are once again calling on our members and so much more; have been dealt a devasting blow by Covid and the funding supporter to join us in helping those who find gap continues to widen. themselves distanced from their traditional The RDS has never backed away from a crisis. In fact, these are the times networks of support. They may have weakened when our mission becomes re-energised and our relevance is apparent. We links with markets, customers and audiences.

Many are trying to get back to their core activities, having had to engage in alternative endeavours simply to survive.

BECOME A MEMBER And now, with change in the air, we must Join a tradition that has been contributing to Ireland since 1731 | join@rds.ie help them through this short-term crisis so that they are still strong and active in their areas of

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REASONS TO SUPPORT THE RDS

1

THE RDS REVENUE STREAMS HAVE BEEN SEVERELY HIT

Covid-19 caused an unprecedented loss of revenue from cancelled events, exhibitions and trade fairs. As you know, this crucial money is raised each year specifically to do civic good. As we open up slowly, we will begin to generate funds again but there is an enormous gap to fill.

2

THIS MEANS OUR CORE MISSION IS VULNERABLE

These now depleted funds are needed to pay for careerboosting awards, bursaries and promotional opportunities, targeted to help our most promising emerging talents. This time of challenge spotlights a threat to the very essence of why the RDS exists – because this loss of income puts our core mission in jeopardy.

3

OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST ARE IN CRISIS RIGHT NOW

specialty – so that they are positioned to benefit from the opening up of the new opportunities, platforms, markets and networks.

The RDS holds a unique position in society and strategically supports a diversity of sectors needing assistance and investment which no other body can fill. We are determined not just to repair the damage Covid-19 caused but to harness the wonderful lessons we’ve learned during lockdown, to remember the things that are truly valuable in society and the economy.

We don’t want to merely arrive at ‘a new normal’. We want to help build ‘a better normal’.

With your help we believe this is possible.

We look forward to once again hosting our traditional events like the Dublin Horse Show, the RDS Craft Awards, ESB Science Blast and the RDS Visual Art Awards. Our continued commitment to our Music Bursaries, the RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards, the RDS Gold Medal for Enterprise and the RDS Library & Archives Research Bursary will see these come back stronger too with your help.

With your support, the RDS Foundation will continue to invest in people, talent, innovation, imagination and creativity.

To make a gift today please contact Eilish at eilish@rds.ie or on 087 638 6507

These wonderful sectors and people have been devastated by the pandemic. Even in the best of times, it’s a struggle for them to get the opportunities, recognition and funding they need to reach their potential. But now their networks of support have fractured, their audiences disappeared, their platforms non-existent. They need a timely boost right now in order to survive this phase, to not give up on their vocation, and to reboot their careers.

4

YOUR KINDNESS HELPS KEY PEOPLE AND DIVERSE SECTORS IN NEED

Your kind donations support people right across so many key sectors of life – the creative industries, our innovative farmers, equestrian innovation, leaders of tomorrow in science, education and other key areas.

5

ESB SCIENCE BLAST NEEDS TO REACH MORE SCHOOLS AND CHILDREN

ESB Science Blast is one of our most high profile, and hugely successful events. Tens of thousands of our youngest participate and benefit hugely. It plants the seeds of learning in science, maths, engineering and technology for Ireland’s brightest minds and future builders. We urgently need to invest in it so we can plan its return to live venues and be more effective than ever.

MAKE A GIFT

To make a gift today please contact Eilish at eilish@rds.ie or on 087 638 6507

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PEOPLE

Penny Colley Member Events Coordinator Penny holds a qualification in stage management and recently joined the RDS. She has many years of international experience, organising everything from large conferences to small team building events and product launches to family fun days.

Having taken time out to raise a family, she is now settled in Ireland and is looking forward to creating a programme of events for the Members that are informative, creative and engaging.

Contact Penny to book you place at upcoming Members’ events.

Tel: 01-2407914 Email: penny.colley@rds.ie

Tessa Lunn Membership Engagement Executive Before she joined the RDS in June, Tessa worked for a Canadian not for profit organisation, which supports Marketing professionals to establish and promote ethical standards of practice in marketing. Her background is Customer Service, Corporate Services, Event & Project Coordination.

Contact Tessa with your feedback on Membership services or if you wish to give the Gift of Membership to a relative or friend.

Tessa is also happy to show new and potential Members around the Members’ Club.

Tel: 01-2407244 Email: tessal@rds.ie

MEET THE TEAM MEET THE NEW FACES OF THE RDS MEMBERS TEAM.

BECOME A MEMBER

Join a tradition that has been contributing to Ireland since 1731 www.rds.ie/members/enquiry

Marie Therese Kinsella Member Renewals Administrator Marie Therese has been with the RDS for several years. She worked alongside the Foundation team over the years in all programme departments, working at events such as the Gold Medal awards, breakfast events, Visual Art Awards Exhibition, ESB Science Blast and the Dublin Horse Show. Marie Therese now works with the Membership team working on Membership renewals, reception and general administration.

Contact Marie Therese with any queries about your renewal or to pay your renewal over the phone.

Tel: 01-2407907 Email: mariet@rds.ie

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Karolina Bar Restaurant & Bar Manager Polish born Karolina, has been living in Dublin and working in catering for 15 years. She worked in the National Gallery of Ireland. More recently Karolina has worked with our catering partner, RDS Hospitality as Functions Manager for both corporate and public events in Dublin Castle, Farmleigh House, City Hall and the Mansion House. Karolina relishes working at the Members’ Club and looks forward to getting to know Members over the coming months.

To book your table in the Members’ Club contact Karolina Tel: 01-6689244

Una Wildgust

Nikita Byrne Members’ Club Receptionist

Members’ Club Receptionist & Administrator Una is the most recent member of the Membership Team. She is a highly experienced professional with 40 years administration and senior Executive Assistant experience in the financial sector. Una hopes that her years of experience will help the team in the Members’ Club to give all Members a pleasant experience.

If you require a Letter of Introduction for one of our reciprocal clubs or you wish to book a meeting room in the Members’ Club Contact Una Tel: 01-2407296 Email: members@rds.ie

Sophie Mullen Membership Administrator

Nikita is another new face on the Membership Team. Before joining the RDS she worked for eight years in the insurance industry, working for several companies and brokerages. Her background is Customer Service, handling queries, problem solving and undertaking various administrative tasks.

Contact Nikita with general Membership enquiries Tel: 01-2407296 Email: members@rds.ie

A background in history and a Masters’ degree from the University of Leicester first led Sophie to the RDS. Moving from the Library in 2019 she has worked as Membership Administrator, providing back-office support to the Membership Team, liaising with other RDS departments, and updating information on the Members’ database. If you have recently updated your email or postal address or if you are not able to log into the Members’ Area of the website, please contact Sophie. She is also happy to help if you have lost your Membership card.

Kerrie O’Connor Membership Development Manager After graduating from Psychology in UCD, Kerrie worked in a similar role for a professional body many years ago. Since then she has obtained several qualifications and worked in Sales and Event Management.

Before joining the RDS in 2019, Dubliner Kerrie lived in rural Ireland for 10 years, running a small business and farm. She believes this insight helps her to understand the needs of Members from both urban and rural backgrounds. Kerrie leads the Membership Team and works closely with the RDS Membership Committee.

She and aims to deliver an efficient and friendly service for Members.

Tel: 01-2407280 Email: kerrie@rds.ie

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EVENTS

RDS MEMBERS UPCOMING

EVENTS

DECEMBER

02 DEC

03 DEC

09 DEC

10 DEC

11 DEC

Members Thursday Dining

Leinster v Connacht Pre Match Hospitality

Members Thursday Dining

RDS Singers Carol Concert & Dinner

Leinster v Bath Pre Match Hospitalit

From 6pm

7.45pm Kick Off

From 6pm

6.30pm

3.15pm kick off

16 DEC

17 DEC

23 DEC

24 DEC

Members Thursday Dining

RDS singers Carol Concert & Dinner

Members Thursday Dining

Christmas Eve Lunch with carols

From 6pm

6.30pm

From 6pm

12pm - 3.15pm

06 JAN

07 JAN

13 JAN

16 JAN

17 JAN

Members Thursday Dining

Leinster v Sigma Lions Pre Match Hospitality

Members Thursday Dining

Leinster v Montpellier Pre Match Hospitality

Fitness Class Spring Term Commences

From 6pm

7.35pm

From 6pm

1.00pm

11.00am & 12.15pm

18 JAN

20 JAN

20 JAN

25 JAN

27 JAN

Art Class Spring Term Commences

RDS Singers Spring Term Commences

Members Thursday Dining

Burns Night Themed Dinner

Members Thursday Dining

11.00am-12.30pm

7pm

From 6pm

From 6pm

From 6pm

01 FEB

03 FEB

07 FEB

10 FEB

11 FEB

Chinese New Year Themed Dinner

Members Thursday Dining

Lunch & Learn event for Members

Members Thursday Dining

Guest Chef Dinner

6pm

From 6pm

12.00pm

From 6pm

From 6pm

17 FEB

17 FEB

24 FEB

Members Thursday Dinin

Leinster v Ospreys Pre Match Hospitality

Members Thursday Dining

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

From 6pm

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MARCH

04 MAR

07 MAR

10 MAR

24 MAR

31 MAR

Members Thursday Dining

Lunch & Learn Event for Members

Members Thursday Dining

Mother’s Day Themed Dining

Members Thursday Dining

From 6pm

12.00pm

From 6pm

From 6pm

From 6pm

03 APR

03 APR

07 MAR

14 APR

21 APR

Leinster v Munster Pre Match Hospitality

Lunch & Learn floral event for Members

Members Thursday Dining

Easter Themed Dining

Members Thursday Dining

3.00pm kick off

2.00pm

From 6pm

From 6pm

From 6pm

14 APR

20 JAN

Summer Fitness Class Term Commences

RDS Singers Spring Term Commences

11am & 12.15pm

From 6pm

APRIL

MAY

04MAY

05 MAY

12 MAR

19 MAR

21 MAY

Member’s Excursion

Murder Mystery Themed Dining

Members Thursday Dining

Members Thursday Dining

From 6pm

From 6pm

Leinster v Edinburgh Pre Match Hospitality

26 MAY

31 MAY

Members Thursday Dinin

Member’s Excursion DO YOU KNOW

From 6pm

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

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Your home for Rugby Hospitality The RDS Members’ Club is your hidden gem in the heart of Ballsbridge Treat yourself and your guests to pre-match hospitality in the comfortable surroundings of the RDS Members’ Club. Avail of pre-match hospitality for Leinster and International matches played in Dublin. and your guests. The RDS Members’ Club is a quick walk to the RDS Main Arena and the Aviva Stadium. On match days there

to attend hospitality in the Members’ Club.

For bookings please contact 01-6689244 or email members@rds.ie

rds.ie/members

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