Winter 2012
Tar Éis Óir The Gaisce Alumni Association
CHAIRPERSON’S WELCOME I am delighted to welcome you to the volunteered for the seminar series across winter edition of our newsletter. I hope Ireland. you all had a fantastic Christmas holidays and are geared up for an exciting year with us in Tar Éis Óir. A lot has happened since our last edition. We had an AGM in December where I was elected Chairperson with an 18 strong committee!
This
gives
us
an
extraordinary opportunity to achieve a huge amount this year with committee members from across Ireland having fantastic potential to contribute to a growing alumni organisation.
Lastly I would like to offer my greatest thanks and warm wishes to Christine Carty, our former chairperson, who has done such a fantastic job guiding this organisation over the past year. She is an inspiration and did a fantastic job in growing TÉÓ over the past 12 months. Christine will be travelling the world next year and I hope she will have time to check in with us periodically! Thank You to all those who made 2012
This December we attended the Silver Award Ceremony in Trinity College Dublin where we supported Gaisce in what was a great evening of celebration. Well done to everyone! We also attended
such a success and I really hope you will join with us in the year ahead to make Tar
Éis
Association,
Óir,
the
an
Gaisce
organisation
Alumni which
continues to grow and develop for YOU!
the conclusion of President Michael D. Finally I want to wish you all a very Higgin’s seminar series ‘Being Young happy new year. I hope to see you soon! and Irish’ in Áras an Uachtaráin. I
wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to all Karen x
those
Tar
Éis
Óir
members
Tar Éis Óir Contact Details Tar Éis Óir -‐ Gaisce Alumni Network Gaisce -‐ The President's Award, Ratra House, North Road, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 Email: tareisoir@gmail.com Web: www.tareisoir.ie (Coming Soon!) TwiMer: @TarEisOir Facebook : www.facebook.com/tareisoir LinkedIn : Tar Éis Óir Gaisce Alumni
who
Inside this issue Gold Award Ceremony 2012
Page 2 International News
Page 8
TÉÓ Merchandise
Page 3 Leinster Silver Award Ceremony Page 9
Chairperson’s Report 2012
Page 4
Upcoming Hike
Page 10
Committee 2013
Page 5 International Scout Moot
Page 11
Upcoming Events
Page 6 Until Next Time
Page 13
Being Young & Irish
Page 7
Previous ediUons of our NewsleMer: hMp://www.issuu.com/tareisoir
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GOLD AWARD CEREMEMONY 2012
Gold Award Ceremony 2012, Dublin Castle The Gold Award Ceremony for 2012 took place on Thursday 27th September in St. Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle. This was President Michael D Higgin’s first Gold award ceremony as Gaisce Patron. 70 Gold awards were presented to young people from all over the island for their endeavours in completing the hardest of all challenges set by the President to the young people of Ireland. Participant activities included volunteering in charity shops, hiking part of the Camino de Santiago, volunteering in a Belorussian orphanage, attending a Gaeltacht course, training with the Reserve Defence Forces and learning how to cook. Prior to the ceremony, entertainment was provided by the band of An Garda Síochána. In his address, President Higgins said that “Today I am reminded of the great wealth of talent and creativity that our young citizens have to offer...
determination to see a task through to the end still lives on." Some participants were interviewed by national media with articles appearing in the Irish Independent, Irish Times and report featured on The Mooney Show on RTÉ Radio 1. TÉÓ had a strong presence at this year’s ceremony with volunteers assisting with seating guests and escorting dignitaries to their seats. TÉO members were also on hand to answer questions regarding the alumni network and gold award recipients had the opportunity to sign up to our newsletter and our mailing list on the day. The President met with all recipients and TÉO volunteers afterwards for a reception in Dublin Castle. TÉO also organised our own reception for gold award recipients later that evening in the Trinity Bar and Venue where a good night was had by all! Report: Peadar Ó Lamhna
You are proof that strength of character, commitment and the
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2
HOODIES
Tar Éis Óir Social Night TÉÓ are organising their next social night on Saturday 26th January in Solas, Wexford
Street. We will be there from
9pm and we hope to see you there!
Breaking News: London Fashion Week reveals must have accessory for 2013 London Fashion Week revealed this TÉÓ Hoody and/or T-Shirt, email tareisoir@gmail.com with Hoodie in week that the latest must-have the subject line and we will send fashion accessory for 2013 is none you an order form. Hoodies Hurry! other than our very own Tar Éis Óir cost €35 and t-shirts €20. If you Limited Stock would like us to post your items hoodie! available to you, please advise us via of We're giving you all the your postal address and include opportunity to have a little piece of an additional 5 Euro towards TÉÓ to wear in your day.. that is.. we postage and packaging. Alternatively, have a limited number of TÉÓ Hoodies collection may be arranged by contacting and T-shirts available for you all to any committee member. purchase. If you would like to purchase a Have you a picture of you wearing your TÉÓ hoodie or t-shirt in a far flung destination? If so, send it on to tareisoir@gmail.com and we will publish some of them in the next issue!
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Chairperson’s Report 2012
Below is an extract of our annual report presented by TÉÓ
Chairperson 2012 Christine Carty to the board of Gaisce In 2012, TÉÓ focused on creating a
leaders to Independent PAL requests
concrete base for development by
received by Gaisce.
introducing a central committee structure -Representation by our
Christine Carty
of core volunteers. The goal of our
Chairperson as an NAA Youth
new central committee is to give
Delegate at the Duke of
a focal point of contact for
Edinburgh’s International Award Forum
all Gaisce and International Award
2012 in Malta in conjunction with both
profit to allow for continued growth
stakeholders now and into the future. It
the CEO of Gaisce (Barney
and activity of the network.
is my intention that the Central
Callaghan) and Chairman of
Committee will also help develop a
gaisce Council (John Concannon).
succession plan for award volunteers to
the cost of our merchandise is
For our 2012 rebrand to Tar Éis Óir – Gaisce Alumni, we also enlisted
“continue their journey” with both Tar
-Running Royal Geographical Society
the help of award-winning advertising
Éis Óir and Gaisce.
accredited “Off Site Safety
team Rob Frewand David Higginbotham.
Management” Training and American
With their help, we have now a full range
Heart Foundation accredited “CPR
of promotional literature at our
We have had an extremely
successful 2012, highlights of which Training” for our members
disposal from business cards and flyers,
include:
to pop up stands, all of which allows us
-Representing and volunteering for, and
-Holding voluntary days at the Dublin
to more readily promote ourselves and
on behalf of Gaisce at the “Being Young
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
market our brand effectively.
and Irish” Presidential Initiative at both a Animals shelter in Rathfarnham, Co. regional and national level
Dublin
Our vision for 2013 and beyond is to continue to grow and give back
-Active rebranding of our association
-Creating an active social media
to Gaisce. Although currently a small
to Tar Éis Óir – Gaisce Alumni to
presence through Facebook, Twitter,
group of dedicated and extremely hard-
allow for a more inclusive brand across
LinkedIn and Issuu to both build our
working volunteers, we continue to strive
all award levels and encourage buy-in
network and ensure a two-way
to help Gaisce become a household
from a wider range
communication process with
name; to create a central focus for
of Gaisce stakeholders.
all Gaisce stakeholders
enthusiastic volunteers who hold the Gaisce ethos closely; and most
-Providing more than 20 volunteers for
As a voluntary group, TÉÓ is entirely
importantly, develop TÉÓ into a world-
the annual Gold Award ceremony to aid
self-funded and relies heavily on
renowned and respected Alumni
with the smooth running of
the efforts of members for
Network.
Gaisce’s yearly flagship event.
funding. We do not charge for membership of our network. With this in
Congratulations to all newly award Gold,
-Creating a President Award Leader
mind, we set about formalising revenue
Silver and Bronze award holders for
Coordinator position to provide
streams through the sale ofTÉÓ branded 2012 and we look forward to
assistance in processing the
hoodies and T-shirts, which are for
many committed long-term award
general sale throughout the year. Part of
welcoming you all at events in 2013.
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COMMITTEE 2013
Our AGM took place on Saturday 1st December, 2012 in the Central Hotel, Exchequer Street. It was an excellent opportunity to review the activities we engaged in during the year. We were fortunate in that we had Barney Callaghan, Chief Executive of Gaisce in attendance and two Gaisce executive council members. We had a number of presentations and then we had an election of officers. Barney Callaghan spoke briefly to those in attendance and thanked TÉÓ members for their support of Gaisce during the year. Cian Timmons, Gaisce Council representative spoke about TÉÓ’s important role in supporting Gaisce and award participants. The following were elected to serve on the committee for 2013.
1. Chairperson: Karen Doyle 2. Vice Chairperson: Benny King 3. Secretary: Oliver Clare 4. Head of Events: Ronan Friel 5. Treasurer: Steven Cull 6. PRO/Social Media: Rachel Hearne 7. P.A.L. Liaison Officer: Helena McGee 8. Webmaster: Barry Kennedy 9. Munster Rep: Karen O’Sullivan 10. Expeditions Officer: Neil Ledwith 11. Ulster Rep/Newsletter Editor: Peadar Ó Lamhna. 12. Photographer/ OCM: Lorna Sweetman 13. Merchandising/OCM: Orna Collins 14. Ordinary Committee Member: Christine Carty 15. Ordinary Committee Member: Aideen Fallon 16. Ordinary Committee Member: Deidre O’Rourke 17. Ordinary Committee Member: Sean O’Brien 18. Ordinary Committee Member: Kathleen Foster
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during the course. Evening Gaisce  Residential covered activities include a traditional UPCOMING 23rd-  28th  music and dance night. EVENTS This residential is aimed at
September  2013
As part of The Gathering 2013 festivities, Gaisce have organised
Gold participants over the age of 18 and a certiďŹ cate of attendance will
an international residential to take be provided to verify completion. place next September in Swords Co.
Registration fee is â‚Ź200 and further information can be
Dublin.
A full programme of activities is obtained from John T Murphy, planned to stimulate the mind and Director of Development, in the body. Themes relating to Being
Gaisce Head OďŹƒce or by emailing
Young in the modern world will be
johntmurphy@gaisce.ie
discussed. The Residential will
CPR Course Our next CPR course will take place in Foxrock Dublin on Saturday February 2nd at 11am. This is an Irish Heart Foundation and American Heart Foundation certified course. The course lasts approximately 4 hours. For further information and to book your please email tareisoir@gmail.com asap as places are limited
explore subjects such as leadership, teamwork and group dynamics. Expedition safety will also be
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED BECOMING A PAL? Our PAL Liaison Officer Helena Mc Gee is on the lookout for new PALs that would be willing to help develop the award in 2013. A PAL offers guidance and support for those that are participating in all levels of the award. Being a PAL is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the award. A PAL can be absolutely anybody from all walks of life who enjoy working with young people and can offer guidance, support and motivation throughout the participant’s award journey The next PAL training session will take place on Saturday January 26th 2013 in Ratra House in the Phoenix Park. Cost is free and places are booking up fast. To book, email mail@gaisce.ie as soon as possible
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Ulster & Munster events This year, two committee members will oversee organising TÉÓ events in both Ulster and Munster. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and the next edition of the newsletter for further details.
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BEING YOUNG AND IRISH
Being Young & Irish National Seminar, Áras an Uachtaráin On the 17th November, 6 Tar Éis Óir volunteers from all over the country volunteered to help with the running of the Being Young and Irish national seminar in Áras an Uachtaráin. Four regional workshops had been held in Dublin, Monaghan, Cork and Galway and from these 100 participants were selected to help draft the “Take Charge of Change Declaration”. The declaration was presented to President Higgins, Minister for Children, Ms Frances Fitzgerald TD and other senior policy making figures in Irish politics. The following are some of the key priorities that young people in Ireland want to see acted upon as soon as possible. 1.A renewed dual approach to teaching Irish at Leaving Certificate level; the first (compulsory) subject focused
on speaking, the second (optional) subject focused on literature, driven by the foundation of Gaelscoileanna. 2.Legislate for the X Case and hold a referendum in abortion 3.Make marriage equality and adoption rights a reality 4.Legislate for absentee voting for citizens outside of the constituencies and abroad. After the declaration was published a reception was held in the Áras for all participants and volunteers. Everyone had the opportunity to meet with President Higgins and his wife Sabina. Ryan Sheridan performed a private concert for all present. It was a very
enjoyable evening and was a wonderful opportunity for young people to come together to share their ideas for the future.
Some of the TÉÓ Volunteers at Áras an Uachtaráin Report: Peadar Ó Lamhna
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International News Round up International Award Social Media links The International Award is on Twitter @intaward & on Facebook http:// www.facebook.com/ intaward Like and follow these pages to keep up to date with our award family spread throughout the world!
International Award Forum 2012 - Malta The 11th Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Forum, held in Malta from the 21st to 25th November 2012. The Award Forum covered a selection of themes over the course of the 4 days with a focus on the new updated constitution changes for ratification, including workshops on the new licensing agreements, and the unveiling of the new international award symbol. Life after gold and award holders networks For award alumni members, the most relevant workshop was held on life after gold by award holders Felicia Pickard from Canada and Katie Hulmes from Australia. The life after gold workshop allowed for group interaction and group work on the current interactions of alumni with their national award programme. Ideas were shared on what has worked in certain countries such as Singapore, and Challenges that are faced by those wishing to either grow or be set up. The workshop came from the growth at IGE Kenya for a linking together of global award networks and was a follow on of the innaugural Gold Award Holders Network forum in Singapore in 2012. Positive aspects to this
L to r: Christine (Ireland), Sophie ( Netherlands), Katy ( UK), Elena ( Finland) at the International Award Forum in Malta
workshop was a strong motivation from all present Youth reps to link and grow globally in a global award holders network. Many felt a strong global connection through the international award will give a renewed focus to NAAs to aid the set up of Alumni. Online media and presence Of ever increasing relevance to award authorities and award networks worldwide is the usage of online communication methods. The newly designed international award website was briefed to the attendees; more intuitive and user friendly interactive web experience in conjunction with the importance of a clear and strong online message. Attending the International forum on behalf of TEO and Gaisce was not only a privilege but also a fantastic opportunity to network with our international family and in turn spread the good news of the work of TEO internationally. My sincerest thanks must be expressed to the international award family for a well thought out programme. Christine Carty
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We really hope they will conEnue their journey and go for Gold!
Leinster Silver Award Ceremony, Trinity College Dublin
VOLUNTEERING As part of Tar Éis Oir's
commitment to helping in the
On the evening of 13th of December, Tar Éis Óir volunteer with the DSPCA in supported Gaisce at the February. Silver Award Ceremony. It The Dublin Society for the was a great evening where Prevention of Cruelty to Animals more than one hundred is a registered charity, Silver Award parEcipants from across Leinster received established in 1840 to prevent their Silver medal from the cruelty to animals and is Gaisce CEO Patrick Callaghan. now Ireland's largest animal We were lucky to have a welfare organisation. Their number of TÉÓ volunteers centre is located in who were there to lend a Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 where hand and the evening went they look after neglected, illvery well. Well done to all treated and abandoned animals Silver Award holders! community we are hoping to
including dogs, cats and horses.
Report: Karen Doyle
Keep an eye out for further
details about this event on our facebook page!
If you know of other charities which you would like us to
volunteer with please let us know by contacting us at
tareisoir@gmail.com. As with all TÉÓ events, you
must be over 18 to attend. This is for insurance purposes.
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Tar Éis Óir Upcoming Hike Ate too much turkey over Christmas? Has the 4n of Roses been reduced to a 4n of empty wrappers? If so, why not join Tar Éis Óir on our first hike of 2013 through the Wicklow Mountains!
A full kit list for the hike will be posted on the TÉÓ Facebook page but the essenUals for this trip include:
Hillwalking Boots Waterproof Jacket with hood Walking trousers /leggings Light or Mid weight hiking socks Sock liner Spare top or fleece TÉÓ Head of events for 2013, Rucksack (size 25ltr – 35ltr) Ronan is organising a 10km easy Waterproof Over trousers Gaitors (recommended for all but trek through the Wicklow the driest condiUons) Mountains for Saturday 26th Hat January. It’s planned to start along Gloves Food the river and climb up to Art’s Cross which commemorates the Water (about 1 litre) Compass infamous prison break by Art O An ability to navigate Donnell and Hugh Red O Donnell. Watch A`er that it is hoped to head back Whistle Personal First Aid kit down the opposite side of the Spare gloves (if weather is wet steep ground to the river. The and cold and/or windy) walk is mostly on pathed areas *N.B. If you wish to aMend but there will be some mucky and muddy areas that will soak feet if please email tareisoir@gmail.com before January 17th. not prepared for. Saturday January 26th Meeting at the Kilmacanogue Petrol Station on the N11 (Southbound)@ 9am sharp
Ronan Friel
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Ian Mc Keever 1970 -2013
The Committee and members of Tar Éis Óir would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Ian McKeever, a Gold Award Holder who was involved in the early days of Tar Éis Óir and who passed away while climbing Kilimanjaro on January 2nd 2013. He contributed so much of his time to engaging with young people and sharing with them his love of the outdoors. Ian presented Silver Medals to participants in Trinity College Dublin a few years ago. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
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Important details -Participants must be between 18-25 on 01/08/2013 -No experience of Scouting/ Guiding necessary -The total cost of the trip before fundraising is €1950this includes return flights, transfers, meals and full 8 day Moot programme
Scouting Ireland & Gaisce seek Irish Delegation for World Scout Moot 2013 Are you looking for a potentially life-changing Gold Residential project in 2013?
So if you choose to join us you will be at once part of the Irish conUngent but also part of an internaUonal patrol in which you will do your acUviUes.
ScouUng Ireland has offered a limited A copy of the iUnerary is on the next page. number of places to Gold Award Closing Date parUcipants and Gold Award holders to 25th January join its delegaUon to the 14th World 2013 Scout Moot to be held in Canada from the I’m interested – What do I do next? th th 5 to the 18 of August 2013. This event is Send an email to rovermoot@scouts.ie and one one of World ScouUng’s two flagship events and will gather over 5,000 people from around the globe of the team will send you an applicaUon form. If you for a profound intercultural experience in a breath-‐ wish to travel to the event you will need to return this form and a deposit (refundable if not selected). taking locaUon. If there are more applicants than places then a selecUon process will take place. Applicants should What is the World Scout Moot? register their interest as soon as possible and not An internaUonal event for 18-‐15 year olds, months later than 25th January. ahead of their arrival in Canada for the event, each parUcipant will create his/her own Moot experience by making a series of choices individually or with their internaUonal patrol.
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The itinerary: •
A few days to seMle in to Canadian life before the opening gathering at the University of OMawa.
•
2 days to welcome parEcipants to the base camp at Awacamenj Mino hMp:// www.scouts-‐est.on.ca/ camp_awacamenj_mino/ index.html: opening ceremonies, team meeEngs, workshops and technical training, and conferences where you can prepare for your urban expediEon challenge;
•
3 days when half of the parEcipants will head for their pre-‐selected desEnaEon – Toronto, Montréal or Quebec City – for their urban expediEon challenge, while the other half of the group remains at base camp to take part in a series of outdoor acEviEes and adventures;
•
1 day of travel, as all parEcipants head for base camp for a cultural acEvity;
•
3 days when the other half of the parEcipants take their turn heading for Toronto, Montréal or Quebec City for their expediEon challenge, and the first half of the group remains at base camp to take part in a series of outdoor and adventure acEviEes;
•
2 days when everyone gathers at the Awacamenj Mino base to share their discoveries and for the closing ceremony.
“The Paths” Each parEcipant will choose to spend three days in either Toronto, Quebec or Montréal for an urban service project. In each city parEcipants may parEcipate in one of four “paths,” here’s what to expect:
•
•
The Life Path is a partnership with the Messengers of Peace. The Messengers of Peace Program is a 10 years iniEaEve of the World OrganisaEon of the Scout Movement aiming to involve Scouts in projects that promote peace in the World. With this partnership, the Messengers of Peace will undertake their first large scale project together with hundreds of parEcipants to Life Path to spread a message of peace in the World through a collecEve acEon in ciEes visited by the Moot. Those choosing the Culture Path will parEcipate in a discovery acEvity in the Canadian Aboriginal Culture with Aboriginal groups. It will be a great opportunity to exchange and enhance each other’s culture. The NaEonal AssociaEon of Friendship Centres is a network of 119 centres from coast to coast in Canada. Friendship Centres enable the provision of a wide range of cultural programs to urban Aboriginal people. For more than 50 years, the Friendship Centres have helped Aboriginal People from the North and from reserves to make the transiEon to urban life while preserving their culture and values.
•
ParEcipants who choose the Eco-‐responsible Path will parEcipate in an awareness acEvity related to the conservaEon of water. ONE DROP Canada develops access-‐to-‐water and sanitaEon projects in counEes where access to this vital resource is lacking. ONE DROP is involved in raising awareness on water-‐related issues to create a mobilizaEon for universal access to water and encourage people to adopt sound habits for preserving this precious resource.
•
ParEcipants to Adventure Path will have the opportunity to take part in deployment of a Shelterbox Village in an urban environment. Shelterbox provides a roof and material to those who are in need when a disaster occurs in the World. Since its incepEon, Shelterbox has lead 200 urgent missions and brought help to more than 1,000,000 vicEms in more than 75 different countries. Each green Shelterbox supplies the equipment needed by a family to survive aier a disaster (tent, blankets, water containers, kitchen equipment, etc.).
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Steven Cull
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UNTIL NEXT TIME... We hope that you have enjoyed the latest issue of the TÉÓ newsletter and we look for ward to seeing you at some of our events in the near future. Remember to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. If you wish to order a hoodie or t-shirt, place your order soon as stocks are limited.
hesitate to contact us with suggestions for what you would like to see organised.
We are constantly on the lookout for new, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help us expand If you have a story that you want throughout the country. You can help to share with TÉÓ members for the in many ways from simply attending next issue of the newsletter which one of our events or help organise an will be published in the spring, email event in your area to keep the spirit your article to tareisoir@gmail.com of Gaisce alive and kicking not only at with “Newsletter” as the subject. a national level but also in our local Don’t forget to include a picture (or communities. ten!) Many thanks for reading, We hope to have an action packed Peadar 2013 and would love to see as many of you get involved as possible. Remember that we are a net work for everyone associated with Gaisce, whether they be bronze,silver or gold award holders as well as PALs.
The Small Print
It is important that when
attending events run by TÉÓ that you are aware of your own
personal safety and that you take
all possible steps to minimise your
risk. It is important that you obey
the instructions of the dedicated
leaders and organisers. You may be
turned away from an event if the leader/organiser feels you are a
danger to yourself or the success of
the event. You must be over 18 to attend Tar Éis Óir events. We cannot an will not entertain
Many thanks to all the contributors to this edition of the newsletter and to those who have attended our events in 2012. All the hard work we do throughout the year is for you, our members, so please don’t
Editor Peadar Ó Lamhna Contributors Karen Doyle, Ronan Friel, Steven Cull, Christine Carty,
individuals below 18 for safety and security reasons. Any questions on
the above please contact us. Thank You
Tar Éis Óir Gaisce- The President’s Award Ratra House Phoenix Park Dublin 8
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