Minerva December 2015

DECEMBER 2015

MINERVA I S S U E N O. 3 3

/

FOR MEMBERS OF THE RDS

RDS SCIENCE INNOVATION Seeing science in a different light

EDITORIAL

MINERVA Welcome to the December Minerva

Editor

Diarmuid Hanifin

As President, I am often called upon to sing

Contributors

effort and resources of our Members. It has

Susan Cox

the praises of the RDS, but at a recent lunch

been a very successful year, with our work

Michael Duffy

Paul Farrelly

for new Members I had the opportunity to

programme having an increasingly

Ann-Marie Hardiman

Catherine Jordan

listen to someone else extol its virtues

recognised impact. I would like to thank all

Claire Mulhall

Paul O’Grady

instead. Kay McCarthy is one of the most

the Members involved, and the

Dara O’Leary

Joanna Quinn

respected professionals in Irish advertising,

professional staff who have helped to make

Eileen Byrne

Gerard Whelan

Design and Production Sub-editing and layout

Think Media Ltd. Tel: 01 856 1166 www.thinkmedia.ie Impress Printing Sooner than later

Print Distribution

as well as being a recent RDS Member. Her

this happen.

validation of the benefits of Membership,

Finally, I would like to wish you and your

and of the work programme that fulfils the

family a very happy Christmas and a

core aim of the Society, was refreshing and

peaceful New Year.

invigorating, and made me appreciate anew this inimitable organisation.

It’s important to remember that like much in life, you get out of RDS Membership

ROYAL DUBLIN SOCIETY

what you put in. And the RDS expects you

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

to contribute in some way beyond your

T: 01 668 0866 F: 01 660 4014

Membership. One way that you can do this

www.rds.ie

is by encouraging others to join, perhaps by

www.facebook.com/RDSdublin www.facebook.com/dublinhorseshow

giving the ‘Gift of RDS Membership’ as a

www.twitter.com/theRDS

Christmas present this year. Perhaps the person you have in mind is in business and

Minerva:

minerva@rds.ie

General:

info@rds.ie

RDS Foundation:

foundation@rds.ie

RDS Membership:

members@rds.ie

the practical elements of the Club appeal, or perhaps they are impassioned by our work programme. Whatever the reason, your gift will be totally unique.

Minerva, the magazine for Members of the Royal Dublin Society is published tri-annually. Any views expressed are not those necessarily held by the RDS or its Council. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission.

One of the elements that make the RDS unique is the collective wisdom, voluntary

MATTHEW DEMPSEY RDS PRESIDENT DECEMBER 2015

Contents DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

3

Arts

(01) 240 7255

arts@rds.ie

Equestrian

(01) 240 7296

equestrian@rds.ie

RDS Gold Medal for Industry

(01) 240 7289

science@rds.ie

Rural Affairs

(01) 240 7215

agriculture@rds.ie

Membership

(01) 240 7296

members@rds.ie

Library

(01) 240 7254

librarydesk@rds.ie

Editorial

(01) 668 0866

members@rds.ie

RDS Rising Stars

Agriculture &

Great expectations: RDS Membership

12 Members' gallery A pictorial reminder of recent events

6

8

Industry & Commerce

10 Membership

Irish Forestry Awards

Science & Technology

Events

(01) 240 7215

industry@rds.ie

2 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015

Feature Celebrating the curious

14 Calendar of Members' events

Feature

16 Review of the year

Innovation in science education

With RDS CEO Michael Duffy

EVENTS

RDS Gold Medal An annual highlight in the RDS calendar is the presentation of the RDS Gold Medal for Industry. A celebration of indigenous Irish business success, the annual lunch saw this year’s recipient Gary McGann presented with the Medal by RDS President Matthew Dempsey. Former CEO of one of Ireland’s most successful multinationals, Smurfit Kappa Group, Gary oversaw the creation of this company with the merger of the two

GOLD MEDAL Former Smurfit Kappa Group CEO Gary McGann (right) was the worthy winner of this year's RDS Gold Medal for Industry. Gary is pictured receiving his award from RDS President Matthew Dempsey (centre) and CEO Michael Duffy.

packaging giants Jefferson Smurfit and Kappa. His

was CEO of Aer Lingus and

Power, Aon Insurance and

remarkable and the RDS was

impressive track record

Gibneys, respectively. Gary is

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.

very pleased to be able to

extends to the aviation and

on the boards of many

Gary’s impact in the world of

acknowledge this in a fitting

drinks industries, where he

companies, including Paddy

Irish business has been

tribute to him.

Ticket sales for the 2016 Dublin Horse Show opened this month To book 2016 Horse Show

book tickets for non-Member

tickets, please contact the

guests at the same time.

Members’ Desk on 01 240 7296.

Members, due to renew their

As an RDS Member, you may

membership for 2016, may do

pre-book a complimentary

so at the time of booking their

seated stand ticket for

complimentary Dublin Horse

anywhere available within the

Show ticket.

Main Arena on any of the five

Alternatively, those due to

days of the Show, which next

renew can do so online using

year will run from July 20-24.

the Membership number and

Please note the allocation of

pin number supplied in their

complimentary tickets for

renewal notice, over the

Members is done on a first

telephone on 01 240 7296 or by

come - first served basis so

sending a direct debit mandate

early booking is strongly

or cheque to RDS Membership,

advised. Members may also

RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

AGA KHAN VICTORY The winning Irish team at this year’s Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show.

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 3

EVENTS

RDS – Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards In many ways, nothing

recognised had connections to

foundation of the Society.

forestry brings. Pat planted his

represents the past, present and

the RDS going back centuries.

Changes to the 2015 Awards

woodland of just over 10

future of the RDS Agriculture

The twin goals of promoting

saw the introduction of a new

hectares himself in 1994 and

and Rural Affairs programme

the economic and

Production Forestry category,

1995, and set out to create a

better than our connection to

environmental benefits of

which is divided into two

broadleaf forest in which to

forestry. The RDS – Forest

good farming are key to what

sections: above 15 hectares and

live. In the over 15 hectares

Service Irish Forestry Awards

the RDS hopes to achieve

below 15 hectares. Ivor Clegg

category, Ivor Clegg is a good

have re-established the

through our Agriculture and

from Co. Laois and Pat Coffey

example of a farmer who has

Society’s long history in the

Rural Affairs programme.

from Co. Cavan received these

made a courageous decision to

development of Irish forestry,

Highlighting excellent Irish

honours, respectively, at the

change his entire farm

which originally saw over 55

farmers and communicating

Awards in recognition of

enterprise from traditional

million trees planted in Ireland

what they are able to

excellence in commercial forest

dairying to a new and

from 1741 to 1806 through the

accomplish through the

management, and it was not

unfamiliar undertaking, i.e.,

Society's land improvement

application of Climate-Smart

just the size of their respective

forestry. He has approached

and afforestation projects. The

Agriculture builds on the RDS

plantations that marked them

the transition with clear

Society’s deep roots in forestry

tradition of promoting

out as different from one

commercial objectives and has

were on display at the 2015

scientifically proven best

another.

made sound silvicultural

RDS – Forest Service Irish

practice and innovative

Pat Coffey is an excellent

judgements on species

Forestry Awards, where many

management techniques,

example of the economic and

selection, establishment and

of the forests that were

which stretches back to the

amenity benefits that good

management practice.

International innovation in primary school science The RDS is leading the way in

research in education.

innovating how science is

On November 14, RDS STEM

taught in our primary schools.

Learning held a booked out

An independent study carried

conference with renowned

out by international experts

Swedish science

noted that the pilot conducted

educationalist Hans Persson.

last year by the RDS had the

The conference explored new

potential to become the global

ways of bringing science and

benchmark for continuous

maths into children’s

professional development in

everyday lives through a

this area of science education.

series of hands-on workshops

RDS STEM Learning has been

and networking sessions, as

developed by the RDS and

well as a keynote presentation

DCU, with significant

from Hans. The workshops

INNOVATION Independent research has noted that the STEM Learning programme has the potential to be a world leader in science education.

matching financial assistance

saw learning interaction

from Science Foundation

between participants, key

teaching science rewarding

(which you can read more

Ireland. The initiative

experts in science education

and enriching for all involved

about on pages 8 and 9), the

attempts to bridge the gap

and pioneering primary

in primary school education.

RDS is fast establishing itself

between practice in primary

school teachers, all with vital

With RDS STEM Learning and

as a leading innovator in

classrooms and best academic

insights into how to make

the RDS Primary Science Fair

science education.

4 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015

EVENTS

Packed Concert Hall for the Rising Stars

Inspiring speakers Professor David McConnell opened the most recent RDS Library Speaker Series with an

It was close to a full house in

account of 'The Story of

the RDS Concert Hall on

Genetically Modified Golden

November 25 for the final

Rice', which told of the reason

Rising Stars Concert of 2015,

for modifying the rice and its

where some of the finest new

resultant benefits in

talent in Irish classical music

communities for whom it is

was on display.

the main food source. Seamus

Violinist Róisín Walters was the

O’Brien’s 'Kilmacurragh and

special guest on the night.

the Great War' narrated the

Róisín was the winner of the

fortunes of the Acton family

RDS Music Bursary in 2011 and

during that bloody conflict.

is fast establishing herself as a

The Actons were the former

leading soloist of her

owners of Kilmacurragh

generation. Her playing has been described as displaying

RDS MUSIC BURSARY WINNER Violinist Róisín Walters was the special guest at this year’s event.

“passion and ravishing tonal

gardens, which have now

MAURICE O’KEEFFE Maurice gave a fascinating talk on understanding oral history.

The final talk in November

been restored by the Office of

was on the 'ROSC Exhibitions:

Public Works. John Feehan

Crossroads of Conflict &

qualities”. She has performed

guitar); Aoibhneas (Emma

covered the topical subject of

Celebration'. The first two

extensively in such venues as

Kenrick, Kevin Corcoran and

Irish bogs with his

ROSC exhibitions were held at

Carnegie Hall and the

Kathleen Nic Dhiarmada –

presentation, 'Past, Present

the RDS in 1967 and 1971.

Metropolitan Club in New

flute/piano/voice trio); and,

and Future of Bogs in Ireland',

Brenda Moore-McCann gave a

York, and the Barbican Centre

Billy O’Brien (piano). Fifteen-

and left us with much to think

knowledgeable account and

in London. Róisín has achieved

year-old Liam McManus

about as to options that must

overview on aspects of the

many awards, competing both

appeared live on RTÉ Radio’s

be considered for the future of

exhibitions and some

nationally and internationally

Arena arts programme on

this integral part of the Irish

controversies that they gave

from an early age.

November 9, where he

landscape.

rise to at the time.

Róisín headlined a stellar line-

performed two pieces to

Maurice O’Keeffe gave a talk

up of talented young musicians

promote the concert.

on 'Understanding the Value

Sad news

on the night who were all

The concert was compered by

of Oral History'. This

A few days before the start of

delighted to be involved. For

Laura Gilsenan, CEO of the

fascinating talk on an often

the Speaker Series in

young musicians transitioning

Feis Ceoil Association, who

undervalued history source

September, the death

from college into early

lavished praise on the RDS for

was attended by several

occurred of Graham

professional career, performing

providing such a wonderful

hundred people, including

Wilkinson, Chairman of the

in front of a live audience is

performance opportunity for

Minister Jimmy Deenihan,

Speaker Series Working

crucial to their development

young musicians. There has

who came to hear of his ‘1916

Group and Library &

and is what the RDS provides

been very positive feedback

Rising’ collection. Felix M.

Archives Committee Member.

through our Rising Stars

from all quarters on our

Larkin brought the subject of

It was thus appropriate that

Concert series.

biennial Rising Stars Concerts

'The Asinine Law: Irish Legal

the series began with a

The four Rising Stars

and, encouragingly, audience

Cartoons c.1800-2015' to a

moment of silence to mark his

performers on the night were:

numbers have continued to

receptive audience, which

passing and acknowledge the

Apollo Duo (Jordan Bagot and

increase with each concert.

included members of the Irish

significant contribution and

Denise Crowley – piano duet);

For more information, see

judiciary and former

direction he brought to the

Liam McManus (classical

www.rds.ie/risingstars.

Taoiseach John Bruton.

series in recent years.

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 5

FEATURE

Celebrating the curious The RDS was a founding sponsor of the Festival of Curiosity, which first took place in July 2013. Staged in venues all over Dublin City each July, the Festival brings together science and technology and the arts in a series of events for all the family.

FOUNDATION ROLE The RDS was a founding sponsor of the Festival of Curiosity.

An official legacy project of Dublin City of Science 2012, the

private, but not corporate, and offered us practical support,

Festival arose from a desire to build on the achievement of the City

including office space, to get the project off the ground."

of Science initiative. Director and co-Founder Vince McCarthy

The Festival was an excellent fit with the RDS's stated aim to

explains: "We wanted to celebrate curiosity, and to create a positive

promote science in Ireland, especially among young people. The

cultural association with science for new audiences that wouldn't

Society was delighted to be involved in incubating the project

normally be interested in science subjects. By staging events in

from its inception, as Foundation Director Joanna Quinn

Dublin City Centre, in unusual venues like Smock Alley, instead of

explains: "Our Foundation Development Manager Dr Claire

traditional venues such as universities, we created inclusive

Mulhall was involved in Dublin City of Science 2012, and our

environments. Once you do that, you allow people to create and

involvement in the Festival of Curiosity arose from that. The

explore – you empower them".

Festival completed a three-pronged approach to the promotion of

Unique

classroom-based involvement for primary school-aged children,

The Festival's three-year business plan took a unique and

and our STEM Learning project was set up to address teachers'

science for the RDS. The RDS Primary Science Fair addresses

innovative approach, with four key partners involved from the

needs, so the Festival of Curiosity had an important role in

beginning – the RDS, the Matheson Foundation, Science

providing informal STEM learning opportunities that parents

Foundation Ireland and Dublin City Council.

and children can do together".

"We had support from national and local government, corporate philanthropy and private philanthropy, all working together to

Success from the outset

improve Irish society," says Vince McCarthy.

In its first year, the Festival welcomed a fantastic 32,000 people

"The RDS was very supportive. They got behind us from the

over the four days. Daytime events such as the Curiosity Train

beginning. The RDS is a rare entity in Irish society. They are

brought families together to engage with science and technology

6 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015

FEATURE

FAMILY FUN Engaging families with creative science was a particular aim of the Festival.

CREATIVE EDUCATION The Festival came under the auspices of the RDS Committee of Science and Technology.

in creative ways, while evening theatre and comedy events take

researched science topics further for themselves. Some 13%

the cultural angle to adults. Numbers have continued to rise each

contacted or researched a school or college about doing a science

year, and in 2015 over 40,000 people attended.

or technology course as a result of attending the Festival.

For Vince, the impact on families is a crucial one: "54% of people

Hitting all objectives

were prompted to do science-related activities at home or in their

As its three-year business plan came to an end in 2015, the Festival

communities – they went home and did experiments with their

organisers engaged international consultants Hope-Stone Research

kids, and that's brilliant. Not everyone will want to do a degree in

to carry out a detailed external evaluation. Attendees were

science but if they gain the confidence to talk about it, then we

surveyed during the Festival, and a follow-up survey looked at the

have achieved our aims. Our job is to nurture curiosity – to create

longer-term impacts of attendance.

confidence.

According to Vince McCarthy, the results were extremely positive,

Because of the results of this evaluation, we can say that the

and show that the Festival is meeting its stated objectives of

Festival had these effects: that if you do these things, make things

providing a platform for families to engage with science as a

inclusive, and give people the tools to explore, then you can bring

cultural activity, create a positive association with science,

about concrete change in people's lives".

technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects, use curiosity to create a platform for new audiences and partners to engage with

Future

science, and create a new test bed for methods of engagement, to

While celebrating the excellent results of this first evaluation, the

make Ireland a world-leader in public engagement with science.

Festival organisers are eager to build on their achievements.

"The people attending were very interesting audiences, reflecting a

"We've shown what's possible, now we need the courage and

broad social spread, and showing that we were not simply

confidence to take this forward. In another few years – imagine the

preaching to the converted. One in four people attending had no

things we could do! And we couldn't have done this without the

education beyond Leaving Certificate, and half were people who

support of our partners, including the RDS."

would not necessarily be interested in science subjects."

With plans to significantly scale up the Primary Science Fair and

The evaluation also showed that the Festival had a hugely positive

STEM Learning projects, the RDS Committee of Science &

effect in terms of building people's confidence around science.

Technology decided that involvement with the Festival should

Some 90% said they felt more positive about the role of science in

finish this year, but this support has been in keeping with the aims

theirs and their family's life, and 77% said that attendance made

and traditions of the Society, as Joanna Quinn explains: "Over the

them feel more confident talking about science and technology.

course of its existence, the RDS has often sought to act as a catalyst

The follow-up survey showed further positive effects, with 87% of

for projects, helping them in the early stages and then stepping

respondents saying they had discussed ideas from the Festival

back to allow them to develop on their own path. We are very

with friends or family who hadn't attended, 95% saying they had

proud of the fact that we helped to set it up, and feel sure it will go

looked for similar events to attend, and 65% saying they had

from strength to strength."

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 7

FEATURE

Expanding RDS science innovation This January, the RDS Primary Science Fair will expand to Limerick. Minerva caught up with Ingrid Hook, Chair of the RDS Committee of Science and Technology, to find out more.

STEM LEARNING Chair of the RDS Committee of Science and Technology Ingrid Hook (right) at the recent RDS STEM Learning conference with Science Foundation Ireland Head of Education and Public Engagement Margie McCarthy.

Though many RDS Members would know of the Fair, some won’t be familiar with it, so just what is the RDS Primary Science Fair?

judge myself, I speak to some of the thousands of children

The RDS Primary Science Fair showcases science, technology,

involved, and their energy and passion for science is compelling.

judges who are tremendously impressed with the excitement and enthusiasm that it generates among children. And each year, as a

engineering and maths (STEM) projects from primary schools

What’s very interesting are the benefits beyond the curriculum.

across Ireland. Applications from classes are made at the start of the

While the Fair sets out to foster a love of science and reward

school year, with many investigations harnessing children’s innate

children for thinking rather than knowing, the social skills, literacy

curiosity to investigate the science behind the everyday. The Fair is

development and confidence that the projects give to the children

fully managed by the RDS, is a non-competitive event and looks to

are just as important.

engage the entire class in a science-related investigation. It’s a vital

Has it been successful so far?

Why is the RDS involved in this type of work rather than science lectures that would be more traditionally associated with the Society?

Very much so. I’ve spoken to teachers who have claimed it to be

The RDS continues to award the Boyle Medal for Scientific

“one of the most complete experiences” for their class. I know

Excellence on a biennial basis. This is Ireland’s most prestigious

element of our work to innovate in science education.

8 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015

FEATURE

PRIMARY SCIENCE FOR MUNSTER Minister Jan O’Sullivan helped launch the RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick earlier this year with help from pupils of St Patrick’s GNS.

CREATIVE LEARNING The RDS Primary Science Fair equips students with the skills of scientific inquiry.

scientific award and there is an accompanying lecture by the

What kind of projects do schools submit?

recipient. The decision was made some years ago by the RDS

The Fair taps into children’s natural curiosity, encouraging them

Foundation Board and the RDS Committee of Science and

to engage with and question the everyday world around them,

Technology to invest in the area of primary-aged science

and focusing on the development of core curriculum skills.

education, targeting children, parents and teachers.

Projects that are being worked on for the Fairs in Dublin and Limerick in January include:

Why has the RDS expanded the Fair to Limerick?

For the past number of years the RDS Primary Science Fair has been heavily over-subscribed. This expansion, in association with the Irish American Partnership, will enable up to 2,000 additional children to participate – that’s on top of the

n Does curly hair produce more static electricity?

n How clean are our pencils?

n How many colours of food dyes are present in Smarties?

n What effects do worms have on vegetative growth? n Why are soap suds always white?

approximately 3,000 who participate in Dublin each year. number of surrounding counties, and the involvement of Mary

What other organisations are involved?

What are they doing?

Immaculate College means that we are able to tap into best

The Limerick event is being developed in association with the

Limerick was chosen as an easy-to-get-to location from a

practice in primary education. Munster has always had a good

Boston-based Irish American Partnership, and is also being

representation in the Fair, but we have seen a noticeable

supported by Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, and the BT

increase in applications from Limerick and the surrounding

Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. The RDS has invested

counties, which we are putting down to their proximity to the

significantly in the development of the Fair and fully manages

venue.

and runs the event, as we have been doing successfully for the past seven years.

When is this happening?

And what has happened to date?

What else does the RDS do in science education?

The RDS Primary Science Fair Dublin will take place on January

The RDS Primary Science Fair is one of three elements of the RDS

7-9 alongside the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition,

Science programme. RDS STEM Learning is a CPD programme

while the RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick will take place on

for primary school teachers, supporting them to develop their

January 15-16 in Mary Immaculate College.

knowledge, confidence and skills to be more creative with science

Schools chose which Fair they would like to display their

in the classroom. The RDS was also one of the founding partners

project in at the time of submission of their plans via

of the Festival of Curiosity. This festival opens up the magic and

www.rds.ie/primaryscience.

wonder of science to children and adults alike, in an informal

This webpage gives them all the information about entering,

setting through cultural and playful media.

including the types of school projects that have previously been

You can read more about the Festival of Curiosity and the supporting

exhibited.

role of the RDS on pages 6-7.

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 9

MEMBERSHIP

Great expectations: RDS Membership It’s not just about what your Society can do for you, but what you can do for your Society.

The benefits of RDS Membership are well established, not least

Bell, who spoke about adapting business networking to the

the Members’ Club, meeting rooms, the workspace of the Library,

situation and style of the people around you, which was a

parking in Ballsbridge, entertaining guests in beautiful

psychological approach to 'one-to-ones', as well as being

surroundings, the Dublin Horse Show, and many more besides.

insightful business practice. Brendan Maguire, an expert in

But the core aim of the RDS is to see Ireland thrive culturally and

digital marketing, shared his knowledge on engaging with

economically, with Members having a central role to play.

LinkedIn effectively for business, rather than the social blogging

Reflecting this balance of benefits and expectations that resides

network that many use it for, or in the haphazard and sporadic

within RDS Membership, we have examined one new Member

method that many others adopt. Finally, Damien O’Brien, a

benefit that began recently, as well as the role of RDS Member as

lecturer in business strategy, gave his thought-provoking

envisaged by the RDS Membership Committee.

theories on why some businesses succeed when others struggle.

His breakfast was peppered with ideas for attendees around

Breakfast briefings not just for business

transforming businesses from good to great!

Started earlier this year, this series of practical and useful business

Earlier this year we heard from Senior Partnerships & Field

breakfasts allows RDS Members to network as well as learn.

Marketing Manager with Airbnb Sarah Murphy, who gave a

Now organised by the new Membership Development Manager,

fascinating insight into one of Dublin’s newest FDI start-ups in

Catherine Jordan, the series introduces experts in business or

the so-called ‘Silicon Docks’ (Charlotte Quay). Following her was

business-related fields to RDS Members. Members are given a

Olwen Dawe, MD of Irish Business Intelligence and President of

discounted price to attend; non-Members can be invited to attend

Network Ireland, who enlightened Members and their guests

by RDS Members, but are asked to pay the full price of €20.

through anecdotes and tales of her own journey through the Irish

The impressive line-up of speakers has so far included Jonathan

business sector. Concluding this triumvirate, Director of Consumer

10 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015

MEMBERSHIP

Affairs with the AA, Conor Faughnan, gave a thought-provoking presentation on Ireland’s infrastructure and the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles, leaving attendees with much food for thought. The core aim of the RDS is to see Ireland thriving culturally and economically. The breakfast briefings are one way in

Defining the role of the RDS Member

which the RDS is contributing to the health of the RDS business community, and to see Members thrive in their respective areas, as well as providing a social setting for Members to meet.

Give the Gift of RDS Membership Your RDS ‘Gift of Membership’ will be beautifully and professionally presented and packaged, making a unique Christmas present.

Membership of the RDS is the perfect gift for family members, friends, or business colleagues at any time of year, especially at Christmas.

Benefits include:

n­­­­­exclusive access to the RDS Members’ Club;

­n­­­­­elegant and well-

appointed meeting rooms;

­n­­­complimentary five-day entry to the Discover

Ireland Dublin Horse Show;

n­­­support for RDS philanthropic work; and,

n­­­access to reciprocal clubs worldwide.

For more details, or to

In 2014, the Membership Committee formulated a ‘Role of Members’ Statement, which was approved by the Council. This Statement is agreed by all New Members joining the Society and defines the role Members play within the Society.

Our Society was founded in

Just as it was for our founders,

1731 to further the broad

we as Members today are

economic and cultural

committed to advancing those

development of Ireland.

areas laid out in our Charters

Today the RDS operates as a

through our voluntary

catalyst locally, regionally

participation and

and throughout the island of

subscriptions. We enable

Ireland, to ensure that

positive change by sharing

coming generations can fulfil

our resources, expertise and

their potential.

skills to support and

Our Members are a unique

encourage pioneering

combination of people

initiatives.

working together in the areas

As RDS Members, we take

of agriculture, arts, industry,

pride in our obligation to

science and equestrianism to

promote our Society’s work

find relevant solutions to

and ethos while maintaining

meet future economic and

its independence. We share a

cultural need.

commitment to see it

The Society benefits from

contribute even more to

having Members with a

Ireland in the future than it

variety of backgrounds and

has in the past.

disciplines who are confident

As a Member of the Society,

purchase the Gift of RDS

that their collective ability will

we encourage you to actively

Membership, contact:

effect change. Our purpose is

support and promote the

Catherine Jordan, Tel: 01

to inspire innovative thinking

Society’s purpose and values,

2407296, or via email at

by promoting new ideas and

and recognise the importance

catherine@rds.ie, or log on to

being progressive in our

of your role in helping to

www.rds.ie/membership.

approach.

achieve this.

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 11

MEMBERS' GALLERY

Social times Our Members’ gallery highlights recent events that showcase the RDS work programme and RDS social events.

RISING STARS RDS Vice-President Bernie Brennan, and Enid Chaloner, Member of the RDS Committee of Arts, pictured at the November RDS Rising Stars Concert.

GOLD MEDAL From left: Richard Hayes, John Roche, Pat Nolan and Frank Cuneen at the RDS Gold Medal for Industry lunch.

STEM LEARNING From left: Karen Sheeran, Science Programme Manager, Hans Persson, keynote speaker, Dr Cliona Murphy, St Patrick's College/DCU and Margie McCarthy, Head of Education and Public Engagement, Science Foundation Ireland, at the RDS STEM Learning Conference in November.

SERVICES TO FORESTRY Pat Coffey and Ivor Clegg, winners at this year's RDS–Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards.

12 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015

MEMBERS' GALLERY

BRIDGE CHAMPIONS For the fourth consecutive year, the Intermediate A team of the RDS Bridge Club won the Fanagan League Trophy for their Division. From left: Brendan J. O’Brien, CBAI, Roger Jupp (Captain), Sheila Hillis, Terry Dolan, Se O'Connor, and Elsa Ranalow. (Other team members not pictured: Graeme Williams, Robin Donovan.)

STRONG TRADITION The Maher family attending the recent lunch for RDS Members of 50 years' standing or more.

BOOK LOVERS Thursday Reading Circle Members at a recent meeting in the Library.

Contact the Library Desk at 01 2407254 if you are interested in joining one of the reading circles.

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 13

CALENDAR OF MEMBERS’ EVENTS

CLASSES 2016 JANUARY JANUARY 26

DECEMBER 13

Christmas Carols RDS Concert Hall – 3.30pm Members' Annual Christmas Carol Concert This event is booked out. If you wish to join the waiting list, pleast contact the RDS Members’ desk.

24

Christmas Eve Carols – Library and Members' Club – 12.30pm Members' Christmas Eve Carols in the Library Carols in the Library at 12.30pm.

Computer classes every Tuesday for 4 weeks Computer classes will take place from January 26 until February 16, from 10.30am-12.30pm in the Members' Club. ¤40 Members/¤48 Non-Members.

JANUARY 26

Afternoon bridge every Tuesday for 6 weeks Sally Dawson hosts these afternoon

19

classes on Tuesdays from January 26 until March 1, from 2.30pm-4.30pm in the Members' Club.

RDS Economic Vision 2020 – RDS Merrion Room – 6.00pm Mark Roden, founder and CEO of Ding, will share his company’s story, which saw him crowned 2014 EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

The cost is ¤5 per game and you must bring a partner to play.

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY 8

Bridge classes every Monday for 10 weeks

1

‘Ladies Who Lunch’ with Ann Doyle Members' Dining Room, 12.30pm-2.30pm. Cost applies.

2

RDS Economic Vision 2020 – RDS Library – 7.30am Aidan Cotter, CEO, Bord Bia, will discuss the great success story that is the Irish food industry, and outline his vision for further development and growth in the sector.

4

Afternoon tea with live classical music – 3.30pm-5.00pm

17

RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Minerva Suite – 6.30pm The Company of Trees – A Year in a Lifetime's Quest Thomas Pakenham, critically acclaimed author, photographer and champion of trees, will share insights and stories about the life of some of the large trees to be found at his residence in Tullynally.

19

Pre-theatre dinner in Members' Club, followed by Juno and the Paycock, Gate Theatre – 5.15pm-11.00pm

These afternoon classes with Peter Pigot take place on Mondays from February 8 until April 18, from 2.30pm-4.30pm. ¤150 Members/¤180 Non-Members.

8

Fitness classes every Monday for 10 weeks Sylvia Fleming offers two opportunities to get fit on Mondays, from 11.00am12.00pm, and 12.15pm-1.15pm, from February 8 until April 18. ¤66 Members/¤80 Non-Members.

MARCH MARCH 8

Art classes every Tuesday for 6 weeks Art classes with Suzanna Webb will take place on Tuesday afternoons from March 8 until April 12, from 3.00pm-5.30pm. ¤175 Members/¤200 Non-Members.

All materials supplied.

Advance booking is essential for all Members' classes and events.

Please contact Susan Cox, Tel: 01 2407244, email: members@rds.ie, or log on to www.rds.ie/membership.

14 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015

RDS Members’ Club opening hours Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 6.00pm Christmas closing: From close of business on Thursday, December 24, until Monday, January 4, 2016

CALENDAR OF MEMBERS’ EVENTS

MARCH 3

APRIL

Afternoon tea with live classical music – 3.30pm-5.00pm

5

A Masque for Minerva with the Dublin Shakespeare Society – RDS Concert Hall – 7.00pm

7

9

‘Ladies Who Lunch’ with Beatrice Doran –

¤10 per seat. Numbers are limited to 400. Book online through

Members' Dining Room – 12.30pm-2.30pm. Cost applies.

www.rds.ie from December 14 or in person at the RDS Library.

6

Members’ visit to Lough Boora – ¤3 per person

6

Ian Fox Talks: Shakespeare in the Opera House – RDS Members' Club – 12.00pm-1.15pm

7

Afternoon tea with live classical music – 3.30pm-5.00pm

13

Ian Fox Talks: Shakespeare in the Concert Hall – RDS Members' Club – 12.00pm-1.15pm

13

Business Breakfast Briefing & Networking Event – Samuel Madden Room – 7.30am. Cost applies.

Sandra Hennessy, BeDynamic: 10 SEO tips that you need to know

20

RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Minerva Suite – 6.30pm

RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Library – 6.30pm Rebuilding Dublin after 1916 Robin Mandal, outgoing President of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, will show how Dublin was rebuilt in the aftermath of 1916 and the turbulent years that heralded the birth of independent Ireland.

10

Business Breakfast Briefing & Networking Event – Samuel Madden Room – 7.30am. Cost applies.

Kay McCarthy, The Planning Agency: Finding your brand and articulating it

Lords, Linen and Lace – The involvement of some O'Brien family members with the RDS

23

RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Library – 6.30pm

The O'Brien family has been involved with the

Lord Rosse and the Deep-Sky Astronomy at

RDS for over 250 years. Veronica Rowe will

Birr Castle –

discuss some of the personalities, including Sir

An important step in the history of science

Lucius O'Brien in the eighteenth century,

From 1845 to 1878, Birr Castle was among

William Smith O'Brien in the nineteenth and

the most important centres for observations

Florence Vere O'Brien in the twentieth.

of nebulae and star clusters. Its main instrument was the 72-inch reflector, built

20

Ian Fox Talks: Shakespeare in Song and Cinema – RDS Members' Club – 12.00pm-1.15pm

22

Visit to Kilmacurragh Arboretum – Departing RDS at

by William Parsons (Lord Rosse). This talk from Wolfgang Steinicke will show how the construction of the telescope opened a new window to the universe.

23

9.30am for guided tour at 11.00am. Cost applies.

Book launch: William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse

27

Astronomy and the Castle in nineteenth–century Ireland –

RDS Library Speaker Series – RDS Minerva Suite – 6.30pm Dublin: One City, One Book – Turning a

RDS Library

Novel Inside-Out and Upside Down

The lecture by Wolfgang Steinicke on Lord Rosse and the Deep-Sky

RDS Member Lia Mills describes the

Astronomy at Birr Castle will be followed by the launch of the book

process of writing her novel Fallen, the

William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse: Astronomy and the castle in

Dublin: One City One Book choice for

nineteenth–century Ireland, to which he has contributed a paper.

2016. She will talk about research and keeping your mind open to what it shows;

30

Ian Fox Talks: Shakespeare in the Theatre –

the stages of writing; and about how she –

RDS Members' Club – 12.00pm-1.15pm

and the novel – changed along the way.

Member’s Dining – first Friday each month February

5

April

1

March

4

RDS Library Speaker Series4 Please join us for these fascinating presentations. Admission to lectures is free and open to the public, but booking is essential. Call 01-240 7254, email: librarydesk@rds.ie, or log

Fine dining from 6.30pm on each of these dates.

on to www.rds.ie/speakerseries.

MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015 | 15

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

Busy agenda Michael Duffy reports on a busy year for the Society and looks forward to 2016.

The commercial operations of the RDS are an essential element in

we will keep Members informed at each stage of the process.

funding the needs of the Society and I am happy to report that 2015

Meanwhile, we retain planning permission for a second office

has been a very good year in that respect. We have seen growth in

block, which would comprise 11,400m2 of office space. The first

the volume of events using our facilities, including the return of

office block has been a great success and provides a very important

some shows that we haven’t seen in recent times. This reflects the

stream of income for the Society. We have extended the duration of

growing confidence in the economy and the trend is positive for

planning permission for the second office block and will continue

2016 with a list of strong bookings for our venue operations. We

to give this development careful consideration. The Council of the

have continued to invest in developing our facilities and upgraded

Society has been consistently prudent in matters of financial

our broadband service to rival international venues many times our

management. This has proven successful and protective of Society

size, as well as investing in lighting and other infrastructural items.

affairs, and the Council is committed to continuing its prudent

The Dodder Suite has been upgraded and in the Members’ Club

approach.

the Samuel Madden Room has been developed, providing a space for Members that is more conducive to the needs of business

Our philanthropic work programme

Members, as well as being an excellent social space.

The core aim of the RDS, our philanthropic work programme, has

The feedback on the 2015 Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show has

been underpinned by the establishment of the Foundation Board.

been very positive and is reflective of the changes made and new

The various Committees deserve great credit for increasing the

classes introduced by the Equestrian Committee over several years.

impact and scale of many of their projects, and in attracting

Cumulatively, these moves have resulted in the equestrian and

institutional and philanthropic funding to enable these projects to

entertainment programmes working together very effectively. The

expand even further.

2016 Show will move away from the traditional first week in

Indeed, engagement has been a key focus throughout 2015. The

August to July 20-24 (due to the Olympics), and we are confident

Society has increased the opportunities for Members to meet and

that the Show will succeed in retaining its major entries and big

interact with each other, and to enjoy the benefits that

attendance.

membership of this Society brings. I hope that you will enjoy as many of them as possible in the coming year, while knowing that

Developing our resources

this Society also conveys significant benefits to others through our

In relation to the development of the Main Arena, we have spent

philanthropic work programme, which seeks to help Ireland to

the second half of 2015 working closely with the design team that

realise its potential.

includes architects, structural engineers, quantity surveyors and

I am grateful to all the Officers, the various Board and Committee

construction professionals. Our major task is to deliver the

members, the management and the staff of the Society for their

development in a 12-month window between Dublin Horse Shows

continued hard work and commitment to the greater good – and I

while meeting the needs of Leinster Rugby match requirements –

wish you a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2016.

which is complex and difficult to achieve. The task places great emphasis on getting the design aspect correct before proceeding to seek planning permission and then moving to construction. As much as the design element is critical, the planning of the logistics of construction needs to be accurate and realistic if we are to deliver the project in the necessary timescale. As soon as these plans are

Michael Duffy,

agreed, the request for planning permission will be submitted and

Chief Executive.

16 | MINERVA | DECEMBER 2015