Hilary 2009 E-zine

Welcome

Notices

‘Trinity Takes to the Streets’
On 26 October 2009 Trinity students, alumni, staff and friends are taking to the streets of Dublin for the Dublin City Marathon to raise funds to support College initiatives addressing educational disadvantage in Dublin and beyond. More information

Tercentenary website
In preparation for the Tercentenary in 2011 the School of Medicine launched a Tercentenary website www.medicine.tcd.ie/tercentenary/. We hope that medical alumni will submit their stories to be posted on the website. Please email stories to tercentenary@tcd.ie

Alumni Awards call for nominations
The 2009 Alumni Awards event is now being planned and we would appreciate your help in identifying some alumni who you think are deserving of recognition.
Nominations should be received ideally no later than 31st March 2009. Online nomination form.

Family Notices

In Memoriam

Our sympathies are with the families of our recently deceased Alumni.

John Gill B.A.I. (1964)

If kindness, patience and being a real gentleman qualified for a banker’s bonus, John Gill would have been a multi-millionaire. These were values learned among his close-knit family, pillars of the St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Blackrock, and at his schooling at Kingstown Grammar and St Columba’s College.

He entered Trinity and its glorious Museum Building in 1959 as an engineering student and faced a lecture timetable that would have knocked us economics students for six, with our three, maximum four lectures a day. This pressure cooker existence led to at least one strange event at Commons when a table full of engineers managed to take their table on walkabout around the Dining Hall, diplomatically “unseen” by the Top Table. One cannot help feeling that John’s sense of fun might have made him a ringleader.

History does not relate whether that sense of fun led John to join the film ‘extras’ hired for a day or so when the Museum Building was used for a scene of students viewing their exam results in the film “Of Human Bondage”. The star was Laurence Harvey, whose make-up room was in No 42. These film extras were dismayed when it was Laurence Harvey in the middle of the milieu jostling to see the notice board and not the very shapely and dazzling blond co-star, Kim Novak as they had hoped.

This was the 60’s after all and John loved his time at Trinity, emerging with his B.A.I. degree. He went on to spend 18 years on the Committee of the TCD London Association culminating in being Chairman 2000-2003. He also faithfully supported Moira (nee Williamson), his wife, when she was Secretary.
John was a regular attender of the TCD London Dining Club, a committee member and for a short spell, its Treasurer.

Among his many interesting projects during his career in civil engineering, he spent time in Nigeria and Ghana on irrigation and road projects, worked on the M4 and the Channel Tunnel and various projects for London Underground. He was especially proud of his work helping to restore the old fish market, Billingsgate, to its former glory, when that market moved east.

John did find time for other things than Trinity. He enjoyed golf, cycling and messing about in the garden of his Wokingham home with his son, Mark, as Mark vividly related in John’s Memorial Service. This was packed with family and friends who remembered his long and courageous fight against cancer, none more so than his three sisters Angela, Rosemary and Daphne, and their families. This was a fight that John lost on 4 January 2009 but at no time did he lose his dignity as a gentleman, kind and patient and an inspiration to us all.

Eric Lowry (1965)

Joan Katherine Liddle B.A. (1946)

Katharine Liddle, who died in Chatswood, Sydney, New South Wales on  28 November 2008, was the daughter of JT Gwynn (1904) MA and was thus the grandaughter of former Regius Profesor of Divinity Rev John Gwynn  and neice neice of such College figures as Prrovost EJ Gwynn and Professor  RM Gwynn. Educated at  Alexandra College and Headington School, Oxford she enterd TCD in  1938 to read Classics, thus following a family tradition, but left the following year  to get married to Laurence Liddle, a Dubliner but graduate of Edinburgh. This happy union was so last until her death. After the birth of her two sons, she reentered TCD, graduating in 1946. A move to Northern Ireland saw her begin a long career of secondary school Latin teaching, She was for  many years Head of Classics at Glenlola Collegiate School. a girls' Grammar School in Bangor Co Down, where her pupils remembered her as one who, "made Latin interesting." Towards the end of her time in Bangor she strove hard to improve community rekations across the sectarian divide between the town's schools, being involved in the creation of the New Ulster Movement, which, though at the time 1969,  might be said to have had little chance of success, pointed a way which, alas, was not followed by many at the time. She and Laurence returned to Dublin in 1970, where she continued as an inspiring teacher of Latin, first at Hillcourt School in Glenageary, but then, and mainly, as Head of Classics in the Holy Child School, Killiney. Here she was highly regarded by her colleagues and students alike. Her elder son, Michael had married and emigrated to Australia in 1972, Laurence and Katharine frequently visiting him and his family there. In 1989 they left Ireland and settled in Australia, where she quickly settled down and had a wide  range of friends.  Her first interest always remained her family and she took great delight in her grandchildren in both Australia and England and was thrilled to have been a great grandmother six times over. The last year or so of her life was far from  easy, but her death, in a nursing home,overlooking ,as her father would have appreciated, a cricket ground, could not have been more peaceful.

JE Liddle B.A. (1965)

Class Notes

P. Ronan O’Connell M.D. (1979)

Ronan O'Connell has been appointed Professor of Surgery and Head of the section of Surgery and Surgical Specialties at UCD School of Medicine and Medical Sciences.

David Memery B.A. B.A.I. C.Eng. M.I.E.I. M.I.E.T. (2001)

A graduate of Electronic & Computer Engineering in 2001, David was recently short-listed as one of six finalists for the Engineers Ireland Chartered Engineer of the Year Award 2008 sponsored by Beale & Co. and Griffiths & Armour.

Nathan Levine-Heaney B.A. (2003)

Nathan has won the 2009 Burton “Bud” Stone Student Heritage Award from the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) and named top student cinematographer.  He graduated from Trinity with a first class honours degree in Philosophy and Political and first in his class and earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from Florida State in August 2008. Nathan perpetuates the prolific winning tradition for which the Film School is known by becoming its fourth Heritage Award recipient in 10 years.

Nathan’s award honours his work as cinematographer (Director of Photography) on “My Four Inch Precious,” a 2008 master’s thesis short film directed by then-fellow Film School student Sou Yun Sim.The award was presented on 15 February 2009 at a gala banquet in Hollywood.

 

Alumni Events

• INFECTIOUS - Stay Away!
• Trinity Second-Hand Book Sale
  
• TCD Association & Trust Annual Dinner
  
• North England Annual Dinner

INFECTIOUS - Stay Away! 17 April – 17 July

Come and join us in the Science Gallery and find out how things spread. INFECTIOUS is a dynamic show where cultural epidemiologists, microbial artists, viral marketers, digital immunologists, social modelers, pyramid schemers, fashion vectors, memetic engineers, and carriers of dangerous ideas can all get together and show us the power of contagion.
Have you become a member yet? Free of charge, as a member, you will be invited to special events, have access to free wi-fi and discounts in the fabulous Flux café! Log onto www.sciencegallery.com

Trinity Annual Second-Hand Book Sale

23-25 April 2009
It is the largest charity book sale in Ireland, with all books donated by staff, alumni and friends of the College. For more information please email, booksale@tcd.ie

TCD Association & Trust Annual Dinner

15 May 2009 7.30pm Dining Hall -Black Tie.
Guest Speaker: Mark Pollock B.A. (1998)
When Mark Pollock went blind at the age of 22, he had two choices: give up or get living. This year Mark overcame some of the toughest terrain on the planet to become the first blind man to reach the South Pole. Contact Norah Kelso, Alumni Relations Officer for more information.

North England Annual Dinner

Saturday 25 April 2009
Lancashire County Cricket Club
Guest Speaker: Senator David Norris, M.A.
Contact Martin Byrne for further information

Victoria, Australia

The Victoria Branch of Trinity College Dublin Alumni Association plans to hold the following events throughout the remainder of 2009:Cocktail Evening (date tbc); Annual Dinner (June / July); Christmas Dinner. Visiting alumni and partners are most welcome to any of these events. For further information please contact Ciaran Horgan B.B.S., M.A. (1983)

For a full schedule of events in TCD please see: www.tcd.ie/Alumni/events/tcd/

For a full schedule of Branch events please see: www.tcd.ie/Alumni/events/branch/

 

Alumni Branch News

• TCD Association Scotland
  
• Mid-Atlantic Branch
  
• TCD Association London
  
• Gloucestershire Branch
  
• Switzerland
  
• TCD London Dining Club
  
  

TCD Association Scotland

The annual summer outing took place at the beginning of August 2008 to Newhailes House in Musselburgh. Newhailes is ranked as one of the foremost great houses of Scotland. It is unique not only as a survivor of the Scottish Enlightenment but also because it is magically untouched since it became the property of the National Trust of Scotland. Some 35 members and guests joined the tour of the house (with dedicated guides) and afterwards one of the members, Margaret Hodges B.A. (1957), entertained everyone for tea in her home.

The AGM took place on 1 December 2008 in the Irish Consulate, very generously hosted by the Consul General Cliona Manahan B.A. (1978) (a member of the Association). Norman Mitchell B.A. (1964) retired as Chairman.  He and his wife have contributed significantly over many years. He is succeeded by Wendy Wilkinson D.S.S. (1955) who was previously a successful Secretary and Treasurer.  Susan (Sue) Moody B.A. (1974) retired from the Committee and Robert Kelly B.A. (1979) was appointed.
The two imperatives for the Association remain finance and attracting younger members to play an active role.

Christopher Haviland LL.B. M.A. (1962)
Honorary Secretary/Treasurer

Mid-Atlantic Branch

On 2 January 2009 Washington DC area members of the Mid Atlantic Branch got together at the James Hoban Restaurant in Dupont Circle for drinks and dinner.  We welcomed a new year and a new era for America.

The guests were Robert Desmond (Des) Shaw M.A. (1974); Paula M Donovan  B.A. (1979), John G Dardis M.A. Ph.D. (1952); Courtney Gibb; E. Brenda Kelliher M.Ed. (1989) (Branch Secretary); Kathleen (Katrina) Sharkey M.A. (1978); Elizabeth (Betsy) K. Balderstone O’Day H Dip. Ed. (1968); Henry Willett; Siska Shaw; Donal J Donovan B.A. (1973); Sally A.C. Waddington M.B. 1987 (Branch Chair); Carmel Molloy M. Sc. (2000) and John Krivacsy.

Our next event will be on Feb 22nd – Sunday lunch at the home of members in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.

Brenda Kelliher
Branch Secretary

TCD Association London

Trinity London Association has continued its innovative method of persuading members to attend its AGM. As has become a tradition in recent years, a splendid carol service took place at St Andrew by the Wardrobe church in the City of London on 13 December 2008.

This event is entirely due to the kind co-operation of Rev Dr Alan Griffin, M.A. Ph.D. (Cantab.) (1966) who has made the church available, and conducted the services, for the past four years. The service was followed immediately afterwards by generous amounts of seasonal fare in the guise of hot mince pies and mulled wine, to prepare members for the rigours of the (very short) AGM. All alumni and friends of Trinity are warmly invited to join the throng for the next event on 13 December 2009.  

Gloucestershire Branch

Gloucestershire Branch Winter Event

The Winter Event of the TCD Gloucestershire Branch was held at the New Club in Cheltenham on Tuesday, 17 February. Twenty seven members and friends attended our event and enjoyed a very good meal courtesy of the New Club.  Three members of the Oxford branch attended as well. Our speaker was Senator Shane Ross, B.A.(1980) who gave an excellent talk about the economic crisis in Ireland and how it is likely to affect Trinity in the next few years. Further, he outlined his role as a senator for the TCD constituency and he updated us on Trinity news and events. The audience appreciated Senator Ross’ very interesting talk. Also, a presentation was made to Dr. Mike Hayes, M.A. Ph.D. (1955) on his retirement as secretary of the branch. A presentation was made by Senator Shane Ross on behalf of the TCD Association and Trust and by the members in appreciation of Mike’s excellent work as secretary for the past 10 years. He organised over 20 events in the 10 years. The date and details of our summer event will appear soon.

Jonathan Moffitt B.A. (1980)
Honorary Secretary

Switzerland

(l-r) Norman Blackburne B.A (1953), Jeneen Allan B.A. (1956), John Coy B.A., Ph.D. (1972)


Malcolm Ferguson B.A.I., M.A. (1974) Honorary Secretary,  Senator Shane Ross B.A. (1980)

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TCD London Dining Club

D. Francis Larkin, Dame Beulah Bewley M.A., M.D., LL.D. (2002 h.c.) and Dr Ian Paisley

On 12 February 2009, Dr Ian Paisley spoke to a capacity audience at a TCD Dining Club dinner held in The Savile Club, London.   He spoke of the long negotiations for peace and revealed the important part George Bush had played as intermediary between himself and Tony Blair.  George and he (and their wives) all began the day with prayer and the informality of their exchanges indicated a close bond of friendship.  Dr Paisley touched on his regrets that peace in NI had taken so long to achieve but was adamant that the situation had changed for ever and the religious divide would never again prevent co-operation and joint government. After his speech, peppered with anecdotes and high good humour, he answered questions from the floor on topics from disarmament to a united Irish football team. 

Carol Leighton B.A. (1964)
Honorary Secretary

Interviews

Frances Horgan B.Sc. (Physio.), M.Sc., Ph.D. (2000)

What are you doing with yourself these days?
I am working as a senior lecturer in the School of Physiotherapy in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Prior to joining RCSI in 1999, I worked as a senior physiotherapist in neurology and care of the elderly in the Meath hospital and the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children’s Hospital Dublin from 1993 - 1999. I graduated from Trinity College in 1991 with a BSc (Physiotherapy) degree and returned that autumn to start an MSc (Research). I graduated with an MSc Research and Diploma in Statistics in 1993. With the help of a grant from the Trinity Foundation, I continued my studies and obtained my Ph.D. from Trinity College in 2000 . My research interests are care of the elderly, falls and stroke rehabilitation. I teach undergraduate and postgraduate modules in these areas in RCSI. I have been on a number of national advisory committees; HSE/DOHC Steering group for a national falls and fracture prevention strategy (published 2008), Irish Heart Foundation Council on Stroke (since 1997).

Why did you choose your current career?
I was interested in all of the healthcare professions. I fractured my ankle in school playing basketball and when my cast came off my interest in physiotherapy started!

How do you like to spend your free time?
I love traveling, art history and cooking. I have two young boys and they keep me busy. I love spending relaxing time with my family and friends.

What are your strongest memories of Trinity?
We had a small class of about 30, which was great. Our time was divided between our studies in the School at St James’ hospital and College for Physiology, anatomy, chemistry and physics. We didn’t have blackboard or laptops so there was some furious note taking! I loved anatomy and enjoyed all the subjects although some of the practical exams were a bit stressful. We had clinical placements as well as academic studies so during that period we had to dash off in the afternoon to our respective clinical sites. I can remember the 46A bus journey to the National Rehabilitation Hospital; some of the other sites were much closer to home.

Are you still in touch with other alumni?
Yes, all of the people I was closest to then I am still very close to now. Even though we are scattered around the world, some of us still in Ireland and we have our own reunion every year.

Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
Professionally, I hope to be doing more research and advancing the evidence base for physiotherapy in the areas of stroke and elderly rehabilitation. I also hope I’ll have a little more free time!

 

Sports

In February DU Golfing Society celebrated 100 years in the Provost House with a book launch documenting the history of the club. More

Upcoming Events

• The DU Football Club (Rugby) will honour all their Lions alumni at the Sports Hall of Fame, Saturday 18th April in the Dining Hall. More
• The DU Boat Club Trinity Regatta will be held on Saturday 18th April (note: correction to previously advertised date). More
• DU Association Football Club (Soccer) is planning to celebrate their 125th Anniversary and the 1989 Collingwood Cup victory in April/May. More
• The annual Trinity College Golf Classic will take place on Thursday 18th June at the PGA Golf Course, Palmerstown House. The event for alumni and corporate supporters raises funds for Trinity’s Sports Scholarship programme. To register your interest email foundation@tcd.ie.
  

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