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2009 December E-zine

Welcome

Trinity College Dublin

Alumni E-zine December 2009

Welcome to the latest edition of Trinity’s alumni e-zine. We hope you enjoy the read and find something of interest for you, whether it’s an upcoming event or reunion, or simply catching up on news from around the College. Some of the highlights for this edition include:

  • The annual alumni publication, Trinity Today, is now available online at www.tcd.ie/alumni/trinitytoday14
  • The Alumni Awards 2009 recipients were Chris de Burgh, Peter Fallon, Mark Pollock and Dr Louise Richardson. More
  • The new TCD Strategic Plan is available at www.tcd.ie/about/strategic_plan
  • Trinity Takes To The Streets raises over €100,000 for TCD access programmes and students. Many thanks to the hundreds of donors and runners involved in this event. More

Coming up next year, there are many events planned and ways to keep in touch.
Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.


John Dillon
Alumni Director
john.dillon@tcd.ie

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Thank You. For previous issues of this newsletter please see: www.tcd.ie/alumni/news/archive/ezine/

Notices

Trinity Alumni Careers Support - Survey Results

We’d like to thank all those who responded to the recent Trinity Alumni Careers Support Survey online. Results may be viewed at www.tcd.ie/alumni/news/careerssurvey09.php. Following on from this survey, the College is putting together a careers support programme which will be announced in the New Year.
Congratulations to the prize winners: John Deasy (Trinity Ball Tickets), Daniel Flynn, Aidan Dunne, Ciara O’Flanagan, Pat Moran and Hanumantha Marepalli (Trinity Hooded Sweatshirts).

Trinity College Dublin MBA – Celebrating 45 Years of Excellence

The School of Business would like to make contact with our MBA alumni to update you on activities and events in the Business School. To do so we ask that our MBA alumni update their contact details online at www.tcd.ie/alumni/update. For more information on the School of Business visit www.tcd.ie/business.

TCD Social and Political Review 20th Anniversary

This year, the TCD Social and Political Review celebrates its 20th year in production with a special anniversary edition. To mark this milestone in student publishing, the current committee would like to welcome all alumni formerly involved in production, publication or writing in the TCD Social and Political Review to join them in their celebrations. For more informationplease e-mail spr.trinity@gmail.com or visit www.spr.tcdlife.ie.

Attention School of Medicine Graduates

John Brock-Utne M.B. (1968) is hoping to compile a book of stories about your time in TCD as medical students. Contributions of poems, songs and anecdotes are welcome. Contact: Prof. John Brock-Utne, Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford University, CA 94305, e: brockutn@stanford.edu or f: +1 650 736 9918.

Get Your Christmas Gifts On-line

The Trinity Library shop is offering a 20% discount (applies to in store purchases only) to all alumni for the Christmas period (7 to 23 December). The online shop offers a 10% discount to alumni all year round. Visit www.tcd.ie/library/shop for all your Christmas gift ideas!

Biosciences Development

For progress on Trinity's Biosciences Development, see www.tcd.ie/biosciences/webcams

School of Medicine Tercentenary (1711-2011)

To keep abreast of the School of Medicine news in the run up to the Tercentenary please see November/December news bulletin www.medicine.tcd.ie/bulletin or visit www.medicine.tcd.ie/tercentenary

Events

On this page:

Long Room Hub Events:

The Trinity Long Room Hub operates a busy programme of events. Confirmed speakers and topics include:

The Poetry of Nonsense - Derek Mahon 
Wednesday, 16 December at 6pm in Synge Theatre, TCD Arts Building.
Documentary preview and Q&A session with Derek Mahon and Roger Greene (producer), chaired by Gerald Dawe, (Director, Oscar Wilde Centre).
To register email lrhub@tcd.ie. Seating is limited and will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

Language, Culture and Press Freedom in Eastern Europe since 1989
Thursday, 10 December 2009 at 7.00 pm in J.M. Synge Theatre, TCD Arts Building.
The 7th Lewis Glucksman Memorial Symposium will consist of presentations by: Professor Ruta Marcinkeviciene (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania), Professor Piotr Piotrowski (Director, National Museum in Warsaw), Dr Tomasz Kamusella (Trinity College Dublin).

Memory, Culture and Hope: Reinventing Western-Islamic Relations
Thursday, 10 December 2009 at 5.15 pm in the Edmund Burke Theatre, TCD Arts Building.
A public lecture by Dr Ismail Serageldin, The Librarian of Alexandria.
Dr Serageldin will be in Dublin to receive an honorary degree from the University of Dublin. This public lecture has been organised by the Trinity International Development Initiative and the Trinity Long Room Hub.
RSVP to: tidi@tcd.ie.

More information is available at www.tcd.ie/longroomhub

WHAT IF... Science Gallery runs until 13 December

WHAT IF...insects could diagnose illness? WHAT IF...clouds were modified to snow ice cream? WHAT IF... we lived in a society where our every thought was public? These are just some of the questions asked in the current exhibition at Science Gallery. For more information visit www.sciencegallery.com.

‘Dublin: the College and the City 1250 - 1950’

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Dublin’s settlement spans over 1000 years. The collections of Trinity College Library offer fascinating glimpses of that vibrant history. This exhibition provides a rich view of life in Dublin, based on the words and experiences of generations of citizens of, and visitors to, the city. The exhibition runs until 13 May 2010, For more information visit www.tcd.ie/Library/about/exhibitions.php .

Swiss Branch Christmas Dinner  Saturday, 19 December 2009

The Swiss Alumni Branch will get together for an informal dinner at the restaurant Le Mazot in Berne.
Special guests will be the new Irish ambassador to Switzerland, Anthony Mannix and his wife Roisin.
For further information please contact:  Malcolm Ferguson e: mfe@ch.ibm.com, ph: +41 79 403 1174

Victoria Branch (Australia) Christmas Get-Together  Saturday, 12 December 7.30pm

Malaysia Village Restaurant, 162 – 164 High Street, Kew.
Banquet price range: $28 - $35 (A la carte also available, B.Y.O.)
To R.S.V.P. email chorgan@internode.on.net as soon as possible

Boston Alumni Event Saturday, 16 January 2010

The Ancient Universities Alumni Burns Nicht, Cambridge Boat Club, Cambridge, Massachusetts
The exciting Programme of Events includes a reception, bagpipe and drum presentation and a performance by Highland Dance Boston. Dinner will be followed by the Royal Scottish Country Dancers, Carriages and a rendition of Auld Lang Syne. For further information and TCD table reservations contact e: Declan Boland (mailto:declan.boland@comcast.net) or ph: 781-875-1357.

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

Campus News

Trinity College Turns the Sod for New Building on Fellows Square

Trinity recently celebrated the construction of a new dedicated building for the Trinity Long Room Hub. The Trinity Long Room Hub is Trinity’s Arts and Humanities research institute. This new facility will be a four storey, granite clad building and will be located between the 1937 Reading Room and the Arts Building, facing on to Fellows Square.  The building is now under construction and is expected to be completed by April 2010. More

TCD Unveils its New Strategic Plan 2009-14

The new Strategic Plan will strengthen Trinity’s position as a university of global consequence. The plan builds on achievements which have seen TCD rise to 13th place in Europe and 43rd in the world. The plan sets out a new initiative for undergraduate education; it will transform graduate education with a new Innovation Academy; strengths in research and scholarship will be consolidated, and a new Open Innovation policy will be promoted for knowledge transfer to the best benefit of Ireland and the world. To view the Strategic Plan please see, www.tcd.ie/about/strategic_plan
More

New Academy for the Dramatic Arts to Provide World Class Training in Trinity College

The new Academy is being developed in collaboration with the Cathal Ryan Trust in association with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), in London. It will have the highest international standards in education and training for actors, directors, designers, playwrights, stage managers and technicians and will provide three courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level which have been designed in Trinity’s School of Drama, Film and Music, by Professor Brian Singleton in association with RADA. More

Alumni Awards 2009

The Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, Dr Louise Richardson and founder of Gallery Press, Peter Fallon were among four recipients of Trinity College’s Alumni Awards which were presented in November. The other awardees included one of Ireland’s most successful artists Chris de Burgh and international speaker and sportsman, Mark Pollock, who was the first blind man to reach the South Pole. More
To view the awardees acceptance speeches, please visit www.tcd.ie/alumni/events/tcd/alumniawards.php

Frank Maguire Motivational Lecture

Frank Maguire, founding member and former VP of FedEx and communications consultant to Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson recently visited Trinity to give a motivational talk to alumni and students. To view the talk, please visit www.tcd.ie/alumni.

Leading Immunologist Professor Luke O’Neill Wins 2009 Boyle Medal

Professor Luke O’Neill of the School of Biochemistry and Immunology won the 2009 RDS Irish Times Boyle Medal for Scientific Excellence for his pioneering work on the molecular understanding of innate immunity and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. More

Trinity Takes To The Streets Raises over €100,000 for TCD Access Programmes and Students

A group of 50 runners - Trinity students, alumni, staff and friends – ran the Dublin City Marathon in October in support of TCD student support and access programmes. Trinity Takes To The Streets (TTTTS) raised funds for the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP), National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID) and the Student Hardship Fund.  As well as raising vital funding, TTTTS sparked a collective community effort which has helped raise awareness of the projects involved, the important work they are doing and the need for support. The involvement of Trinity alumni was a central factor in the success of the initiative and our sincere thanks goes to all graduates who supported TTTTS. For more details, and photos, see: www.trinitytakestothestreets.ie

New Programme to Help Prevent Dementia

A new programme that aims to help prevent dementia and cognitive impairment among older people by enhancing cognitive function through new combinations of brain stimulation, mental training and pharmaceuticals has been awarded €2.5 million. More

Novelist Kevin Power Awarded the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature 2009

The Rooney Prize for Irish Literature for 2009 was awarded to writer Kevin Power, in recognition of his achievement and outstanding promise as a novelist. The announcement was made by the Provost at a reception in Trinity in October with the US Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Daniel M Rooney in attendance. The Rooney Prize which was first presented in 1976 is awarded every year through the generosity of Dr Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the USA and his wife, Patricia. More

Indigo Launched

The International Doctorate in Global Health (Indigo) was launched this autumn and now has its first intake of students. The programme is funded by Irish Aid/Higher Education Authority. More

Students of the TCD Course for People with Intellectual Disabilities Graduate

Students of the pioneering university course for people with intellectual disability graduated at a formal awards ceremony this November in Trinity College. A total of 23 students were awarded with the Certificate in Contemporary Living at the graduation ceremony. The two-year course run by TCD’s National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID), is the first full-time course of its kind in the university sector in Ireland and is recognised internationally as being unique. More

For more Trinity College news please see www.tcd.ie/Communications

Interviews

Sean MacMahon B.B.S. (1998)

What are you doing with yourself these days?
I have been living in Brussels for the past eight years with my wife and our two daughters were born here. I manage an Aeronautics and Defence consulting company. We run and resource diverse projects on behalf of clients providing skilled specialists, with 72 people engaged in total. Our business is with large institutions, government and administrative bodies and blue-chip companies where we either work at the client’s site or we deliver work from our secure facility in Brussels. Through our teams of technical consultants we supply the brain power to run complex systems and projects ultimately helping improve our clients’ performance.
Running a company has its pressures, but it also allows me the flexibility of collecting my girls from school and spending time with my family. We live in the centre of Brussels which means that commuting time is minimal. Being based in Brussels means that everywhere in Europe is very accessible; our business has brought me as far north as the Arctic Circle in Norway, through Germany, the Netherlands, France and east to the Czech Republic. It also means that Dublin is 1½ hours away and my Mum and Dad and sisters can still play a very important part in our lives.

Why did you choose your current career?
In the summer between 3rd and 4th year in Trinity, I started working for a multi national IT Resourcing company in Dublin and realised that I had a passion for, and ability, to do business. When I was younger my dad had his own company and he inspired me to follow in his footsteps. Once I finished my degree, I joined the IT Resourcing company full time. After a couple of years I opened an office for them in Cork, and after I saw the opportunity to open an office Brussels. My girlfriend Sinead O’Laoire whom I met in Trinity was living and working there at the time so I took on the challenge. It was a bit of a rollercoaster because soon after I moved to Belgium to run the office, my company was acquired and I was made redundant. But as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. I met some very interesting people during that time, including my future business partner Stuart – with whom I have been working and learning from for the last 7 years.

How do you like to spend your free time?
I love spending time with my family. My daughters are 3 ½ and 1½ – so there is always something going on at home! I can change a nappy faster than a Ferrari pit crew, and I keep fit by chasing after and trying to keep up with them! My wife and I are keen gastronauts and we host dinner parties and socialise with friends regularly. I am passionate about rugby; although I don’t play anymore, I am still a member of Trinity rugby club and a keen supporter. I am also an active member of the Wild Geese Golf Club in Brussels playing most weekends.

What are your strongest memories of Trinity?
I think that my friends are my strongest memory of Trinity (I met my wife in the Lecky!). I had rooms in Front Square with John Sherwin and we had an absolute ball; I made fantastic pals through my degree and in the College rugby club. Soirées at the The Pav, Trinity Ball, The Boat Club, and the various other venues are still indelibly burned into my memory….

Are you still in touch with other alumni?
Absolutely, in Dublin, Brussels and around the world. I made some fantastic friends in Trinity and we are in touch all the time. Here in Brussels, I have started running the Alumni Association which is great fun. We’re planning a few events next year where we hope to increase our membership.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
As I write this, it’s actually the eve of my 35th birthday, so I’ll be 40. I’ll probably still be in Brussels, going to parent teacher meetings in French, and trying to decrease my golf handicap. I hope that my family are healthy and that business will continue to grow and that I can increase business links and opportunities with Ireland.

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Branch News

Dermot Desmond Receives Trinity award

Mark Ryan, Dermot Desmond, Provost
l-r: Mark Ryan, President TBA, Dermot Desmond and Provost, Dr John Hegarty.

In October, Dermot Desmond was presented with the Trinity Lifetime Achievement Award in Business by the Provost of Trinity College Dublin, Dr. John Hegarty. This was awarded jointly by the Trinity School of Business and the Trinity Business Alumni.
Please see www.tba.ie for more details.

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Brian Lenihan Speaks to TBA

Brain Lenihan
l-r: Mark Ryan, President TBA, Robert Smyth, Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan T.D, Alan Foy.

Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan T.D, was guest speaker at the TBA Dinner in Camera on in November. The event was hosted in the TCD Dining Hall. 
Please see www.tba.ie for more details.

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Trinity Takes To The Streets – Central Park, NYC

TTTTS Central Park

TTTTS was a huge success in October with alumni events in Dublin and NYC set to reach the €100,000 fundraising goal. Many thanks to those who came out to run in Central Park Saturday, 24 October and in particular to the University of Dublin Fund and the challenge they grant committed to help encourage additional donations from alumni. For more photos and updates visit www.trinitytakestothestreets.ie.

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TCD Chinese Alumni Association Launched

Chinese Alumni Association Launch
l-r: His Excellency Mr Liu Biwei, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland; Professor Juergen Barkhoff, Registrar; and Mr Wu Bing, former Research Fellow TCD.

The Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Mr Liu Biwei, was guest of honour at the inaugural meeting of the TCD Chinese Alumni Association which took place in the Graduates Memorial Building (GMB) in December.

Hosted by Professor Juergen Barkhoff, Registrar TCD, he welcomed the Ambassador and congratulated the Chinese alumni who initiated this exciting new venture which will strengthen the links between China and TCD. These links are long established, since the formation of the Fuzhou Foreign Languages School by Trinity Missionaries more than 100 years ago.

Guests at the launch included Mr Bernard Hensey B.A.I. Chairman of the TCD School of Engineering Board who lives in Shanghai and his wife; the Chairperson TCD Association & Trust Dr Mary Henry, M.A. M.D.; Mr John McPartland, Director International Student Affairs and Mr John Dillon, B.A.I. M.Sc. M.B.A. Director of Alumni.  

Over 70 Chinese alumni and members of staff were present. The organising committee is planning an active annual programme both in Ireland and China and would like to hear from all TCD alumni who have connections with China. 

For further information please contact Bo Liu, e: liub@tcd.ie

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Full Steam Ahead for the Belgium Alumni Association

Belgium Alumni Association Belgium Alumni Association
Left photo: Sean MacMahon B.B.S. (1st from left), Chairman of the Belgium Branch.
Right photo: His Excellency Rory Montgomery B.A. M.B.A.(2nd from left), who hosted the reception
.

November 2009 saw the Belgium Alumni Association given a burst of renewed energy, thanks to H.E. Mr Rory Montgomery, Ireland’s Ambassador to the EU, who hosted a reception at his private resident in Brussels for Trinity alumni living in Belgium. The Ambassador’s personal invitation generated a fantastic response, and almost 100 alumni, from old Brussels hands to recent graduates freshly arrived in Belgium, turned up to enjoy the fine canapés and wine. The alumni present included senior diplomats, senior officials of EU institutions and prominent business people as well as representatives from the full spectrum of the Brussels community.

The Ambassador spoke of his affection for his Trinity days and for Dublin University. At the time when the University is launching its next five-year plan in a challenging economic environment for Ireland, he underscored the importance of Trinity alumni, and Ireland’s wider diaspora, coming together to collaborate in whatever way they can to help promote Ireland’s success abroad. The Ambassador said he was delighted to connect with alumni in Belgium and facilitate interaction between members.

Norah Kelso, TCD Alumni Relations Manager was the guest of honour and encouraged all of those present to get involved in local alumni activities of the renewed Belgian association. She was encouraged to see so many people at the evening reception and expressed great hopes for the Belgian Alumni Association.

The evening was a huge success with many acquaintances renewed and new friends made. It spearheaded a reinvigorated Alumni Association in Belgium, which has existed for many years. The Association Committee is planning three events in 2010, beginning with an informal Pub Quiz event early in Hilary term, a summer party to tie in (in spirit at least!) with Trinity week activities, and a formal event in Michaelmas 2010. We shall also be joining in the Irish Graduates and Friends of Irish Universities Dinner next year.

by George Candon B.A. (1997)

The new committee is:
Sean MacMahon B.B.S. (1998), Chairman
Aisling McNiffe B.A. (2008), Secretary
Caoilin O’Callaghan B.A. (2004), Events
George Candon, B.A. (1997), MSSc (Bel), Communications
Miguel Rodriguez Gorman B.A. (2007), Treasurer and Web
Fergal O'Regan, Legal Representative
For further information contact Sean MacMahon email sean.macmahon@eurocity.be

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Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Alumni Association Northern Ireland Alumni Association
Left photo: Gavin Lloyd, LL.B., M.A. and Edward (Eddie) McParland, M.A. (Ad.Eund.Cantab.), Fellow Emeritus, M.Sc. (N.U.I.), M.A., Ph.D. (Cantab.) Guest Speaker, retired Lecturer Department of the History of Art, TCD.
Right photo: John P. B. Maxwell, M.A., LL.B., Barrister-at-Law, President TCD  Association of Northern Ireland (2009-2011) and Sir Antony Hart, B.A., Barrister-at-Law, former President TCD Association of Northern Ireland (2007-2009).

The Annual Dinner of the TCD Association Northern Ireland took place in November in Malone Golf Club.  The dinner was attended by approximately 100 graduates and guests.

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Scotland 

In August, the traditional summer outing took place in St. Andrews with rare access given to the University Chapel, St. Salvator's. The group was fortunate to have Sandy Wilkinson (husband of the Chairman of the Association) as their guide.

In September, Senator Ivana Bacik joined the branch for lunch. It was no surprise that this event attracted members from all over Scotland. Ivana Bacik's talk spanned (inter alia) the Irish economy, the Constitution, human rights and the Ryan Report. Simon Williams of Trinity Foundation updated members on latest developments in Trinity.

The 2009 AGM took place at the Consulate-General for Ireland on 4 December 2009. 

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Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island
Back Row (from left to right): Christopher Spencer-Johnson (G), Patrick Wesley (G), Robin FitzGerald (G), James Patterson (G), Elizabeth Grove-White (G), William Gregory (G), Marion Carroll (G), Sheila McClelland, Diane Gregory, Horace McClelland (G), Zinda FitzGerald (G), William Pike (G), Jennifer Brownlow, Timothy Brownlow (G)
Front Row (left to right): Mary Pike (G), Hilda Walker (G), George Caird (G), Cathleen Caird

The Vancouver Island Branch organized a lunch meeting at the Crow and Gate Pub in Cedar, near Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. An AGM was held before lunch. Twenty people were present, of whom 14 were Trinity graduates. The Association has a total membership of 50.
The following officers of the Association were elected or re-elected:
President: Timothy Brownlow M.A., Vice-President: Robin FitzGerald B.A.I., Secretary: Patrick Wesley B.A., Treasurer: George Caird B.A.I., M.A., Committee Members: Paul Keith M.B., Elizabeth Grove-White B.A., Ph.D.

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France

2009 was a good year for the TCD Alumni Association France with a number of successfully run and attended events which have allowed us heal some of the pain left following the passing of our President Bevan Stein – “Bevan we miss you but no doubt you’re still watching proceedings with your ever critical eye and wicked sense of humour.”

The year started out with a few drinks at The Cork and Cavan and will end with another few drinks in the same venue this coming 18 December. If you’re in the vicinity, drop by for mince pies and a glass of festive cheer - 8 ‘til late, 68/70 quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris. For further details contact Pamela Boutin at pamela.boutin@free.fr.

In between, the branch brunched, dined, picnicked and cultured themselves with a seasoning of Beckett and…Facebook, that’s where it’s at so, that’s where we’re at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=642307713&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=75305052210

Next year the branch hopes to continue to keep the Trinity candle burning both online and off and look forward to hearing from any new ‘Trinner’ bods headed their way. For further information on Alumni Branches please see, www.tcd.ie/alumni/groups/branch 

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Class Notes

Conor Kostick B.A., Ph.D. (2001)

Conor was awarded the Special Merit Award 2009, by the Reading Association of Ireland for his works of teenage fantasy fiction: Epic, Saga and Move. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conor_Kostick

Michael J. O’Connor M.B.A. (1978)

Michael is a board certified commercial and consumer bankruptcy specialist (American Bankruptcy Board of Certification). He is admitted to the New York State Bar, as well as the United States District Court for the Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts of New York, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
Michael is a Chapter 7 Trustee and was appointed to the Chapter 7 Trustee Panel for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of New York in 1986.

Family Notices

Chris Lea M.A. (1962)

The death has occurred in Birmingham, his home town, of Chris (Christopher James) Lea, aged 69. Subsequent to his graduation from Trinity College,
Dublin (Mod.BA, History, 1962), he pursued a successful and varied career in education, bringing to young people the humour, curiosity, courage, and the unassuming gift for friendship which marked his undergraduate years in Dublin. In the final decade of his life he was an active professional partner in International Partnership Network (www.theipn.org), a private organization working in synergy with business and educational establishments across the world, with the aim of enhancing educational opportunities at all levels for young people of the Third World.

As a student, Chris made his mark in the sporting life of Trinity and the city of Dublin, winning the rare double of Leinster Senior Cup medals in both rugby and cricket: in rugby in 1960 against St Mary¹s, in an epic replay of their drawn first match; in cricket in 1961 against Railway Union. A hard running centre or outside half/full back, he brought the same mettlesome spirit to his cricket as an elegant, forcing batsman. He put even more energy into the convivial après-match encounters which were no less taxing than the matches themselves in the rugby and cricket leagues of Dublin in the 1960s. It was often hard for him to find his way home after a cricket match with Railway Union, or after one of the innumerable rugby club ‘hops’ which flourished in those innocent pre-narcotic years. His history tutor (and Professor) at the time was Leland Lyons, a scholar gallant enough to test his mettle on the squash court against the ever-competitive Lea.

In such carefree years, responsibility was assumed in improbable ways, and Lea accepted it where it was needed. He was an active member of the college Philosophical Society, winning its silver medal for a paper he read in 1961 on China; in 1962 the delegated student authority elected him Secretary of Trinity Week, a challenging office which included responsibility for the smooth running of the College Races in College Park (with the mechanisms for selecting the most elegant student, a Miss Trinity of the time), collaboration with the Lady President of the Elizabethan Society for the sundry tea-parties organized throughout the week, and of course, the Trinity Ball - still in its infancy, and requiring a safe pair of hands in only its fourth year, when the ground - rules for administrative relations with the College Board were still evolving. All this was carried off unpretentious polish - but it was fortunate for him that final Moderatorship exams took place in September.

After his degree, he went to Trinity Hall, Cambridge, to study for qualification as District Officer in the administrative system of the British Commonwealth. He played in the centre and at full-back for Cambridge, but failed to win a Blue, assuring his friends that having taken up rowing, he was more interested in bumps on the river. It was at Cambridge that he met his future wife, Carol, a nurse at Addenbrookes Hospital. Having spent some time in S. Rhodesia in preparation of his new career, he recognized that the interest of the post held nothing to compare with that of the young woman he had met in Cambridge and so returned to win her over, then to embark upon a brilliant career as a schoolteacher, headmaster, and educational administrator. After some years at the Worth School in Sussex, he was appointed headmaster at the prestigious English School at Carcavelos, a short distance north of Lisbon, only to be engulfed in the turmoil accompanying the overthrow of the dictator Salazar in the turbulent year of 1968. In the interest of his family’s safety he resigned from his post to return with them to England, where he became an outstanding headmaster of Sherborne Grammar School in Dorset, held in great esteem not only by the parents and pupils of his own school but also by the staff of the well-known English public school situated in the same small town.
It was from this post that he subsequently resigned to launch the adventure of International Partnership Network, whose governing board is drawn from ten different countries on five continents, and whose goals are to better the opportunities made available to young people of all countries to learn, travel, and to understand each other more.
He will be sorely missed in that mission, but far more so by his wife Carol, their son Jonathon, and daughter Sarah, and their five grandchildren, and by his two sisters and his brother to all of whom, his many Irish friends extend their deepest sympathy.

C.E.J.C. and J.R.W.

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Kelvin Guy Redford M.A. (1963)

Kelvin Redford studied French, English and the History of Music at TCD 1959-63. He was born in Sunderland, educated at Durham School, and spent two years working for Lloyds Bank (in London and Paris) before arriving in Dublin. His “wives” in No. 38 were Michael Newcombe (obituary on Trinity Today,Issue 9, 2004-5) and Michael Cuming. He gained a “Respondency” and then completed a Diploma of Education while teaching at The King’s Hospital in Blackhall Place 1963-5.

During his six years in Dublin Kelvin was prominently involved in music. He was Secretary of the Choral Society, working closely with its then conductor Joe Groocock and its patron Professor Bryan Boydell, and a member of the Central Music Committee. In these rôles he showed the dedication, attention to detail, altruism, and love of choral music that were apparent throughout the rest of his life.

After two years at Felsted School in Essex, the rest of his career was spent in Brecon, Wales. He devoted over 35 years to assisting with Brecon Cathedral Choir as a sub-organist while teaching full-time in the Modern Languages Department at Christ College, where he was also a Housemaster and then Head of Careers. It was in the latter role that his influence was most significant. One of the speakers at his funeral was broadcaster and author Jamie Owen, an old boy of Christ College who was one of many indebted to Kelvin’s careers guidance. He said:

To learn - without feeling that you were being taught - was the sign of great teaching. Standing up to promote the arts and music could sometimes be a lonely duty. But Kelvin did - and in doing so allowed generations of children like me to flourish. The reason so many of us so often called by, so often, for so many years after we had left was that we remembered that, when things hadn’t worked out and the grades weren’t what was expected, he worked the phones all over the country pulling in favours to help us. Many of us owe our careers to him…. and we never forgot. He will always be with the thousands of people whose lives he touched.

An ex-colleague at Christ College added these memories of:

...  Kelvin’s incredibly generously giving of himself for others, his meticulous organisation in all things, his warm and generous hospitality, his love of Chateau Cissac wine and his continuing quest for the perfect pint of Guinness, his facility with making up limericks (mostly unrepeatable!) and his prodigious memory for pupils past and present - the latter born of interest in and care for young people. Everything about him was very gentlemanly, and if it was mildly eccentric that made him special and much loved and admired.

Kelvin’s time in Dublin held strong and fond memories for him, and he is remembered with respect and affection by those who knew him there. Although he rarely returned to Ireland, he revisited old haunts (ranging from Davy Byrne’s to St Bartholomew’s Church in Ballsbridge) on a Brecon Cathedral Choir tour in 1990 and again on holiday in 2003. He kept in touch with many Dublin friends including John Paterson, who became Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.

Kelvin’s funeral took place in Brecon Cathedral on 27 June 2008. Dublin contemporaries Michael Hope and Tom Pockley were amongst the hundreds of mourners, and many from Kelvin’s Dublin days have been in touch with reminiscences.  A memorial concert took place in Brecon Cathedral on 25 April 2009, and the University of Dublin Choral Society Ladies’ Concert on 13 May 2009 was part-funded by a bequest in Kelvin’s will. Mozart’s Laudate Dominum and Ave Verum, and Vivaldi’s Gloria - a particular favourite of Kelvin’s - featured in both concerts.

In addition to his bequest to the Choral Society, Kelvin also left gifts to St Bartholomew’s Church in Ballsbridge, to The King’s Hospital School, and to various other educational and musical organisations. Paperwork from his role as Secretary of the Choral Society will in due course be archived at TCD. Kelvin passed away on 19 June 2008. He leaves his partner of eighteen years, Alison Hembrow, who may be contacted at amh@brecon.co.uk.

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Sport

Sports Scholarships

Sports Scholarships

John Delaney, CEO of the FAI presented the Sports Scholarships this year in the Pavilion Bar in December. He was very impressed with the standard and quality of our Scholarship recipients and the newly renovated Pavilion Bar. Twenty three students were awarded Scholarships, representing 12 Sports. Cadburys presented awards to two Trinity Students, Eoin Fanning and Thomas Corrigan for their outstanding performance in Gaelic Football.

The scholarships are awarded on the basis of high performance, potential development, involvement in particular sports club along with academic excellence. Since its' initiation 17 years ago, the scholarship program has awarded over 300 sporting students.

Among the recipients were Bryony Treston who was recently selected for the U23's Cross Country Team for the upcoming European Championships. Melanie Spath who is ranked 79th in the world in Mountain Biking, recently won best Irish Female Cyclist. Niamh O'Boyle, top Irish Competitior in Orienteering, came 5th in the Jan Kjellstron International event in North East England.

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DU Equestrian Club

The DU Equestrian club competed in the Tetrathlon competition in November. It was a huge success and the club was placed 2nd overall, with UCD winning the event. The team deserve a special mention; Benjy Powell, Natalya Coyle, Ellie Carty and Aoife Freyne. Individually Natalya Coyle won the running, came second in the swimming, won the riding, and was seventh in shooting. She also won the individual girls overall. Benjy Powell placed second individually in the boys swimming and 6th in the running. Megan Corp came fifth individually in the girls run.

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DU GAA/History Society Commemorate GAA 125th Anniversary

Trinity GAA Clubs in conjunction with the History Society hosted a lecture in November in the Arts Building.  Panel members on the night were former Trinity student Arlene Crampsie, now with the GAA Oral History project, Mike Foley deputy sports editor of the  Sunday Times and legendary Tyrone Manager Mickey Harte.

A lively debate ensued on the night where Trinity students availed of the rare opportunity to quiz such GAA celebrities.  It was great to hear Arlene speak about the Oral History Project, which aims to reach out to as many people as possible in order to investigate the social impact the organisation has had on Irish life. 

Mike Foley highlighted the challenges facing the GAA going forward and his experiences growing up in Cork and how the GAA played a massive role during his formative years.

And last but not least the legendary Mickey Harte spoke passionately for about 20 minutes on what the GAA means to the people of Tyrone and how the GAA organisation undersells itself.  Mickey believes Gaelic Games ought to be marketed on a worldwide basis. 

There were over 120 people present on the night and many availed of the opportunity to purchase signed copies of Mickey Harte’s book. 

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All Ireland Handball Intervarsity

After a lapse of a few years DU Handball Club made a successful return to competitive action in Co. Kerry in November.  In the men’s B grade three-man Trinity sensationally beat DCU in the quarter final and NUIG in the semi final to set up an all Dublin showdown against UCD.
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Ladies doubles champion Marianna Roche faced off against Trinity’s Kilkenny ace Eamonn Foley in the first singles match, with Foley taking the first and Roche taking a tight second game. It all came down to the doubles as Trinity needed to be more than 43 aces in front to take the title or 42 to level it as they had only three players.
But despite Niall Mullally and Cormac Mac Mahon’s win over Kevin Mulligan and Hillary Rushe, UCD revenged their final defeat on a score line of 110 -82. This was a fantastic achievement when you consider Trinity had only three players and they started every match down in points. The team are confident of bringing more All Ireland medals to Trinity in the New Year, this time Gold!

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For more information visit www.tcd.ie/sport

Last updated 19 April 2012 by alumni.relations@tcd.ie.