2010 November-December E-zine
| What's New? | Events | News | Alumni Interview | Notices | Obituaries |
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Trinity College Dublin
Alumni E-zine November-December 2010
Welcome to the November-December edition of Trinity’s alumni e-zine, with all the latest news and events from the College and alumni community.
Things for you to do… join the 2,500 alumni already signed up for Front Gate Online and reconnect with old friends…attend an alumni event such as the Digital Humanities, Christmas Commons, Homecoming… learn about the 2010 alumni awardees… read about the alumni interview with Alumni Relations Director Jennifer Taaffe...
John Dillon
Alumni Director
john.dillon@tcd.ie
For previous issues of this newsletter please see: www.tcd.ie/alumni/news/archive/ezine/
What's New?
Announcing Front Gate Online
For centuries, Trinity’s Front Gate has been a landmark meeting point. You can now continue your connection with Trinity friends, classmates and contacts via Front Gate Online a password protected website that allows you to update your details, search and connect with other alumni and support current students online. Thanks to everyone who has registered so far and congratulations to our iPad winner Claire Flanagan! Register today or visit the site to find out more.
Did you get your Trinity Today?
We’ve just sent out the latest issue of Trinity Today - the annual alumni magazine, keeping you up to date with all that’s going on in College. Update your address if you haven’t received your copy yet or view the magazine online.
Trinity Honours its Alumni at the 2010 Awards
Dr Martin McAleese, Lady Harriet Bridgeman, Professor Patrick Brennan and Dr Michael Peirce were the four alumni presented with awards in recognition of achievements at the 2010 Alumni Awards. Find out more about the awardees.
Events
Campus Events
Digital Humanities – Technology Transforming the Arts – 25 November 2010
Professor Jane Ohlmeyer will speak to how Digital Humanities is emerging as one of the most groundbreaking innovations in the Arts and Humanities at an exclusive alumni event in the newly opened Long Room Hub from 6-8pm. Find out more or purchase your ticket online for €15 including a wine and canapé reception.
Trinity Business Alumni Presidents Dinner – Dining Hall, TCD – 1 December 2010
The Trinity Business Alumni (TBA) will host the TBA President’s Dinner with special guest Mr. Shane O’Neill, Chief Strategy Officer with Liberty Global on 1 December at 6.30pm in the Dining Hall on campus. Purchase your ticket online for €70 including a wine reception and 3 course dinner.
Christmas Commons - Dining Hall, TCD – 8 December 2010
Join alumni and friends for a Traditional Christmas Dinner on campus this December. Enjoy fine wines from the College cellar and a performance of Christmas classics by the Chapel Choir. Why not organise a group of friends and kick start the festive season early. Find out more or purchase your tickets online for €55 including a traditional 3-course Christmas dinner and wines.
Christmas Homecoming - Dining Hall, TCD – 22 December 2010
Plan your trip home for Christmas a few days early to meet up with old friends and make new ones at the Trinity Homecoming. Soak up the festive atmosphere with live music and great company in the Dining Hall from 6 - 8pm. Find out more or purchase your ticket online for €10 including wine & finger food.
Career Network – Science Gallery – 18 January - 15 February 2011
This five week event programme, open to all alumni, features a series of expert speakers on managing, changing or finding your career of choice. The invaluable career advice and support, regardless of sector or experience, coupled with the opportunity to learn and share your experiences with other alumni makes this a must attend programme. Events will run on every Tuesdays from 6 to 8pm, beginning on 18 January and finishing 15 February. Online bookings will open in December. Find out more.
For a full schedule of events in TCD please see www.tcd.ie/alumni/events
Branch Events
New York – Alumni Spotlight Series with Eugene Downes – 16 November 2010
The TCD Alumni in New York’s successful ‘Alumni Spotlight Series’ continues with an in camera evening with Eugene Downes, Chief Executive Officer, Culture Ireland on Tuesday 16 November at 6.30pm in The Cosmopolitan Club, 122 West 66th St, New York, NY. Light refreshments will be served. Business attire - Jacket & Tie requested. Please RSVP by 13 Nov to TCD Alumni NYC.
London - Networking Events – 16 November & 7 December 2010
The London networking breakfasts continue to be popular and the next monthly get together is now planned for 7.30am on 16 November in Mercer Restaurant (a short walk from Bank tube station). An evening event at Mulligans of Mayfair is also planned for Tuesday 7 December from 6.30pm. To book for the November event please make contact with Paul Comyn via the TCD Alumni & Friends group on Linked In or find out more about the event.
Northern Ireland Belfast – Annual Dinner – 19 November 2010
The Annual Dinner for the TCD Association of Northern Ireland will take place in the Malone Golf Club on 19 November 2010. This year’s guest speaker is Independent Senator Ivana Bacik LL.B (1989). For more details visit the branch website.
Victoria - Christmas Get Together - Saturday 20 November
A dinner has been arranged at the Malaysia Village Restaurant, 162-164 High Street, Kew for 7.30pm on Saturday 20 November. Banquet price range: $28 - $35 (a la carte also available) B.Y.O. R.S.V.P. to Ciaran Horgan by Friday 12 November.
New South Wales - Festive Drinks – 25 November 2010
In order to celebrate the festive season, the Trinity Alumni Network of New South Wales will be meeting for a casual drink between 6-9pm on the 25 November in P J O'Briens Irish Pub, 57 King Street, Sydney. (Dress: Casual/Business Casual). Those interested in coming along or looking for further information should contact Dylan Carroll.
Ontario – Annual Dinner – Friday 26 November 2010
The annual dinner is set for the National Club in Toronto on 26 November. This year the Ontario Branch have led an increasing number of joint university events with both Oxbridge and US universities leading to the establishment of The International University Clubs of Toronto (IUCT). To find out more visit the Ontario Branch website.
Queensland - Dinner – 27 November 2010
A dinner has been arranged for branch members and friends in the United Service Club, 183 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, at 6.30pm for 7pm on Saturday 27 November. The cost per person will be $75. If you would like to attend, please email Derek Fielding as soon as possible to confirm numbers.
London TCD Dining Club & TCD Association London - Dinner – 9 December 2010
The London TCD Dining Club and TCD Association London will host a joint dinner with guest speaker Professor Robert Winston in The Reform Club, London on 9 December. This is a black tie event and tickets are available at £75. Robert Winston is Professor of Science & Society at Imperial College and a well-known broadcaster and author. Contact Marian McKeown for details.
Switzerland (Geneva) – Dinner with Shane Ross - 12 December 2010
Independent Senator for Trinity Shane Ross, will join alumni for an informal dinner on 12 December in Café du Soleil, 6 place du Petit-Saconnex, Genève at 7.30pm. Alumni will cover the cost of their own food and drinks. Please confirm attendance by 3 December with Malcom Ferguson.
Madrid & Barcelona - Pan Alumni Events - 20 January 2011
Two Pan Alumni events will take place in Spain – one in Madrid and one in Barcelona – on Thursday 20 January 2011. The social/networking gatherings are open to all with no charge. In Madrid alumni will meet in James Joyce Irish Pub, Alcalá 59. Metro: Retiro or Banco from 8pm for more information contact Emma Naismith. In Barcelona alumni will meet in Michael Collins Pub, Plaça de la sagrada familia, Barcelona also from 8pm for more information contact Patrick Bohan.
For more information on branches in your region visit www.tcd.ie/alumni/groups/
News
| Campus News | Branch News | Sports News |
Campus News
Professor Sir Terry Pratchett joins Trinity College Dublin
This month Sir Terry Pratchett joined the staff at Trinity College Dublin as an adjunct Professor in the School of English. His close relationship with the university began in December 2008 when he was conferred with an honorary degree. More…
Trinity Spinout Wins Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Award
Dr John Gilmer of TCD’s Solvotrin Therapeutics Ltd received the 2010 Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Award in Lifesciences at the Big Ideas Showcase on 20 October for his TCD spinout company working to deliver new innovative drugs to the cardiovascular market. More…
Leading Entrepreneurs discuss steps to success at
TBA Breakfast Briefing
“Entrepreneurial Lessons Learned” was the theme of the latest Trinity Business Alumni (TBA) Breakfast Briefing hosted by Mason Hayes+Curran on Friday, 24 September. Leading entrepreneurs at the event included Bobby Kerr (Insomnia), Kevin Neary (GameStop), Dylan Collins, Colin Meagle (Continuum Technologies), Michael Murphy (NCB Ventures) , sharing their journey of success with the assembled delegates. Find out more on upcoming TBA events.
Branch News
TCD Dining Club Bicentenary
The House of Commons Members' Dining Room was the salubrious setting for the UK celebrations of the bicentenary of TCD Dining Club, London in October. Over 160 members and guests from the last seven decades were present to hear Mary Harney give a brilliant resume of Ireland's strengths and weaknesses.
The Dining Club was delighted to welcome a strong contingent from Dublin, including Trinity Foundation and their guests, Senator Shane Ross and Professors McConnell and McAleese. Guests also gave a warm welcome to Barbara Jones, Deputy Head of Mission at the Irish Embassy in London. The Chairman, welcoming all present, commented on the twin strengths of the Dining Club: its tradition of supporting college - which is reciprocated - and its fostering of friendships across many generations. Eric Lowry, proposing the vote of thanks to the speaker, also paid tribute to Norah Kelso, the Club's guest that evening. Visit the Dining Club website for more details.
Sports News
See what’s on the TCD Sporting Calendar for 2010/11
Want to know what sporting events are coming up on campus? Check out the most recent sporting calendar here.
Lawn Tennis Club represent Ireland at the European University Competition
For the first time the TCD Lawn Tennis Club have been selected to represent Ireland at the European Universities Tennis Championship. More…
Winter Talk Series with the DU Sub Aqua Club
The TCD diving club (DUSAC) are running a series of talks in November and December with great speakers to share their experience and knowledge of the seas around Ireland and beyond. More…
Ladies Boat Club Newsletter
The DU Ladies Boat Club won the Intermediate Irish Rowing Championship this summer. Find out more about this and other news in their latest newsletter.
Alumni Interview
Jennifer Taaffe B.A. (1997) - Alumni Relations Director
Course Name: Single Honours History
Year of Graduation: 1997
What are you doing with yourself these days?
I have just taken up the position of Alumni Relations Director here in Trinity. Trinity has over 90,000 alumni in over 130 countries worldwide and my job is to keep in touch with them through regular communications and events.
Before taking up this job, I worked for two years as Manager of Research & Strategy with the Trinity Foundation. And before that again, I worked in RTÉ for eight years where I held various roles in communications/publicity.
What do you hope to achieve in your new role?
I would like to increase the number of alumni engaging with the College through a programme of enhanced communications, events & services. A particular goal is to develop the branch networks across the globe.
Why did you choose your current career?
Although I was briefly tempted by the academic route, I had always been interested in broadcasting and I worked throughout College for the Irish language radio station, Raidió na Life. This led me eventually to work experience in RTE after which I decided to go down the media route. I completed an MA in Public Relations and went to work for the RTE Press Office.
I never really had my heart set on one particular job; my goal was always just to work in a sector that I genuinely had an interest in. That was my guiding principle starting out and it is still how I choose jobs today.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Reading. Travelling. Going for long walks.
What are your strongest memories of Trinity?
There are so many. I really embraced being there. I'm from Dublin and lived at home throughout my degree so to ensure I got the maximum college experience, I spent my every waking hour in the place! I spent most of my time on the 2nd floor of the Berkeley, in the Buttery or in the JCR.
Are you still in touch with other alumni?
Absolutely. It might sound like a cliché but I made lifelong friends there. I also met my husband there.
If you could offer one piece of advice to alumni what would it be?
Keep in touch! Your relationship with the College is a lifelong one.
Notices
Choral Society Michaelmas Term Concert – 24 & 25 November 2010
Join the Choral Society for its upcoming celebration of the music of the twentieth-century British composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams for an exciting programme including the Irish premiere of Willow-Wood. The concerts will be conducted by David Leigh and will take place in the Examination Hall at 8pm. Tickets are €15 and more information can be found on the Choral Society website.
‘Ireland in Turmoil: the 1641 Depositions’ Exhibition – Long Room, TCD – November 2010
President of Ireland, Mary McAleese and Dr Ian Paisley joined at the opening of a new exhibition on Irish history with a view to promoting greater understandings between the different traditions on the island of Ireland. The exhibition will run from November to April 2011 and depositions can be viewed online.
Poetry & Pictures Coffee Morning
The National Institute for Intellectual Disability (NIID) will host a coffee morning “Poetry & Pictures” in support of Trinity Takes to the Streets and students in need from 10.30 in College Green on 19 November. The event will showcase poetry and artwork of NIID students and that of guest poet Brendan Kennelly who will also read from his work. For more details contact Ailish Kennedy in 01 896 3885.
Trinity Fringe Festival
Why not return to Trinity to be part of the biggest and best College event in Ireland (as voted in 2010). The Trinity Fringe Festival brings the best in Irish and International acts to the vast array of beautiful sites across the college from 6 -10 December. Follow us on Trinity Come-Play on Facebook for updates or e-mail festival@duplayers.com for more information. Tickets go on sale soon.
Trinity Takes to the Streets
We’d like to thank all the Trinity staff, alumni and friends who have taken part in Trinity Takes to the Streets events and the Dublin City Marathon in the past weeks in support of students in need. Other events included the Donegal Mooathon and the TAP Barn Dance in the Dining Hall. For upcoming events and ways to get involved visit Trinity Takes to the Streets.
School of Medicine launches its Tercentenary plans for 2011
Trinity is celebrating 300 years of the foundation of its School of Medicine in 2011 and to celebrate the School has launched an exciting programme of events to mark the occasion. More…
Trinity ‘Mini Tri’ in aid of Trinity Takes to the Streets
The Trinity Triathlon Club annual mini Triathlon takes place at the Trinity Sports Centre on Saturday, 4 Dec from 12-3 pm. The Mini Tri is an introductory race for those new to the sport and this year it aims to raise funds for, Trinity Takes to the Streets (TTTTS) supporting students in need. For more information visit the TTTTS activities page.
BBS 1985 Class Reunion
The BBS Class of 1982 met on 25 September for their 25th class reunion in the 1592 Restaurant on campus. A LinkedIn group was established for the event and can be found at BBS 1985, 25th Reunion.
Visual Arts Society Annual Exhibition
The exhibition will take place in the Oisin Gallery on Westland Row and is entirely made up of student and staff submissions. It will be open to the public on 8-9 of December. For more information see the Visual Arts Exhibition or email the society directly visarts@csc.tcd.ie.
Class Notes
Terence Cavanagh B.A. (2006)
Terry achieved international recognition in the games world earlier this year when he launched a game called ‘VVVVVV’ through his own company www.distractionware.com, which was shortlisted as best game at the International Festival of Independent Games.
Christoph Hendrik Mueller B.A. (1996)
Christoph received his B.A. from Trinity in History and Political Science and recently published “West Germans Against the West. Anti-Americanism in Media and Public Opinion in the Federal Republic of Germany, 1949-68”.
Gemma Whelan B.A. (1976)
Gemma has just published a novel “Fiona: Stolen Child”. The book was launched at the Wordstock Literary Festival in Portland. Find out more at www.fionastolenchild.com.
Norville J. Connolly M.A. (1975)
Norville graduated from Trinity in 1974 and apprenticed to Ian Bamford in the well-known and established solicitors firm of D & E Fisher Solicitors in Newry where he is now a partner and currently practices specialising in land law and company and commercial transactions. He was admitted to the roll of solicitors in Southern Ireland in 1991. He is a long standing member of the Law Society Council and a member of various committees including Policy, General Purposes and Finance and Client Communications and has chaired the Remuneration, Client Complaints and the Compensation Fund Rules change committees. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Laws in European & Commercial Law, has published articles in the Northern Ireland Legal Quarterly and the Writ and has lectured in and chaired various Law Society CPD events.
Rosemarie Rowley M.Litt., M.A. (1974)
Rosemarie’s book length poem in terza rima, "Flight into Reality" has just been re-issued by Rowan Tree Ireland Press. It is the longest original work in terza rima in English, and has been described by the late eminent poet Kathleen Raine as one of the best long poems about women's experience written in recent times.
Nick Fitzgerald Brown M.A. (1972)
Nick was long-listed for the inaugural Sunday Times-EFG Private Bank short story award of £25,000 this spring. He has been a fulltime author for the last 30 years. His works can be viewed on his website - www.nicholasbest.co.uk.
Simon Cotton M.B., M.A. (1949)
Simon recently published the book “Nine Camelots” about the Cotton, Fitzsimon and Staunton and Gatenby families which is now available in the TCD Library. The book includes memories from his time in Trinity and Dr Steevens’s Hospital, and features over 750 photos. The book is a non commercial publication but Dr Cotton is happy to provide a PDF DVD to interested persons. For more details contact Simon.
Robert Marsden M.A. (1949)
This year Canon Robert Marsden celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination as a curate of the Church of St James, James' Gate, Dublin. The Reverend Marsden moved into the Parish in 1950 the same year as he married his wife Betty (nee Kirkpatrick). In 1978 he was appointed Canon of Clogher and he retired to Sandymount, Dublin in 1994. To mark the anniversary he visited his first church now occupied by Lighting World Ltd.
Have you any news that you would like to share?
Reach out to old classmates by submitting your news to Class Notes or read about fellow alumni on Front Gate Online.
Obituaries
William Clarke M.A. (1967)
Doreen Mahon nee Douglas B.A. (1963)
Doreen was born in 1941 and spent her childhood years at the Giant’s Causeway in North Antrim. While at Trinity, she performed in Chekhov’s “The Bear” in Players’ Theatre and the lead role in Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Medium” for the then recently founded Operatic Society. She was also on the committee of the “Elizabethan Society.”
Soon after graduating from Trinity, Doreen taught English in Athens. On returning to Northern Ireland in the late 1960’s, she became an announcer on Ulster Television and also presented the magazine programme “Set Fair.” As a student, she was awarded the Costello Prize for English. In London, where she lived for many years, she taught English Literature while working as a journalist, and adapting books for the radio programme “Book at Bedtime.” In her later years, she lived in Goa. Doreen died in August 2010 in York. She is survived by her son Rory and daughter Katherine.
Website Watch
Discoveries to Transform Lives – watch a video on TCD’s accomplishments and ambitions in the area of biomedical sciences.
Dublin University Central Athletics Club (DUCAC), responsible for all the Colleges’ sports clubs have launched a new Facebook page, why not check it out.
Find out what’s on in the newly opened Long Room Hub.