IRISH FULBRIGHT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NUMBER 35  SPRING 2014 NEWSLETTER

IFAA THANKSGIVING 2013 by Róisín Tiernan

A most enjoyable and fun evening was had by all who gathered together in The Helix at Dublin City University to celebrate Thanksgiving 2013. Guests included DCU President, Professor Brian Mac Craith, and DCU Deputy President Mr. Jim Dowling and his wife Cepta. Visiting US Fulbright awardees included Dr. Robert Strong (UCD), Ms. Lily Akerman (Royal Irish Academy of Music), Ms. Lauren Agoubi (NUI Galway), and Ms. Caitlin Myron (NUI Galway). Former US Fulbright Awardee Ms. Erin Treacy joined the celebrations whilst on a return visit to Ireland. The programme started with seasonal drinks in the Gallery foyer. Fulbright Alumni take over Santa’s cave at the Helix. DCU President, Professor Brian Mac Craith welcomed all the guests to DCU. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments, Professor Mac Craith could not spend the whole evening with us. To everyone’s delight the Campus Choir, under the direction of Ms. Christina Whyte of Chamber Choir Ireland, treated the guests to ‘The Last Rose of Summer’ and ‘Oh Shenandoah’. Dr. Bob Strong and his daughter hail from the Shenandoah Valley so this piece had added meaning for them. A surprise and a bonus for some of us was the appearance of the IFAA President Dr. Sarah Ingle singing in the Campus Choir. The only disappointment in the performance was that it was too short! In a quick change of roles, this was then followed by the Thanksgiving The DCU Campus Choir, under the direction of Ms. Christina Whyte

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address by Sarah Ingle. We were then closed the formal part of the evening escorted to the Gallery Restaurant acknowledging the importance of where dinner was served. The meal remembering the good and the positive was excellent and guests enjoyed the in our lives. Senator Fulbright’s vision traditional Thanksgiving menu of of fostering understanding between sweet potato and butternut squash people of different cultures and creeds soup, traditional roast breast of was highlighted. The important role of turkey and honey glazed baked ham, the IFAA, in providing opportunities followed by a delicious dessert. for Irish Fulbright Alumni and visiting A novel, fun event took place after US Fulbrighters to come together, was dinner in the form of a Thanksgiving commended. Quiz. Competitive streaks were Following the dinner, guests retired revealed resulting in much hilarity as to the bar for music, song and people scratched those heads in an spontaneous entertainment, of which attempt to answer questions such as there was much. Jimmy played a few ‘which President was the first to tunes on the pipes and various songs pardon a turkey instead of eating it?’ in Irish were performed by IFAA and ‘how many turkeys were raised in members Gráinne Ní Mhuirí, Nóirín IFAA President Sarah Ingle addressing the guests at Thanksgiving 2013 at the the US in 2012?’. Emily Strong, Ní Laighin and Lisa Judge giving a Helix daughter of Dr. Bob Strong, came in taste of Irish music to our visitors. first followed by IFAA Board Some of the visitors, in turn, were thanks to Sarah Ingle for organising Member, Róisín Tiernan. IFAA Vice- encouraged to sing, bringing the the Thanksgiving celebration of President, Jimmy O’Brien Moran, successful evening to a close. Our 2013.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT By Sarah Ingle

singer Lillis Ó Laoire along with fiddler Jesse Smith wowed the assembled audience with a world premiere of tunes from Jimmy’s new CD. It was a magical evening. This edition of the IFAA newsletter expounds upon the artistic work and activities of several IFAA members including two members of the IFAA Board, Gráinne Cuffe and Mary McPartlan and President Emerita Thérèse Fahy. The next two Performing at the IFAA Fringe event at the American Embassy on the eve of the IUSA conference were Lillis Ó Laoire, Jimmy O’Brien Moran, and Jesse Smith. regional IFAA Comhluadars in Limerick and Galway respectively, As you may know, having had the endeavour. In particular, Vice- also have cultural and musical privilege of being elected President of President Jimmy O’Brien Moran themes. Finally, our very special the Irish Fulbright Alumni Association deserves a huge vote of thanks for IFAA TEDx Fulbright Fringe! in May 2013, I planned to promote a bringing to fruition my idea of IFAA Creativity in the Literary and Sonic theme of arts and culture during my providing a traditional music event to Arts will be held in the US two year term of office. So far this launch the Ireland US Alumni Ambassador’s residence on 4 April, aspiration has been more successful Association (IUSA) 2014 conference. featuring Fulbright alumni in musical than I could have envisaged and I On 24 January in the Rotunda of and literary performances. I look want to thank the IFAA Executive the US Embassy, in world-class style forward to welcoming you to one of Board for supporting me in this he and Fulbright alumnus, sean-nós these events.

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Brendan Cleary IFAA Events Calendar 2014 sends greetings The IFAA Board invites you to join us and your fellow alumni for a number of events that are planned for the coming year. Our Membership Secretary, Sinéad Murnane, will keep you from New York electronically posted on each event as the date approaches. where he is  22 March studying at Limerick Comhluadar  Columbia 26 March Galway Comhluadar University Arts in Action concert at the Aula Maxima, NUIG.  While he is there he is availing of 4 April every sporting opportunity that IFAA Fulbright Fringe comes his way from attending Residence of the US Ambassador, Phoenix Park, featuring American football games, both Fulbright Alumni musicians and poets. college and professional, to playing  rugby for the university. He is also enjoying meeting other Fulbrighters 11 April and FLTAs with whom he converses National Concert Hall – IFAA outing to hear a programme that as gaeilge. He also reports that the includes music from Beethoven and Mozart. studies are going well. A more  detailed report has been posted on 9 April the DIT website. Professor Eugene Coyle launches his book Understanding the Below is a photo of Brendan Global Energy Crisis, at DIT Aungier St inside Grand Central Station with  Jonathan O’Neill who is also a 8 April Fulbrighter and is teaching Irish as a Gerald Peregrine concert performance Foreign Language Teaching National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace Assistant (FLTA) to mostly Irish-  American students at New York 8 May University and Drew University. IFAA Annual General Meeting Boston College, 42 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin  17 May Gráinne Cuffe Solo Exhibition Launch Graphic Studio Gallery, Temple Bar, Dublin  Sundays in May and June Thérèse Fahy concert series Thérèse will be playing a series of lunchtime concerts at the Hugh Lane Gallery, Parnell Square, Dublin 1  24 June 19th Annual IFAA Scholars’ Dinner Dublin Castle Don’t forget to check out our website (www.irishfulbrightalumni.com) and facebook page.

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MY FULBRIGHT VISIT By Mary McPartlan The outcomes of my Fulbright Library in Berea College Kentucky. I experience were vastly beyond my also managed some theatre research at expectations and I wish to the Michael Chekhov Association and acknowledge the support of the a collaboration with the President of Galway University Foundation and the association Ms Joanna Merlin the Fulbright Commission (Ireland) and colleagues. Among my academic duties for I performed at several institutions Spring Semester was teaching a and venues in New York city module on the history of Irish including Glucksman Ireland House traditional arts, Irish plays, and Irish (Folk Club), The CELL (artists playwrights since the 1950s, to thirty without walls) AWoW, the Landmark African-American and Hispanic music Venue, and a concert that was students at Lehman College a culmination of a “work in progress” (CUNY). I was also a guest lecturer with pianist Bertha Hope at ZirZamin at Wellesley College, Boston, Point Greenwich Village. I also performed Park University, Pittsburgh, the in Kentucky at Berea College. Jazz legend Bertha Hope and Mary McPartlan performing at the ZirZamin University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, During my visit to Kentucky I got to venue in Greenwich Village, New York the Irish American Historical Society, meet the great American folk singer NYC, Berea College, Kentucky, St and collector Jean Ritchie who visited I am a teacher and Director of the John Fisher College, Rochester, and Ireland and Britain on a Fulbright Arts in Action Programme at NUI at the Irish American Cultural scholarship in the early 1950s where Galway. I am also a professional Institute, New Jersey. she and her photographer husband, traditional singer and perform I also did research in various types the late George Pickow, documented regularly in Ireland and abroad. I was of music including Jazz, Blues, and their visit in audio recordings and awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for Bluegrass music. I collaborated in photographs. Their Fulbright 2012/2013 to teach at Lehman working and developing new collection is housed in the Hardiman College (CUNY) in semester 2, 2013. interpretations of American Blues and Library in NUI Galway. As part of my scholarship, I also Irish Folk music with the renowned I attended a series of Theatre and delivered a guest lecture series to Jazz pianist in New York, Ms Bertha Music Performances throughout the several universities, colleges and Hope. I researched the music of Ms semester in NYC. This was a great institutions and collaborated with Jean Ritchie and the music of the joy and privilege for me. I had a great music artists in Kentucky and New Appalachian Mountains at the time and a memorable experience. York. My Fulbright visit offered many networking opportunities which have resulted in possible links and collaborations between NUI Galway and specific academic institutions in the US. The guest lecture programme was a bedrock of analysis and exchange ideas for potential US student engagement in a semester abroad at NUI Galway. Artistic collaborations are leading to rich and exciting endeavours for the development of new work with Irish traditional music and song, African-American Blues, Sarah with Fulbrighters Mary McPartlan and Karen Devine at the Cobalt Cafe and Bluegrass music. event that Mary organised for Jazz musician Bertha Hope

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PAUL’S FAREWELL LUNCH By Jimmy O’Brien Moran

Such is the camaraderie and goodwill within the IFAA Board that when former IFAA President Paul Donnelly was leaving to take up his prestigious Taiwan Fellowship, his friends at the IFAA held a lunch in his honour. Roly’s Bistro, Ballsbridge, Dublin, is a busy place on a Sunday afternoon, but we gathered in our circle on November 10th and had an enjoyable farewell lunch with Paul. Among those who attended were former IFAA Newsletter Editor Aidan Kennedy and his wife Timmina, Darach Turley, Anne Cleary, Gráinne Cuffe, Sinéad Murnane, Willo Roe, Sarah Ingle and myself. At the appropriate moment, Paul’s farewell do in Roly’s Bistro with IFAA Membership Secretary Sinéad Murnane Sarah gave a short speech and recited an ode that she had composed, which IFAA friends of a beautiful framed We again wish to extend our thanks reflected our sense of gratitude for the etching by Gráinne. Paul responded to Paul for his huge contribution. You huge work Paul put in during his time with a few farewell words, where he may catch up on his time in Taiwan so on the IFAA Board. Sarah then thanked everyone and spoke fondly far in the current issue of the presented Paul with a gift from his about his time on the IFAA Board. newsletter.

US FULBRIGHT ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2013 By Sarah Ingle The 2013 USFA 36th Annual these individuals, approximately 172 members of the Fulbright Commission Conference, ‘Fulbright in Action’, institutional members, including Board, including President John Vogel was held during 3–6 October 2013 in colleges, universities, and international who was a Fulbright Scholar in Washington DC. I was privileged to educational organizations throughout Brussels during 1968, where he was a have the chance to travel to and the US, support the association. stagiaire at the European Union and participate in this event and would Similar to the IFAA in Ireland, the served as an assistant to the EU’s chief like to thank the IFAA Executive Fulbright Association in the US exists legal counsel. I was delighted to make Board for supporting my attendance. to help alumni contribute to the well- the acquaintance of Mrs Harriet I felt in advance that it would be a being of the Fulbright Programme, to Mayor Fulbright and also had the wonderful opportunity to meet and the institutions and communities to opportunity to speak, on a number of network with an international which they return, and to the country occasions, to the Executive Director of Fulbright community on behalf of that made possible their Fulbright the Fulbright Association Stephen IFAA members and alumni and this experience. This aspiration is Reilly. Steve, who completed a Masters certainly proved to be the case. supported by the many active Degree while on a Fulbright award in The US Fulbright Association regional Chapters of the USFA Sweden, took on this role in January (USFA), set up in 1977, currently has throughout the US. 2013. Previously Steve was an active about 6,000 members. As well as During the conference I met with member and leader with the National

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Capital Area Chapter of the Fulbright Association during 2008- 2012. The conference itself began with an opening reception with poster presentations and was an informal opportunity to mingle with the international delegates, all with a Fulbright affiliation, from 36 countries around the world! One of these delegates was Gary Fair, the Chair of the British Fulbright Scholars Association (BFSA) who members of the IFAA have met on a number of occasions in Dublin and Northern Ireland. It was great to have the chance to catch up with Gary as well as exchange and share views and Sarah with Past President of the US Fulbright Association Dick T. Arndt and experiences of the conference. current President John Vogel During the following two days, conference presentations were organised into five themes, demonstrating how Fulbrighters worldwide are taking action to address issues of the day: Business and Entrepreneurship; Human Rights and Social Justice; Science and Technology; Arts and Humanities; and Global Public Health. Fulbright academics, medical doctors, actuaries, artists, researchers, chemists, students and scholars, among many others, all connected around the crucial goal of turning the Fulbright experience into a lifelong commitment. Local Congressman Jim Moran gave a plenary address on the importance of Sarah with Executive Director of the US Fulbright Association, Stephen Reilly international exchange, reminding delegates that they are an important attendees across a variety of Sandberg, opened a fruitful group and should be powerful disciplines. Participants were discussion about the “Missing Voice” advocates for the Fulbright particularly inspired by Alice of men in the gender debate. programme and for meaningful US Blumenfeld’s Selma Jeanne Cohen Other presentations included a engagement abroad. David Bradley lecture: an interactive investigation discussion on the relevance of a took up this message on the evening into the true roots of flamenco, liberal arts education in the twenty- of the second day from a more seeking to go beyond its commercial first-century economy with Pitzer personal angle recounting, in the State and politically fabricated origin College President Laura Trombley, Department’s stunning diplomatic stories. Two lunchtime presentations George Mason University’s President reception rooms, how his Fulbright proved even more provocative: Civil Angel Cabrera and Gallup year in the Philippines led to a Rights icon James Meredith delivered Education’s Brandon Busteed. Panel consistent commitment to projects in an impassioned message about discussions also took place on “The that country. educating today’s youth guided by his Challenges of Healthcare in Africa,” Other conference panels touched faith in God, and the gender equality “The Global Challenge in on themes that resonated with lunch, introduced by Lean In’s Sheryl Cybersecurity” and “Achieving

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Diversity in the Fulbright program” that one way Fulbright Alumni shutdown was in place at the time, I to name but a few. The conference Associations can make a difference is was still able to explore the wonderful closed with the screening of two by providing a platform for Fulbright city of Washington DC, and in fact documentaries by Fulbrighters: artists who help to keep alumni got to several places that I wouldn’t Kristin Pichaske’s Zulu Hoops and connected to an international have thought of visiting if the Jeremy Xido’s Death Metal Angola, community and each other through shutdown had not been in place. that spoke to the huge and important the power of their work. Highlights included the National impact of cultural exchange, whether The conference was a great success Museum of Women in the Arts, The through basketball or heavy metal and a wonderful opportunity to Phillips Collection – a private modern music. The screening of these network with the worldwide art museum, the Washington documentaries highlighted a point Fulbright community. Although, National Cathedral, and the raised throughout the conference, unfortunately, the US Government sophisticated suburb of Georgetown.

GEORGIAONMYMIND… By Thomas O’Toole (Waterford IT)

As I write this piece, Atlanta and the research project that I worked on in long stream of publications from it, as state of Georgia are experiencing Atlanta was in regard to how high well as fine-tuning the lessons for freezing weather which they are most technology entrepreneurial firms Ireland’s entrepreneurs. One of the certainly not used to. While I was grow their ability to connect to huge benefits of the Fulbright there from April – September 2013, it resources available from partnering Scholarship is that everyone was was its usual hot self with firms or other agencies such as agreeable to meet and provide access temperatures averaging around 320 C university incubators or governmental to their organisations. and with humid conditions. However, supports. Currently, the team and I Atlanta is a hotbed for many complained of the summer rain are ploughing through the data we entrepreneurship and home to many which they said was more frequent collected and looking forward to a US Fortune 500 firms. For example, than usual. Perhaps it followed me from Ireland! It was the first time that I experienced the American South in a more in-depth way. I was privileged to have a Fulbright Scholarship to undertake research at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. I was based in the Business School’s Department of Marketing which is among the top ranked in the US. The staff were warm and friendly and provided a supportive environment for my research and made their contacts and expertise readily available to me while I was there. Indeed, a collaboration was started which will continue with a professor at Georgia State and one at the University of Alabama. My research is in the business-to- Left to right: Professor Naveen Donthu, Head of the Department of Marketing, Professor Wesley J. Johnston, CBIM RoundTable Professor of Marketing, Dr. business marketing and strategy fields Thomas O’Toole, Fulbright Scholar, Head of School of Business, Waterford Institute and in particular, addresses how firms of Technology, and Professor H. Fenwick Huss, Dean of the J. Mack Robinson collaborate to create value. The main College of Business, Georgia State University.

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for the research project I visited Luther King’s ‘I have a Dream’ the High (Museum of Art). As luck 19 organisations that support speech took place in 2013. Atlanta would have it, and it must be Irish, I entrepreneurs in a variety of ways in was also at the confluence of the connected with a first cousin of mine the city. There are more! An American Civil War. There is so who works for UPS, so it was great interesting angle from an Irish much history to absorb which helps to be able to spend some time with perspective is the number of private comprehend the multicultural nation him and his family as I have many sector networks that support nascent at the heart of America. generations of relatives who are US entrepreneurial firms of which we do Unusually, I used public transport natives and only meet them on not have an equivalent. My research while I was there and sometimes occasion. Ireland has a Consul office colleagues and I presented papers and walked, which is not done by most, in Atlanta which does a fine job of gave lectures during my period there and I was often asked what it was presenting us in a part of America and I managed to visit Georgia Tech, like! The city is quite spread out with that is open to finding out more. The Emory, and the Universities of three major groups of skyscrapers region has six million people and is an Georgia and Alabama. marking out the territory at attractive place to go and begin Five months was a relatively short downtown, at midtown and in business for the entire South. time but it did ignite a passion for Buckhead. Hence, the car is king! My only wish would have been to understanding southern culture. The Atlanta is a great place for families have more time to spend in the ‘land of stereotypes are true, they are and kids with Coca Cola, the Georgia Peachtree’. Believe me, there are a lot extremely hospitable and the food is Aquarium, Stone Mountain, the of streets and roads named Peachtree great. But of course there are many water jets of Olympic Park, but for something or other, however a little bit more layers to the culture of the me the beautiful Piedmont Park in of confusion is good for the visitor and South than I can relate in this piece. the middle of the city was a major leaves you smiling, with Georgia on The 50th anniversary of Martin highlight as was the grand design of your mind…

IUSA CONFERENCE By Darach Turley

The Stephen’s Green Hibernia Club represented among the attendees. over the years in both sustaining and was the venue for the Ireland United The first panel, chaired by IUSA developing the Abbey repertoire. States Alumni Association (IUSA) Board member and Fulbrighter The next session centred on matters third annual conference on January Denise Ferran, focused on economic. All three panelists chose to 25th 2014. The conference had contrasting and comparative analyses highlight the pivotal role of opened the previous evening with a of funding the arts during a time of management personnel in Ireland’s traditional musical event organised by financial stringency on both sides of economic growth. Professor John the IFAA held at the US Embassy. the Atlantic. Robert Lynch, Fitzgerald of the ESRI pointed out Jimmy O’Brien Moran along with President/CEO of Americans for the how many of the current cohort of sean-nós singer Lillis Ó Laoire and Arts, recounted his experiences from senior managers in both US fiddler Jesse Smith provided stellar a US perspective, a viewpoint that multinationals and indigenous entertainment during which you was complemented by Patrick companies here had accrued valuable could hear a pin drop. Murphy’s account of being an international experience prior to The conference programme during Irishman promoting artistic events, returning to Ireland, a factor that may the following day was divided into some of them controversial and explain why the Irish economy has four major sessions, three of which provocative, to US audiences. Patrick registered growth while much of comprised three-person panels currently serves as Director of the Europe has not. On a similar note, with each panelist making a short Royal Hibernian Academy. The third John Kiernan, CEO of Quintiles, presentation followed by a general panelist for this opening session was stressed that continued economic discussion. As IFAA membership Fiach Mac Conghail, Director of the growth here will be predicated less on includes automatic IUSA membership, Abbey Theatre, who emphasised the tax considerations than on the Fulbright alumni were well critical role that US tours have played education, experience, and creativity

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of the Irish workforce. Madeleine needed role for vibrant and robust sensitive for any media organisation Quirk of the Wexford Chamber of investigative institutions that can hold wishing to maintain editorial Commerce drew attention to the need the political establishment to account. independence while soliciting for senior, experienced managers to Interestingly, he also noted how the commercial support. serve as mentors to SME Fourth Estate itself is now The fourth and final session of the entrepreneurs who often balk at the increasingly being held to account by day took a distinctly political turn and formidable challenges involved in social media. Diane Brace of National featured detailed and contrasting exporting to the US. Public Radio in the US drew perspectives on US-EU relationships The role and survival of the ‘Fourth attention to the need to guard the from both sides of the Atlantic given Estate’ (journalistic media) was the editorial firewall between the funding by Stuart Dwyer, Chargé d’Affaires, focus of the third session. Professor office in NPR and its newsroom. US Embassy and Geraldine Byrne Roy Greenslade of City University With heavy reliance on corporate Nason, Secretary General at the London saw a continuing and much- donors this issue is both central and Department of the Taoiseach.

HANDPRINT By Sarah Ingle pieces in the Kevin Barry room of the National Concert Hall. Five of the composers were in attendance and, as an audience member, I was enthralled and impressed by both the intricacy and power of the works and the depth of performance that Thérèse brought to them. Finally, in May and June of 2014, each of the works will be integrated into a three-part, free, concert series at the Dublin City Gallery which promise to be wonderful events. I hope to see you there. The IFAA sends many congratulations to Thérèse on this great initiative.

IFAA President Emerita Thérèse Fahy after her performance of Handprint at the Handprint: Before and Beyond National Concert Hall on 8 March 2014, with her parents Frank and Kathleen Fahy Thérèse Fahy, piano The last six months have been very The overall project has three key Sundays@Noon, Dublin City busy for IFAA President Emerita, strands: in January and February a Gallery, The Hugh Lane concert pianist Thérèse Fahy. In 2013 number of workshops were held for an she commissioned and curated a audience of composers and pianists, 4 May 2014: special collection of piano pieces, co-hosted by the Contemporary Music Ravel/Whelan/Scarlatti/Dwyer/ designed specifically for smaller Centre. These explored the Granados hands, entitled Handprint. With the background and creative process of 1 June 2014: support of the Arts Council, six Irish each piece, from both compositional Mozart/Schoenberg/Scriabin/ composers; Bill Whelan, Siobhán and pianistic viewpoints. The second Deane/Mulvey/Debussy/Messiaen Cleary, Michael Holohan, Gráinne strand was the world premiere Mulvey, Benjamin Dwyer, and performance of the Handprint 29 June 2014: Raymond Deane each composed a collection at the New Music Dublin Debussy/Holohan/Ravel/Cleary, piece of work for Thérèse to curate festival where Thérèse gave a 50 with poems by Séamus Heaney and and perform. minute recital performing the six new WB Yeats read by Donal Kelly

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GRÁINNE CUFFE, ARTIST PROFILE MARCH 2014 By Sarah Ingle

Dun Laoghaire College of Art and 1989 by Central St. Martin’s, Design in 1979. Her full portfolio of University of the Arts, London, where work can be described as being she studied under Professor Norman ‘loosely botanical’, being influenced Ackroyd. In 1995 she received an and inspired by a number of sources, Irish Arts award to work and lecture including a visual consideration of in Vastervik, Sweden. More recent flowers, Bauhaus principles, the work accolades include an invitation by the of Georgia O’Keefe, and Japanese French cultural attaché to exhibit her prints such as those at the Chester work during August 2012 at the Beatty Library. Written work which Festival Interceltique de Lorient. has also been influential includes: Berger on Drawing by John Berger Fulbright Experience (2007) and The Naming of Names: The Gráinne’s Fulbright Award in 1984 Search for Order in the World of Plants by was spent at the Tamarind Institute, Gráinne in full flow explaining her work Anna Pavord (2005). University of New Mexico, at the Graphic Studio Gallery In 1986 Gráinne continued her Albuquerque undertaking a Master artistic training by winning an Italian Printmaker course in lithography. Background and Training government scholarship to study While at Tamarind she was exposed IFAA Board member Gráinne Cuffe etching under Giorgio Upiglio in to many different aspects of stone and is an Irish artist and printmaker of Milan. She followed this by further plate lithography techniques and a international renown. Dublin born, academic work, completing a post- lifetime’s passion was ignited. she graduated in Fine Art from the graduate degree in etching awarded in Following successful completion of

Hi all I want to thank Fulbright for giving me the opportunity to carry out my Fulbright scholarship at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego. I honestly had the best experience there, both professionally and personally, and enjoyed every minute of it. Even though it was only a relatively short stay in the US I feel it has given me so much confidence to advance in my research career in Ireland and teach fellow marine scientists the skills I have learned. I met some wonderful people and even feel that it made me a better person too! I’ve been meaning to email since I came home at Christmas but I was

working out at sea in January (which you can imagine was unpleasant in Sinéad the storms we’ve had!). I’m back at the Marine Institute now working Irish Fulbright Alumni as a post doctorate and missing the sun and surf from La Jolla. Association Thanks again for all your help and support; I hope we will cross Dublin paths in the near future! Warm regards, Triona McGrath

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the three month programme, Gráinne where a visit to the Boston Museum subsequently undertook two of Fine Art introduced her to the internships, one in Grey Arrow Press, etchings of James McNeill Whistler, SPONSORS OF THE Santa Barbara, California and one at complete with stage proofs. Inspired IRISH FULBRIGHT Editions Limited, San Francisco, by this work, and her whole Fulbright bringing her total stay in the US to six experience, she began making ALUMNI months. etchings for the first time in Ireland. There were many cultural and ASSOCIATION other shocks in store for Gráinne Works and Demonstrations IFAA gratefully acknowledges the throughout her stay in New Mexico. Gráinne exhibits regularly in group generous sponsorship/assistance of: Her roommate, part American- shows at Graphic Studio Gallery, Indian, was unaware of where Ireland Dublin. She is a frequent exhibitor at  Athlone Institute of Technology was geographically located and knew the Royal Hibernian Academy  nothing about the country. A potted Summer Show, and the Royal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade version of Irish history provided by Academy Summer Show, Picadilly, Gráinne, subsequently resulted in London. Gráinne’s work has also  Dublin City University feelings of empathy towards her as an been collected by: Office of Public Irish woman and an invitation to Works, Dublin; Arts Council of  Dublin Institute of Technology attend a special festival in a Navajo Ireland; Chester Beatty Library; Dun  Galway-Mayo Institute of Indian reservation. This was her first Laoghaire Rathdown County Technology experience of being referred to as Council, Dublin; Dublin City ‘white’ and she was the only non- University; University College  Institute of Technology Tallaght native American at the festival. Dublin; University of Limerick;  Irish Fulbright Commission University of Santa Cruz,California; Etchings Inspiration Electricity Supply Board Ireland  Limerick Institute of Two other significant events around HQ; Bank of Ireland; Mater Technology that time, along with the formal Hospital, Dublin; St. Vincent’s  National College of Ireland, structured Fulbright experience, were Hospital, Dublin; St. James’ Dublin to dramatically change Gráinne’s Hospital, Dublin; Hastings Hotels work as an artist. When first Group; Childrens’ Court, Smithfield;  National University of Ireland, travelling to New Mexico, as there B.P. Oil, Brussels; Irish American Galway were no direct flights to Albuquerque Heritage Center, Chicago.  National University of Ireland, from New York, she flew to Los During 2013 Gráinne exhibited Maynooth Angeles to stay with a friend for a work at a number of shows including: couple of nights. Curiosity led her to The Mermaid Open Show, curated  Newpark Music Centre, Dublin a print studio, ‘Gemini Editions’, by Patrick Murphy, RHA; RHA  Royal College of Surgeons where she viewed a David Hockney Summer Show; Open Studio, in Ireland etching more than one metre square, Glasnamullan, Calary, Bray, Co. a single energised line drawing of a Dublin; Greenacres, Selkar, Wexford  St. Patrick’s College, silhouetted head. Shockingly simple, and Bloom Botanical Art Exhibition. Drumcondra beautifully big, it made a huge As part of the latter exhibition in the  Trinity College Dublin impression and she fell in love with it. Phoenix Park,the Irish Society of Looking back, Gráinne has since Botanic Artists invited non members  US Embassy Dublin realised that this was the first major to exhibit with them in a curated influence on her to begin the journey show. Other showings during 2013  University College Dublin of starting to create large etchings included; the Watercolour Society of  University College Cork four years later. Ireland who have a section for The second significant event etchings, and run a yearly show,  University of Limerick occurred six months after the exhibiting at the County Hall, Dun  Waterford Institute of Hockney incident. Gráinne’s route Laoghaire; Graphic Studio Gallery, Technology home to Ireland included a couple of Dublin: Variations on a Theme, 5 artists days on the East Coast of America working in series and the Winter Show.

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Primula Candelabra and a range of suites / series of new smaller sized prints including dianthus, fritillary, tulip, roses and cowslip. The preparatory drawings for these etchings were completed over a two year period. Clematis studies have been an annual occurrence over the last six years and on-going tulip drawings from Gráinne and her friends’ gardens as well as the National Botanic Gardens are undertaken every year. This heavily anticipated show is shaping up to be a significant and very special event. All of us in the IFAA wish Gráinne very well for the success of the exhibition and in the completion of the work. Sarah with Gráinne at the Botanic Gardens A Natural Selection, with Gráinne’s print for the exhibition, Clematis Orientalis in the background which was subsequently http://www.grainnecuffe.ie/ presented to IFAA President Emeritus Paul Donnelly at his farewell lunch

Gráinne’s last piece to be exhibited important for Gráinne is the IFAA BOARD in 2013, Clematis Orientalis, was at the adherence to her mother’s aesthetic of The following are the current National Botanic Gardens, Dublin. putting a beautiful flower or two from Board members: She was one of the organisers of the the garden on the table every day  President: exhibition in the gardens, A Natural throughout the year. Dr Sarah Ingle Selection, which was a fund raising There is a very clear process to [email protected] show for Graphic Studio Dublin. For Gráinne’s work, visual, artistic and  Vice-President: this event, a hundred national and technical. Sketches are first Dr Jimmy O’Brien Moran international printmakers were invited undertaken to create the piece of art vicepresident@irishfulbright to make a print, inspired by the and the final drawing is created. The alumni.com gardens, with a limited edition of 100. drawing is then etched onto the plate  Hon. Secretary: Over the years, Gráinne has and can often take a while to settle, Prof. Darach Turley presented many very well received visually and aesthetically. Gráinne [email protected] talk and demonstrations about works through the expected  her work and the print making possibilities, artistically, technically Membership Secretary: Ms Sinéad Murnane techniques that she utilises. In 2013 and in terms of colour. This process membershipsecretary@ alone she gave three general talks at cannot be rushed, or the time required irishfulbrightalumni.com the Graphic Studio Dublin in the early anticipated. It can many days longer  autumn and also presented on her than originally planned to arrive at the Treasurer: large format drawings in the National perfect solution for the final image Dr Anne Cleary [email protected] Botanic Gardens later in the year. using a number of coloured inks.  Far from the dusty plains of New Website Editor: Life and Work in 2014 Mexico but still inspired by her time Dr. Peter Lonergan Gráinne now works both in her there, Gráinne is currently very busy webmaster@irishfulbright alumni.com studio at home in Wicklow, and also working on 20 new limited editions  in the Graphic Studio Dublin on for a major solo exhibition to be Members: North Circular Road. She lives with launched in the Graphic Studio Ms Róisín Tiernan; Ms Gráinne her husband Brien Vahey, painter and Gallery in Temple Bar, Dublin on 17 Cuffe; Ms Nell Regan; Ms Mary McPartlan set designer, and their two teenage May 2014. Included in the exhibition children. Inspiration still comes from will be several new large etchings  Ex Officio Board Member: many sources but one of the most including Clematis Orientalis and Dr. Paul Donnelly

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問候來自台灣 /G REETINGS FROM TAIWAN! By唐保羅 / Paul Donnelly

Thanks to a Taiwan Fellowship, who are more than happy for you to proving quite fun. We are 10 in the awarded by the Taiwanese Ministry call on them for help when needed. class, hailing from Ecuador, Iran, of Foreign Affairs, and facilitated Indeed, Dr. Harry Tseng, Taiwan’s Japan, the Netherlands, South by a Research Fellowship from Ambassador to Ireland, along with Korea, and the US. Classes are pretty DIT’s College of Business, I am his embassy colleague Kathy Ko and intensive (15 hours a week) and we now in Taiwan researching the her husband Thijs Velema have been also get homework! country’s path to economic/industrial a wonderful support. I met regularly Courtesy of the online edition of the development. Already here coming on with Harry and Kathy before leaving, Taipei Times, I’ve been following four months, and thoroughly enjoying and Thijs very kindly helped me find stories with recurring themes. every minute, my stay is also an my apartment and invited me, Proposed changes affecting over a opportunity for immersion in the life, amongst other things, to celebrate the third of the history curriculum have language and culture of the country. arrival of 2014 with him and his been hotly disputed. Indeed, issues of I strongly encourage any scholars or friends – there’s nothing like seeing historical “fact” are very much alive experts with an interest in Taiwan, the Taipei 101 fireworks in person! throughout East Asia at the moment, Cross-Strait relations, Sinology or the albeit educationalists and historians Asia-Pacific region, and wishing to Forming Impressions from the ASEAN group of countries conduct advanced research at With a population of around 23 are working on an ambitious common universities or academic institutions million people, and an area about history textbook for South East Asia. in Taiwan, to avail of the two-fifths the size of Ireland, Taiwan Another theme is the lot of the opportunities afforded by a Taiwan is one of the most densely populated average Taiwanese as it relates to the Fellowship. countries in the world. Christened “three highs, one low” of high For those of us of a certain age, ‘Ilha Formosa’ (beautiful island) by unemployment (currently 4.24 per perhaps our awareness of Taiwan Portuguese sailors in the sixteenth cent), high commodity prices, high came through three words: “Made in century, and also fondly known as housing prices (up 275 per cent since Taiwan”. But, we needn’t feel too ‘The Kingdom of the Corals’, this 2003) and low salaries (adjusted for guilty about not knowing much about sweet-potato-shaped island straddling inflation, the average salary of the country, for Ireland is not too the Tropic of Cancer is 394km long US$17,750 is the same as it was 15 familiar to the Taiwanese either. Here and 144km wide, with a mountain years ago). The government’s recent we are, two small islands, former range comprising some 286 summits interest in a “little happiness in hand” colonies, both with very rich cultures over 3,000m — Mount Yushan, at would seem welcome. and friendly peoples, both with 3,952m, is the tallest in East Asia — What most intrigues me, however, outward-looking economies, and we running the length of its eastern is Taiwan’s status — referred to know little about one another. And spine. Taiwan has the 20th largest differently as the Republic of China that’s where I hope to make my own economy and is the 22nd largest (official name), Taiwan (more small, but tangible, contribution to exporter in the world. commonly known name) and Chinese increase mutual understanding Taipei is such an easy city to get Taipei (name agreed between Taiwan between the peoples of Taiwan and around in, thanks in big part to its and [the People’s Republic of] China Ireland. subway, the MRT. All station signage for Taiwan’s participation in some Never having visited Taiwan is in Chinese and English, while all international organisations and before, and not speaking the station announcements are in almost all sporting events) — and language, I wondered if I was Chinese, Taiwanese (spoken by about sovereignty, and the relationship somewhat nuts altogether to be 70 per cent), Hakka (spoken by between Taiwan and the Republic of moving there for a year. But, about 15 per cent) and English. Even China. While self-identifying as a whatever little doubts I had have long though Taipei is very user-friendly for nation state, internationally, there is a since disappeared. My impression is English-speakers, I’m availing of a question mark over Taiwan’s status of a warm and friendly people, who Taiwan Fellowship benefit to learn due to it losing its membership/ will leave you get on with things, but (traditional) Chinese, which is recognition in the United Nations in

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1971 and its lack of wide (official) Making Connections at Fulbright Taiwan. William kindly diplomatic recognition, along with For the purposes of my research, I’m invited me to join the three-day mid- China claiming the country as its 23rd being hosted by the Institute of year conference for all 75 visiting US province and denying its status and Sociology at Academia Sinica (the Fulbrighters, where I learned about existence as a sovereign state. That country’s pre-eminent research the scholars’ research and the work of said, while Taiwan maintains official institution). Prof. Hsin-Huang the English Teaching Assistants diplomatic relations with 21 UN Michael Hsiao, the Institute’s (ETAs), along with learning about member states and the Holy See, Director, along with all of the Taiwan through their experiences. I informal relations are maintained research fellows, assistants, staff and also connected with the professors with many others through de facto visiting scholars, have been very mentoring the ETAs, which has led to embassies and consulates. welcoming. A Fulbrighter himself, invitations to their universities to give Here in Taiwan, surveys over the Michael has invited me to present at talks on Ireland, something I’m quite past decade have shown that an international conference, titled looking forward to. Taiwanese identity and the people’s “Islands and Empires: Taiwan, Hong I’ve also met with Dr. Hans Tung, aspiration for a truly independent Kong, and Ireland in Comparative Secretary General of the Taiwan and sovereign country have risen to 80 Perspective”, jointly organised by the Fulbright Alumni Association per cent. A recent article in The Institutes of Sociology and Taiwan (TFAA), who has kindly invited me National Interest (“Say Goodbye to History. I’ve also participated in a to participate as a panellist in an Taiwan” by John Mearsheimer) notes: number of Institute social events, Alumni Engagement Innovation “[M]ost Taiwanese would like their including a very enjoyable Chinese Fund-sponsored forum he is country to gain de jure independence New Year dinner, which included a organising later in the year. The and become a legitimate sovereign karaoke competition; I didn’t sing! Prime Minister, Dr. Jiang Yi-huah, state in the international system. This I’m also being hosted by the also happens to be TFAA President, outcome is especially attractive College of Management at National while Taiwan’s President, Dr. Ma because a strong Taiwanese identity — Taiwan University (the country’s top- Ying-jeou, is an IVLP alumnus. separate from a Chinese identity — ranked university and a Times Higher has blossomed in Taiwan over the past Education Top 100 World University), Come Explore! sixty-five years.” where I’ve been very warmly I’m looking forward to venturing And then there are the little things, welcomed by Professors Ruey-Shan outside Taipei in due course, all the such as: so far, I’ve been woken from Andy Guo (College Dean), Chan- more as the New York Times ranks sleep by two (magnitude 4 and 5.4) Jane Lin (Vice Dean of Global Taiwan 11th in its “Top 52 Places to earthquakes (living on the 18th floor, Affairs and Global MBA CEO) and Go in 2014”, noting “[t]he traveler I get rocked back to sleep!); the Shing-yang Hu (Vice Dean of who wants to do it all should consider pedestrian crossings where the “little Administration), and all the team. I Taiwan”. Meanwhile, Taipei is ranked green man”, wearing a cap, is was Andy’s guest at the College’s a top destination for solo travellers animated to walk and then walk Chinese New Year lunch, which was along with being a top-20 destination faster as the time to cross nears an most enjoyable, and Chan-Jane has city for international visitors.. end; scooters, scooters everywhere invited me to teach a module on the I could go on, but I hope what I’ve (14 million registered!); ubiquitous College’s Global MBA. written gives you a sense of this island convenience stores (one for about I meet with other Taiwan Fellows nation, enough to pique your interest every 2,500 people); the classical at research talks by Fellows and at further. music played on loudspeaker as social events, such as the Chinese children arrive for school; and the New Year lunch hosted by the Beethoven-playing garbage trucks, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NEWS which call people, pied-piper style, to National Central Library. In addition, Congratulations to IFAA President come dump their rubbish at the exact I meet regularly with a number of Sarah Ingle on her recent same time and spot each day. On that Fellows to share experiences of appointment to the Board of the Irish score, Taiwan has the highest Taiwan, our research and life in Fulbright Commission. Sarah was recycling rate in the world. The streets general. nominated and appointed by Tánaiste are spotless and there’s absolutely I made a point of connecting with and Minister for Foreign Affairs and no eating or drinking allowed on the Dr. William Vocke and the team Trade Mr. Eamon Gilmore for a two MRT! (Lisa, Sam, Clarence and Stephanie) year period.

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ANNE DRISCOLL - VISITING US FULBRIGHTER

As a 2013–2014 US Fulbright visiting  Celebrating Celtic holidays by scholar, this past year has exceeded making a Brigid’s cross with my expectations professionally in reeds I pulled up from the canal nearly every regard. I am a longtime outside my door, and a holly journalist and, since September, I crown which I wore in a solstice have been extremely fortunate to be procession down along the quays working with the Irish Innocence of the Liffey Project at Griffith College Dublin  Exploring Achill by wandering (GCD). The aim of my proposal was the ruins of a famine village, to lecture law and journalism students climbing a steep incline to a 5,000 at GCD about wrongful convictions, year old megalithic tomb, and as well as to teach journalistic skills – happening upon some Irishmen such as investigating and interviewing rolling round bales of hay down – to the twelve law students from to currachs at the shore GCD, Trinity College Dublin and  Being taken into the tunnels of a Dublin City University who are faerie fort and a hurling match in caseworkers on the Irish Innocence the same week Project, in order to better progress  Being proposed to by a farmer at their cases before the courts. That Anne Driscoll Lisdoonvarna would have been satisfying enough,  Attending a production of James but then a funny thing happened on journalism working shoulder to Joyce’s The Dead in the house on my way through my Fulbright. shoulder in this way. To that end, Usher’s Quay where it was set, David Langwallner, Dean of Law at David and I will be giving a talk at the and moving about the rooms with GCD, barrister and lecturer at King’s annual Innocence Network conference the 19 actors as if I was part of Inns, and founding director of the Irish in Portland, Oregon, called ‘Enemies the party scene and dinner, not Innocence Project, has always been No More: The Synergy Between Law part of the audience. very wary of journalists for a variety of and Journalism in Innocence Work, A  In the same day, climbing the reasons. He received me with a certain Story of The Odd Couple’. 1250 foot Spinc ridge and the 800 degree of scepticism, particularly in So yes, I have found great career foot Bray Head. The day before regard to what role journalists might satisfaction in my Fulbright that I biked 50K through Phoenix play in innocence work. So it was a experience, but I have found personal Park and along the Royal Canal very sweet achievement when I satisfaction even beyond measure. Six during gale force winds. convinced David and the other months ago I first set foot on Irish soil  Meeting a meteorologist who cares supervising attorneys on the project and the steps I have taken since then little about the weather (if it rains, that the Irish Innocence Project should amaze me. Highlights include: wear a raincoat and, anyway, expand its model to include journalism  Taking Irish lessons and being you’ll dry eventually) but is students, as well as law students, in interviewed in Irish about my devoted to yoga, a quarryman who order to enhance the efficacy of the Fulbright work on Raidió Na Life’s admired my legs, and the only Innocence Project work. Of the nearly ‘Fada Is Fairsing’. state pathologist in all of Ireland. 70 Innocence Network projects in the  Joining a currach team at East I understand now that conversation is world – including almost 60 in the US Wall Water Sports Centre and, a currency more valuable here than – the Irish Innocence Project is now while rowing in these traditional money, and that every conversation – only the second project with an Irish boats, making friends of my whether it be at a staff meeting or in integrated model of having both law teammates that will surely be a pub – is laced with wit, humour and and journalism students working as lifelong fun. I am lost to a culture that loves caseworkers, the Montana Innocence  Escorting the SS Hare in currachs storytelling as much as I do. I am Project being the other. This down the Liffey during a lost to Ireland. That is to say, I development has inspired me to want reenactment to commemorate the love Ireland. And I am grateful to to spread the word, both in the US and food relief to the striking workers the Fulbright Commission for beyond, about the benefits of law and during the 1913 Lockout introducing me to her.

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Professor Brian Mac Craith, President Sarah with Mrs Harriet Mayor Fulbright at the USFA 36th Annual Conference of DCU, addressing the guests at the IFAA Thanksgiving Dinner at the Helix

Paul’s farewell do in Roly’s Bistro with Sarah Ingle

Thanksgiving Singsong: Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh and Nóirín Ní Laighin singing a song in Irish at the IFAA Thanksgiving Dinner at the Helix (with lyrics provided by Google) watched by Róisín Tiernan

Congratulations to our Vice- President Jimmy O’Brien Moran on the release of his new piping CD Take me Tender. The CD features some of the repertoire of blind pre- famine piper Paddy Conneely (d.1851). Conneely’s portrait, painted by FW Burton, adorns the cover and the CD has already received great critical acclaim. Current Irish Fulbright student to DC Kieran McCarthy and friend at the www.jimmyobrienmoran.com USFA 36th Annual Conference

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Sarah at the British Fulbright Scholars' Association Thanksgiving Dinner, Bangor on 28 November 2013. Included in the photo is Gary Fair (right of Sarah), Chair of BFSA, his wife Claire Fair, Eileen Sung BFSA NI Chapter convener, Penny Holloway and Janet Some of the Thanksgiving guests enjoying the performance of the Campus Choir at Armstrong the host. the IFAA Thanksgiving Dinner at the Helix: Erin Treacy, Emily Strong, PJ Smyth, Bob Strong, Brien Vahey, Gráinne Cuffe and Karen Devine

Gráinne with some of her prints at the Graphic Studio Gallery Hilda Green, Artist, US Fulbrighter to the Netherlands at the USFA 36th Annual Conference

Foyer of State Department, Washington DC, where a networking reception for the USFA 36th Annual Conference was held

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