Winter 2011

Maynooth Alumni Magazine

Maynooth Alumni Advisory Board 40 Years of Geography Alumni in the News Computer Science Silver Jubilee ...... Plus Graduate Profiles, Events in the Spotlight, Graduations and much more… 1 The Bridge

Stay Connected Wİnter ’11 Welcome to Maynooth Alumni Association Your alumni association can help make your investment in education go even the Brİdge further. For more information, please visit http://www.alumni.nuim.ie. Editor Welcome to this year’s edition of Alumni will soon be able to register Karen Kelly, Alumni Office, Karen Kelly 01 Welcome 13 Alumni in the Maynooth Alumni Association via this website and once registered, Greetings and Hello. Riverstown Lodge, Maynooth, Co Kildare. Design the News magazine, The Bridge. I hope you be eligible to sign up for alumni Tel: (01) 708 6492 or log on to www.unthink.ie Maynooth Alumni hit the will enjoy our 2011 publication which events, modify their contact details →http://alumni.nuim.ie/connected 02 Introducing our headlines in 2011. features a wide variety of articles on-line and receive regular emails Print Some of the Alumni benefits Spectrum Print Logistics on topics ranging from finance, and communications from the Alumni new President sociology, history and geography. Office. Keep an eye out for that! from Maynooth Professor Philip Nolan joined - Annual Alumni Magazine – Paper 14 Children of the The ‘Where are they now’ section on Offset NUI Maynooth this year as Thanks to all (alumni, staff and The Bridge alumni includes profiles on alumni President. Read about his plans self-absorbed academics) for their support and - graduate discounts on the Professor Brendan Gleeson argues from every decade since the 1960s. and vision for the University. commitment in producing this University’s sports facilities – that cities are increasingly designing Our new President, Professor Philip year’s magazine which will be Gym and Swimming Pool children out of the equation. Nolan, shares his thoughts on his vision available on the Alumni website, - graduate membership of the 04 Events in for the University and how alumni can http://alumni.nuim.ie. University’s library the Spotlight 16 Computer Science contribute to the University’s Strategic If you need any copies for fellow - Assistance in organizing reunions So many events in 2011 but here Celebrates Planning Process. One group who are alumni, please contact me on and events are some of our favourites. doing just that is the Maynooth Alumni 01 708 6492 or by email - Bank of Ireland affinity credit card Silver Jubilee Advisory Board (MAAB). Established at [email protected] - discounts on accommodation for So many reasons to celebrate… in February, MAAB is a new initiative All the best, hotels locally 06 Alumni Ball 2011 for 2011 from the Alumni Office.R ead The fourth annual Alumni - opportunity to establish Chapters more about MAAB on page 23. Ball was a ball! 18 Dublinked regionally and abroad Dublin's Local Authorities and Over the next few months, the - Seasonal alumni events NUI Maynooth invite businesses, Alumni Office will be launching a → http://alumni.nuim.ie/services 08 Ireland’s Urban technologists and researchers new on-line community website Karen Kelly Structure to join unique data network. for Maynooth Alumni. Alumni Officer Maynooth Chapters Alumnus Edgar Morgenroth, The best way to keep in touch! currently Associate Research 19 Where are our Professor at the ESRI, argues As time goes by it may not be as easy as the case for forging links Alumni now? it once was to meet up with classmates between Ireland’s parishes, Graduate Profiles. from your university days at Maynooth. villages, towns and counties. Setting up a Chapter is a great way for 22 Graduations A note from graduates to keep in touch with each 09 40 Years of Conferrings in 2011. other and the University. A Chapter joins people together and is open to all Geography at the Presİdent graduates on an equal basis. The Alumni Maynooth! 23 Maynooth Office will assist you whenever possible It all began in 1971… Alumni Advisory in recruiting members and organising It gives me great pleasure to welcome We are always delighted to hear events. The most common aims of Board (MAAB) you to this year’s edition of The Bridge. from past students – as graduates of University Chapters include: 10 Towards a Alumni help strengthen the Since arriving on campus in August Maynooth you are the cornerstone Maynooth Alumni Association. this year I have experienced firsthand of our reputation. I invite all of you to - Maintaining contact with Maynooth Second Republic the warm welcome and collegiality stay in touch and stay connected with - Advocates for your Alma mater Will change do us good? that so many alumni reminisce about. your alma mater and I look forward to - Facilitate social gatherings 24 The Morpeth Roll Maynooth is a very special place and meeting you at one of the many alumni 19th Century Social Network. - Networking opportunities 12 Princeton Review I look forward to working with you events over the next twelve months. - Assist in fundraising initiatives NUI Maynooth becomes the and the wider University community Warmest regards first and only university outside over the coming years to consolidate - Build Alumni commitment of North America to feature NUI Maynooth’s distinctive and in the Princeton Review. special contribution to our national The Bridge is a magazine published by NUI Maynooth. Contributions in the form of articles, graduate profiles system of higher education and and photographs are welcome. We would be delighted to further strengthen our national Professor Philip Nolan, to receive your comments and ideas for future editions and international reputation. President, NUI Maynooth – please email [email protected] The opinions and views in this publication are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by NUI Maynooth. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of the magazine, NUI Maynooth cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions or effects arising thereof. However any errors or omissions should be brought to the attention of the alumni office.

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‘Maynooth is on a trajectory to be Ireland’s best university. I would hope in ten years time that alumni can say that’s something we contributed to and of which we’re proud’.

‘We need to unashamedly tell the country and the He plans to re-establish connections with our world that we have extraordinary good educational international alumni community so as alumni can programmes and a wonderful experience for students support the University in a variety of ways. and that Maynooth should be the university of Finally, the fourth pillar of the University strategy choice for people for their degrees’ he stressed. over the next ten years will be engagement – seeking Acknowledging the role played by John Hughes, former partnership with enterprise, the community and the President of NUI Maynooth in the area of research, State, Professor Nolan will explore all avenues for Professor Nolan sees a strong research infrastructure opportunities for learning and scholarship. ’We have as being the second pillar in his strategy. ‘John worked to be active in these areas and not take a passive role. very hard to build a strong research base. Over the Active engagement on the part of the University is next ten years, we will be working to consolidate our a critical part of our strategy over the next decade’. Introducing research infrastructure and research base and to Alumni, he believes, will have a role to play in this. ‘Just establish Maynooth internationally as a centre for as many of our alumni will have traveled nationally research. We are strong in the humanities including and settled internationally, many of our alumni the very innovative area of digital humanities and remain local and involved in the local community, Professor many alumni know that. Maynooth is certainly strong in local enterprise and administration, so again I in the social sciences and what is special here is the would like to see an engagement between us and way we think about society in spatial and geographical them, in partnership to do new things in the region’. as well as sociological and economic terms’. Speaking Philip Nolan As a result of the global and broad social reach of about computing and electronics and information Maynooth Alumni, Professor Nolan appreciates and communications technology, the President how influential and supportive alumni can be to a believes entities such as the Hamilton, Callan and Professor Philip Nolan was appointed President of NUI Maynooth on university. Speaking about the Maynooth Alumni Innovation Value Institutes are showing that in that Advisory Board which was formed earlier this year, 15th August 2011. A Dublin man and the first generation of his family those advanced areas of technology, Maynooth is he is clear about the need for alumni to contribute right at the cutting edge. ‘We have something very to go to university, Professor Nolan was previously Registrar and to the strategic vision for the University. ’The most particular and special to offer in this area of research important thing that alumni do is to prevent the Deputy President of UCD until his Maynooth appointment. Speaking and we see ourselves as being partners nationally University from being too inward looking. Alumni and internationally in these areas of strength’. to The Bridge, he outlined his vision for the University over the years can say look, there’s a world here that your students ahead and how alumni will be a key contributor to these plans. Professor Nolan’s third pillar concerns graduate in and your research gets applied into; you internationalisation. ‘The experience that alumni are need to think about us when you’re making your plans proud of, their recollections of their educational and and when you’re running your institution. Alumni are happy times at NUI Maynooth can only attract more appropriately proud of the institution they’ve come ‘Maynooth is a wonderful university with a particular The first of Professor Nolan’s pillars is in the realm and more people from outside Ireland to want to come from. They want to see it prosper – the support of our history that in one form or another, has served of education, teaching and learning. ‘Perhaps the and study here and that brings great benefits to the alumni will be critical to the delivery of the strategy’. the country well for over two hundred years. It trait that Maynooth is most famous for is the quality institution’. Commenting that such an experience will Professor Nolan’s ten year journey with NUI Maynooth has particular strengths in the humanities, social of our education and what we do for our students. only make for a more interesting and intercultural began this year. His vision for the University is sciences and science and engineering so my first All of our alumni report very fond memories of their environment, he is also of the belief that there are based on inclusion. ‘The only way that everybody objective is to build on that history and strength time at Maynooth, of the individual teachers that real benefits to be had for the region. ‘The employers believes in it is if everybody has contributed to it. and ensure that NUI Maynooth is and continues to inspired them and of the learning atmosphere and located in this region want to employ very good Maynooth is on a trajectory to be Ireland’s best be a leading Irish University and really establishes learning environment. They would assert that from graduates but they also want to employ graduates university in terms of the teaching it offers and itself on the international stage’. With these the perspective of a student, Maynooth is Ireland’s from diverse backgrounds, with diverse ways of for some focused areas of research where we can opening words from the conversation with Karen best university. We need to make this known, to thinking. Having an internationalized university is claim to be the best in the country and establishing Kelly, Alumni Officer, Professor Nolan proceeded confidently assert it to the rest of the world’. Professor not only good in itself but it also has a very positive because of that, a very clear position on the to discuss the four pillars that will be instrumental Nolan commented that in particular, one of the impact on the attractiveness of the region as a international stage. I would hope in ten years time in delivering his strategy during his Presidency. characteristics of a Maynooth education is that it place for employers to set up’. The demographic of that alumni can say that’s something we contributed is an education for life, that it provides students Maynooth Alumni, by virtue of this international focus to and of which we’re proud’. Watch this space! with the learning and the skills that are necessary will, he believes, become much more international. for work certainly but for life and citizenship also.

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Professor Philip Nolan, President of and Institute of Technology Tallaght - which NUI Maynooth commented that ‘these will add strength and depth to Ireland’s Speaking after the performance, President INTEL CEO marks 5th distinctions are testimony to the important biopharmaceutical and biomedical McAleese congratulated the Choir on their calibre of teaching and research at NUI device industries. One of the first significant twenty five years and, quotingY eats, noted anniversary of IVI Maynooth and on the priority we place university collaborations in this area, BioAT that that the choir’s dedication and passion EVENTS Organisations no longer have to ‘shoot in on equipping our graduates with the (BioAnalysis and Therapeutics Structured for music epitomised ‘education not filling the dark’ with regard to their IT investments best possible qualifications and skills’. PhD Programme) will help drive Ireland’s LL.B. Degree accredited the pail, but lighting a fire’. The Maynooth IN THE as the IT-CMF framework from the push for cures to diseases like Alzheimer’s, by the King’s Inns Alumni Association invited a number of Innovation Value Institute (IVI), founded by New Framework Cystic Fibrosis and Cancer. A total of 29 alumni as guests to this anniversary event. SPOTLIGHT Intel and NUI Maynooth, has established for Understanding doctoral researchers have commenced the The Honorable Society of King's Inns itself as ‘an invaluable evaluation and four year Bio Analysis and Therapeutics has accredited NUI Maynooth’s new Cerebeo strategic tool for companies and entities Origin and Evolution doctoral programme which will deliver multi- four-year, full-time undergraduate LL.B. throughout the world across all industries disciplinary PhD projects with applications Bachelor of Laws degree. This adds to the new spin out and sectors’, Intel CTO Justin Rattner of Animal Species to cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, Department’s portfolio of accredited law Cerebeo – a new company dedicated said as IVI marked its 5th anniversary. An international research project led by Dr neurodegenerative and infection / immune degrees, which includes the B.C.L. (with a to improving the speed, efficiency and Davide Pisani, an evolutionary biologist from diseases. The programme is structured to focus on Law & Arts) and the B.B.L. (with effectiveness of the €1 billion Outsourced Mr Rattner said the development of the IT- NUI Maynooth, and financed by Science ensure the highest level of transferrable a focus on Law & Business). The new LL.B. Drug Research and Development industry CMF was a priority for Intel and was a unique Foundation Ireland and NASA, has made a skill and knowledge between academia and was designed to reflect recent research was spun out from NUI Maynooth earlier this contribution to securing the future role of fundamental breakthrough in the study of the needs of industry and works to develop on what legal education does well and year. Cerebeo is a specialized outsourced IT in the workplace. In the past five years the relationships between groups of animals, graduates entrepreneurial skills as well as what it fails to do adequately. It was also research company using some of the most IVI has achieved a number of significant providing a new framework to understand the highest quality of academic research. tailored to reflect the needs of potential innovative models and techniques available in milestones including moving from start-up Saro-Wiwa private the origin and evolution of animal species. employers in highly competitive markets, science and is the second company spun out to an international organisation with over 75 including large international law firms, from the research of Professor John Lowry, prison letters donated members across the US, Canada, Australia, The three year project, which used NUI Maynooth multinational businesses, regulatory who was winner of the 2009 Enterprise New Zealand, Europe, UK and Ireland, training phylogenomic methodologies developed to University points increase agencies and international organisations. Ireland Lifesciences Commercialisation more than 500 CIOs and leading IT executives over the past ten years, analysed the NUI Maynooth has received a unique gift NUI Maynooth has experienced the highest Accordingly, it emphasizes legal writing Award. The company is targeting a turnover from over 20 countries and developing largest hereditary (genomic) data set of with the donation of private correspondence growth in CAO first choice applications and advocacy skills and incorporates of €6m by 2016 and will be recruiting two specialised IVI research into specific 255 genes and over 49,000 amino acid from renowned Nigerian writer and social of any university in Ireland this year. The experiential learning wherever feasible. technicians by the end of this year. industry issues, including Sustainable positions from 33 different species. The activist Ken Saro-Wiwa written while number of first choice applications to the The King’s Inns accreditation will add ICT, Cloud Computing and security. study focused on tardigrades, or ‘water he awaited execution in Port Harcourt University grew by 8% year-on-year, while to the range of choices available to law bears’ as they are more commonly known, an Researchers point detention centre from 1993–1995. The the number of students applying to third students at NUI Maynooth and enhance animal group that has existed for over 600 letters were donated by Irish missionary Gain in 2011 World level institutions remained flat. In recent their ability to compete internationally. way to free city- million years, has proven to be the one of the nun, Sister Majella McCarron, who had years NUI Maynooth has been Ireland’s University Rankings most resilient on the planet, and can even The Department of Law has experienced wide broadband supported Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni people fastest growing university and shows a The World University Rankings, published survive in outer space. Dr Pisani’s research rapid expansion at NUI Maynooth. This Scientists at the Hamilton Institute at in their struggle to protect their homeland cumulative growth in CAO first choice today by Thomson Reuters, show NUI findings have groundbreaking ramifications September, three new postgraduate NUI Maynooth have devised a solution for many years. The donation was made applications of 55% over the past five years. Maynooth is now numbered among the top for the way we classify groups of animals, degree programmes were introduced; to what is a major challenge for cities on the 16th anniversary of his execution, 400 universities in the world and is the only their relationships with each other and our This year NUI Maynooth saw particularly LL.M. – Master of Law (for law graduates), worldwide – the provision of widespread, which took place on 10th November 1995. Irish university to increase its ranking this understanding of how they have evolved as strong growth in the demand for specialty M.L.S. – Master of Legal Science (for free, effective broadband for all their Nobel Peace Prize nominee Saro-Wiwa year. The rankings are based on 13 separate well as having significant implications for subjects in Arts and Sciences, indicating graduates from any discipline) and the LL.M citizens. For more than 10 years, this has handwrote 30 letters to Sister Majella while performance indicators designed to capture scientists in other fields such as synthetic students are thinking ahead to possible International Business Law (dual degree been a goal of cities in their drive to support he was on death row. The letters, which the full range of university activities including biology, geology and parasitology. career opportunities at an earlier stage. with the Catholic University of Lyon). the ‘smart economy’ but it had remained were smuggled out of the Port Harcourt teaching, research volume and influence, Individual subjects like Psychology (505 elusive due to technological limitations. detention centre in bread baskets between industry income and international outlook. points) Media Studies (455 points) Minister launches 25 years of The two main barriers to creating successful October 1993 and September 1995, detail The ranking caps a highly successful year and Science Education (470 points) all municipal wireless networks are Interference the harsh realities of life as a political for NUI Maynooth which continues to be the University collaboration experienced strong demand growth. the Maynooth from the many WiFi transmitters in close prisoner and the hardships and deprivations fastest growing university in Ireland, with The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Points for general Arts admission (the Chamber Choir proximity to each other and Fairness – the he suffered. The letters also speak of the 9% increase in CAO undergraduate first Quinn T.D. formally launched BioAT – a University’s most popular course) rose In May this year, the Maynooth Chamber allocation of bandwidth evenly between increasing political turmoil in Nigeria and preference applications, 12% increase in unique PhD collaboration between Dublin to 380 while the BSc in Pharmaceutical Choir celebrated its silver anniversary with users. Professor Doug Leith and colleagues of Saro-Wiwa’s hopes for a peaceful future postgraduate applications and ranked 4th City University, NUI Maynooth, Royal and Biomedical Chemistry saw a a gala concert with former President Mary Ken Duffy and David Malone have developed in that country and in Northern Ireland. in research income per academic in Ireland. College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) surge in points from 365 to 400. McAleese as Guest of Honour. The Chamber software programs which circumvent the Key teaching degrees at NUI Maynooth; Choir, consisting of twenty two students Interference and Fairness issues meaning the Primary Teaching with Froebel (465) from NUI Maynooth and St Patrick’s College WiFi transmitters operate effectively. The and Science Education (470) have also Maynooth was conducted by Aengus software has been proven in trials and the held up well despite the perception Ó Maoláin, a graduate of music at the NUI Maynooth team is currently preparing of current challenges in employment University, former President of the Maynooth for large scale demonstrations in association and NUI Maynooth’s new degree Student’s Union and inaugural member of the with industry partners with a view to bringing

2 3 Law (LLB) has points of 460. Maynooth Alumni Advisory Board (MAAB). the software to market as soon as possible.

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1. Dean McCarthy (BSc 2008) 2. Class of 1996 (l-r); Vivienne Lee, Louise Gargan, Brendan McEvoy, Maura Flynn Dempsey, Patrick Neylon, Mark Greville 3. (l-r); Gemma Ennis, Professor Tom Collins, Interim President, and Ann O’Brien, Director of Access 4. Sandra Hughes (BA 2009) 5. (l-r); Professor Chris Morash, Professor Tom Collins, Interim President, Mary O’Donnell and Professor Peter Denman

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Celebrate & Connect 4 5

‘Celebrate and Connect’ was the theme of this year’s annual ball held in Pugin Hall on Saturday, 11 June. Alumni from the graduating classes of 1971, 1991 and 1996 celebrated on the night.

Apropos graduates from every decade Professor Tom Collins, presented two awards She has been recognised by numerous awards and Gemma Ennis was inducted into the ‘Made in Maynooth’ since the 1960s were represented at on the night. The President’s Alumni Award honours including the Listowel Writers’ Week prize, Alumni Hall of Fame. Gemma, an Access Student the Ball. Minister for State, Brian Hayes this year went to writer Mary O’Donnell. the William Allingham Award, the V. S. Pritchett Prize, graduated with a BA in German and Mathematics in TD, who is a 1991 History and Sociology Mary is a prominent writer, has published and earlier this year, the Fish International Short 2002. She worked in the NUI Maynooth Access Office graduate, was guest at the President’s six collections of poetry, three novels and Story Prize. Alongside her national and international where she developed a number of very successful school table which also hosted representatives two collections of short stories. She is prominence, Mary has maintained a close connection outreach programmes, in particular ‘Sowing the Seeds of from across the education sector. an influential drama critic, has presented with Maynooth, serving as a member of the University’s Science’, before completing a Higher Diploma in Primary on national radio, and has written many Governing Authority and as a guest lecturer of creative Education. She is currently acting deputy principal in articles across a span of academic journals writing to a select stream of our English students. Kilbride National School, Trim. In her acceptance speech and glossy magazines. Her status has been Gemma commended the work of the Access Office recognised by admission to Aosdána, the and in particular, Ann O’Brien, Director of Access. elite association of Irish writers and artists.

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Professor Willie Smyth, Within Ireland there are ongoing debates about A number of papers have shown that higher Dr Fran Walsh rural development, urbanisation and regional employment densities increase productivity. (Proinnsias Breathnach), development. These debates are typically carried This is due to production externalities e.g. Professor Dennis Pringle, Professor Patrick Duffy. out in the context of fairly sharing resources, shorter transport distance, increased supply history or personal freedoms. The wider and demand for skilled labour (competition), implications for the economy are rarely considered increased interaction. Furthermore, many in the debate. However, a large literature shows papers have shown agglomeration economies that the nature of the settlement patterns and and coagglomeration economies i.e. that there the types of urban centres that develop will have are returns from additional scale. However, a crucial impact on national competitiveness, the impact of the agglomeration economies productivity and growth. This literature points appear only to apply to places very close to the particularly at the important role of urban centres. agglomeration. In summary scale, density and distance matter for economic development. Of course the focus on spatial issues in the Economics literature is not new. For example Of course cities can become too large, congested Adam Smith in his famous The Wealth of Nations, or sprawled making them relatively more published in 1776 observed that ‘There are expensive and at some point uneconomic. It some sorts of industries, even of the lowest has also been shown that growth is reduced kind, which can be carried on nowhere but if too large a proportion of the population in a great town.’ Over the last two decades a becomes concentrated in one city. substantial body of research has quantified When the economic recovery in Ireland gains the impact of space on the development of momentum growth in Ireland is likely to follow modern economies and key underlying factors. the same underlying principles as elsewhere. One of the overarching processes that have Thus growth will be predominantly urban. influenced economic development has been However, Ireland has a poor urban structure with 40 Years of globalisation, which has seen increasing trade relatively low urbanisation, relatively small cities in goods and services and the movement of and a high concentration of the population in capital and workers and has thus resulted in one city. This could reduce growth compared to increased international competition. Countries what would be possible if Ireland had a spatial Geography have responded to this competition by distribution of the population similar to that of addressing shortcomings in the factors that other EU countries. While this distribution is to determine competitiveness which has resulted some extent driven by the historical settlement This year the Geography Department in Maynooth in the convergence of some factors such as patterns which cannot be changed quickly, other celebrates its 40th birthday and all past students, staff corporation tax rates and basic human capital factors such as poor planning and a tendency indicators. However, for other variables, and towards ‘parish pump politics’, also play an and lecturers are invited to join in the celebrations. particularly those that are less evenly distributed important role. In the context of the international within countries are observed to diverge. This experience, it would be more sensible to The Department will host a full complement of social and You may remember reading it –we defy anyone to forget implies that specific locations are becoming concentrate resources and to forge closer links academic events. This semester we began with a very once they have read the footnotes for Denis Pringle’s more important – place matters more. among parishes, villages, towns or counties. special event on 19th October; a meeting of song and article on ‘Geography and Sex’ in the inaugural issue! conversation with one of Kildare’s most important cultural We have also created a webpage with links to all the figures, Luka Bloom. Two public lectures were held this articles by members of the Department that have semester; Derek Gregory, a leading figure in modern been published in the journal, Irish Geography – http:// human geography, gave a talk on 25th November about geography.nuim.ie/studygeography/anniversary/ the historical geography of aerial warfare and on 8th publications. You will probably need to be logged in via December one of our most distinguished alumni, Gerard a University to download these for free but you can in Toal, Professor of Government and International Affairs any case preview the first page of each article which Ireland’s Poor at Virginia Tech and the academic most responsible may indeed be enough to set alight your memories for developing the field of Critical Geopolitics, gave a of lectures and tutorials. At the end of this history talk on post-conflict society in the Caucasus. You can project we hope to have a fine website for our alumni learn more about these events here – http://geography. but also a film of the history of the Department which Urban Structure will nuim.ie/studygeography/anniversary/events. we will launch with a red-carpet première in June 2012 We are, of course, in nostalgic mode and are seeking the for students, lecturers and staff, past and present. help of our alumni in creating a visual and oral history of Professor Mark Boyle is head of the Geography the Department. So, please seek out your old field trip Reduce Growth Department at NUI Maynooth. and other photos, scan them and send files along to us. The details of the project and the many ways you can Professor Gerry Kearns joined NUI Maynooth this Alumnus, Edgar Morgenroth (BA 1994, MA 1995), get involved are detailed here – http://geography.nuim. year from Virginia Tech where he was Professor currently Associate Research Professor at the ie/studygeography/anniversary/history. To get you in of Government and International Affairs. In reflective mode, we have up on the web some back issues November 2011, he gave the third lecture in the ESRI, argues the case for forging links between of the Geography Department magazine, Milieu, still going Professorial Inaugural Lecture Series which was Ireland’s parishes, villages, towns and counties. strong after all these years – http://geography.nuim.ie/ launched earlier this year at NUI Maynooth. study-geography/alumni-network/past-issues-milieu. Perhaps you can remember contributing to the magazine. Save the Date, June 2012 Geography Department Film Première 2012 → 01 706 6492 or email [email protected]

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While the focus of public attention has been on fixing the banks and getting the economy moving again, there is the danger that the deeper challenges of constructing a more democratic and effective political system, of delivering quality public services accessible by all, of reducing inequalities, of weaning ourselves off dependence on fossil fuels and moving to a carbon-neutral society, and of raising the quality of public deliberation and engagement will be seen as less pressing.

They see a reformed political system, as a means to a Yet, outlining ideal-type models is the easy part. more egalitarian and sustainable society, with an economy More difficult is to identify as clearly as possible the that serves the good of society rather than giving priority social forces that support these different models to the needs of global capital and its allies within Ireland. and that can help to make the transition to a new Achieving such an Ireland will require a decisive move model. In this regard, the relationship between ideas, to a new model of development, the need for which interests and institutions becomes crucial. Clearly, has been largely missing in the reform debate so far. the economic and banking collapse has opened up new spaces in which to debate ideas, spaces that had –– Kirby and Murphy map out the options facing Irish been largely closed down during the Celtic Tiger. society around three models, or ways in which the state and the market interact. The first is the current But ideas on their own don’t being about change. model, inherited from Celtic Tiger Ireland, which is This requires that wider sectors of society begin to a radical free-market and neoliberal model in which identify their interest with the change agenda, begin the state sees its role as being to service the needs to see that the sorts of changes being promoted of global capital in the first place and only weakly would best serve their needs. This is beginning to attend to the needs of the most vulnerable in society happen but needs to go much further. Finally, only when thereafter. While this model has bankrupted the state, broader sectors of society support the need for the ruined the banking system and led the economy into fundamental changes outlined here can institutions be its most severe recession since independence, there built that give a more permanent expression to these Mapping Options for are few signs of any decisive move away from it. changes. A crucial part of the institutions that might build a new Irish society relate to developments in the –– However, a second model is emerging from civil society, European Union and the book examines how out of Ireland’s Future Development particularly from the trade union and other social the present crisis in the EU may emerge institutions movements, as well as from sectors of the political that better facilitate an alternative model, effectively While the 2011 general election was full of the promise of In this context, it is important to hold to ambitious agendas left. This is labelled in the book as a developmental moving us closer to Berlin and farther from Boston. reform, what has been delivered by the Fine Gael/Labour for change. Foremost among these over the period of the social democratic model under which the state would coalition has been rather piecemeal and incremental. We general election was mention of the need for a second set more robust social goals and seek to develop an ‘Towards a Second Republic’ therefore maps out still await the constitutional convention, promised for this republic to re-found the institutions of the state and of economic system to achieve these goals, particularly an agenda for long-term and radical change at this autumn and now postponed until the spring of 2012. In the the economy, embodying new values and a new vision through investment in strengthening Irish enterprises crucial moment in our history. Its authors see it as meantime, energies dissipate and expectations decline. of the sort of society we aspire to. ‘Towards a Second across a broad range of activities. Such a model will a tool to aid debate and guide activism rather than Republic’, a new book by Peadar Kirby and Mary P Murphy require a more broadly based and just taxation system simply as an analysis of where we are now at. As Yet, the need for radical change remains. While the focus published by Pluto Press and launched in the Mansion from which quality public services could be funded. such its value will lie in the extent to which it clarifies of public attention has been on fixing the banks and House, Dublin, on November 3rd is the first book-length options and encourages action to achieve them. getting the economy moving again, there is the danger –– The contours of a third model are also visible on the treatment of what a second republic would entail. that the deeper challenges of constructing a more horizon of some sectors of civil society which seek democratic and effective political system, of delivering While a new republic inevitably requires major reforms to to respond to the twin challenges of greenhouse gas quality public services accessible by all, of reducing our electoral and party political systems, to the way the emissions which are causing global warming, and inequalities, of weaning ourselves off dependence on state’s bureaucracy functions, and to relations between of peak oil which is going to see the price of oil and fossil fuels and moving to a carbon-neutral society, the executive and the legislature, the authors believe oil-based products climb steadily. These are leading and of raising the quality of public deliberation that the reform agenda has been too limited to these society into a time of huge uncertainty which will and engagement will be seen as less pressing. types of reform. Indeed, they worry that we could reform require a transition to a steady-state economy based Dr. Mary P Murphy is a lecturer in NUI our systems of governance without equally thorough not on economic growth but on the redistribution Maynooth in Irish Politics and Society. Her reforms to our economy and society. No reforms would of goods and services. Achieving this may well work is widely published and she has made be complete for example without addressing the issue of make necessary a very different model, what the regular appearances on Irish television. gender equality. Furthermore, they raise the possibility authors call an ethical or ecological socialism, as of whether a second Irish Republic would embrace the incentives dramatically change for all of society. Professor Peadar Kirby is currently whole island, the nationalist and unionist traditions, and Professor of International Politics and Public the sectors of Irish society that identify with neither. Policy at the University of Limerick.

Maynooth Alumni Association Stay Connected, Keep Connected WWW.ALUMNI.NUIM.IE 12 The Bridge 13 The Bridge Alumni in the News NUI Maynooth graduates have a broad business and social reach. See for yourself just some of the ways the University’s graduates made their mark on the world during 2011. Princeton 2

Review 1 NUI Maynooth becomes the first and only university outside of North America to feature in the Princeton Review

This Autumn, prospective US undergraduates will For many students in the USA, the possibility of be turning once again to the Princeton Review’s attending university in Ireland is attractive and becoming college guide ‘The Best 376 Colleges: 2012 Edition’ more of a reality. The cost of studying in Ireland can often

for guidance in choosing their preferred university be less than studying ‘out of state’ in the US, and the 3 4 5 or college. But this year they will find a a new choice: high quality of Ireland’s education system is recognized the NUI Maynooth. NUI Maynooth is the first and only worldwide. The intimate, collegiate campus and the 1. FORMER PRESIDENT OF NUI MAYNOOTH, Congratulations to the Dubs and the Kerry team international university outside of North America to variety of degrees offered by NUI Maynooth are similar BECOMES PRESIDENT OF ROYAL COLLEGE (which also included another NUI Maynooth be selected for the publication since it its inception in many ways to selective universities in the US, known OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND alumnus, Marc Ó Sé) for a fantastic sporting in 1992. The ‘Best Colleges’ review, which features as liberal arts and sciences colleges. These colleges → Tom Collins (BA 1975) occasion. All seven alumni were graduates of the top 15% of all US colleges, is internationally offer the highest quality of education in an intimate Professor Tom Collins became the third president the MBNA-GAA Sports Scholarship scheme run recognised as the key resource used by US students campus setting that focus on the student’s personal of Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical by Tom Maher, GAA Officer for NUI Maynooth. in finding an educational institution that best suits development in addition to their academic achievements. University of Bahrain, earlier this summer. He their requirements both academically and personally. 4. SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT is currently chair of the National Council for OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA The selection process is based on an assessment of Curriculum and Assessment in Ireland and was → Margaret Wagner Dahl (BA 1988) the academic programmes offered by the universities, also an advisor to the Irish Government on Adult Student feedback on NUI Maynooth from In March, University of Georgia President combined with a student survey conducted by the Education during his time as Director of the the Princeton Review ‘The Best 376 Colleges: Michael F Adams, named Margaret Wagner Princeton Review with students who have attended Centre for Adult and Community Education at NUI 2012 Edition’ included: Dahl an administrator with nearly 30 years of the college, covering areas such as ‘Academics’, Maynooth. Professor Collins holds a First Class experience at the intersection of biotechnology ‘Student Life’ and the ‘Student Body’. The Princeton ’The academic standard at Maynooth is impeccable, with Honours Bachelors and Masters Degrees from and economic development, Special Assistant Review conducted surveys among 5,000 current NUI lecturers, lecture halls, tutors, and labs of the finest stature’ Maynooth where he also completed his PhD in 1988. to the President for the Georgia Health Sciences Maynooth students as part of the assessment process. ‘Almost all my lecturers are great orators that bring 2. BECOMING A SENATOR IN SEANAD ÉIREANN University/UGA Medical Partnership. Discussing this achievement, Prof Lawrence Taylor, Vice their subjects to life, creating a genuine interest → Marie-Louise O’Donnell (MEd 1981) 5. PERFORMING THE ROLE OF MARIA CALLAS President for International Affairs at NUI Maynooth among their students’ A native of Foxford, Co. Mayo, Marie Louise IN THE NATIONAL CONCERT HALL, DUBLIN said: ’It is an honour for NUI Maynooth to be the first was nominated by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, to ‘Continually encouraging us to engage in discussions, → Regina Nathan (BA 1982) and only university outside North America to be stand in the 24th Seanad. Senator O’Donnell has to ask questions, and to develop not only a well-informed Internationally renowned Regina Nathan included in the Princeton Review ‘Best Colleges’ guide. been involved in third level education throughout but an independent way of thinking’ enraptured audiences with her virtuoso Our selection can be understood as a Quality Mark her career and has lectured extensively in performances in this year’s much acclaimed Casta for the University. The feedback of former students ‘There is always someone that you can approach Ireland, Europe and the USA in Education, Irish Diva concerts. In lyric soprano roles which have is critical to the selection process and our inclusion for help and guidance’ Drama, Irish Culture and Language. A regular taken her across Europe, as far as Kuala Lumpur is testament to our focus on an excellent academic reviewer and media contributor, she presents a ‘I like the friendliness of everyone on campus, and New York’s Carnegie Hall, Regina has appeared record combined with a dynamic, student-friendly weekly show on RTE’s ‘Today with Pat Kenny.’ from the President right down to the cleaners’ on stage with, amongst others, Placido Domingo environment. Our approach is in line with the American 3. ECONOMICS AND FINANCE GRADUATE, and Frank Patterson. A recording artist with many educational philosophy that considers the many factors, IS ON THE WINNING TEAM solo CD’s, Regina was also awarded a Higher both academic and social, that determine the best ‘fit’ → Barry Cahill (BA 2002) Diploma in Education from Maynooth in 1983. between student and university. Finding a university Playing for Dublin in the nail-biting All-Ireland which suits the whole person is critically important in senior football final against Kerry in September, order for a student to excel, and the Princeton Review Barry Cahill and fellow alumni, Alan Brogan, helps students to find the educational institution where Bernard Brogan, Ger Brennan, Declan Lally they can best develop both academically and socially.’ and David Henry brought the Sam Maguire Cup back to Dublin after a sixteen year gap.

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‘Narcissism is not just tolerated in our day and age, it is glorified… The hallmarks of cultural narcissism are deeply woven Brendan Gleeson, Professor of Geography and Deputy Director of NIRSA (National into the fabric of our current society’. Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis).

The second was the great prioritisation of One dimension of the new narcissism is its economic values, and material gratification childlessness – the adult gaze reflected back to that followed in the wake of the world neo- itself through the looking glass of a society besotted liberal ascendancy from the mid-1970s. with the here and now, not what is to come. Children of the The result was a relentless underlining of the individual Children by their nature demand a different perspective as the centre of social life. From this flowed outwards on time. They are fragile, sensitive and often a culture increasingly devoted to the needs and the unpredictable; their ‘now’ is not the solid, rational and anxieties of the ‘self’, expending enormous energies knowable ‘here’ of we adults. Their developmental needs Self-Absorbed on the repair and development of ourselves. The ‘Me’ question our momentary wants and impress upon us the generation was proclaimed in the 1960s but most of importance of the future as a horizon of social concern. our parents looked on with bemusement, too busy And yet contemporary Western societies remain with babies to join the happening. The message was transfixed with the present, and its relentless really picked up by those who followed in their wake. speeding up. Our institutions, communities, built A well read, well analysed friend recommended They experienced a run of continuous economic Since the 1970s kids and young people have been environments, values, habits and consumption a book to me which he thought helped explain growth that stretched from the late 1940s to the reared in an increasingly atomised, liquefied culture increasingly betray our neglect of children and adult anxieties of our age. This was the American early 1970s and many did very well from it. Most, where social relationships and values are fluid, and young people. And very dangerously for children, psychologist Nina Brown’s 2001 Children of the however, had smelled the whiff of privation early the only thing that is really solid is the individual. At our contemporary work habits, our work obsession, Self-Absorbed: A Grown-Up’s Guide to Getting on through exposure to depression and/or war. the (beginning and the) end of the day there is me. are a central feature of a narcissistic age. over Narcissistic Parents. It sounded intriguing Many had their parents’ straitened experiences The rise of an increasingly agonised consumerism We are starting to learn how much the and promising. Could the uncertainties, the stamped on them in some way. I was aware captures these changes. Children and young people contemporary workhouse culture is harming restless fluidities and the relentless search for of this as a child – of what people had ‘been have emerged as massive new consumption markets. our children and young people. Parental completion that seems to define my (middle through’ – but it wasn’t presented to us with pity. Teenagers face an ever proliferating array of electronic absenteeism is hurting and harming kids. ageing) generation be explained by past parenting? I don’t think self-absorption describes must have’s – phones, music players, games – that have I tracked the book down immediately and pored Part of my work in recent years has pointed to their mindset or their rearing of children, at been incorporated in everyday culture as the necessary over it on the train from Dublin to Maynooth. the neglect of children in our urban environments, least generally. There was restiveness and not optional mainstays of networking and friendships. to urban processes that seem mindless of The more I read, however, the more I realised unhappiness with roles, especially as the age We are now familiar with the increasingly alarmed children’s needs. I’ve written and spoken on this that Brown’s message – at least for me – was of freedom dawned in the 1960s. Women debates about the penetration of children’s lifeworlds in Ireland in recent years. People here get it. not about the failings of the past. I raked my regained identities beyond the anonymous by advertising which is attempting to push new, memory but couldn’t recover a culture of self- confines of traditional marriage, and many My starting point is that many developed annually obsolete ‘necessities’ into the core of family absorption amongst my parents’ generation. At other values and cultural outlooks were able to nations, especially the English speaking ones, and civic life. The sexualisation of children’s fashion least not in the modest middle class circles I was flower. But it’s fair to say that adults weren’t have for some time neglected children in their is merely the sharpest edge of this wedge that is part of whilst growing up in Australia during the as focused on themselves as we are. collective thinking and in their public policies. trying remorselessly to open out childhood to the 1970s. No, the more I read and thought about Not so for neo-liberalism’s children. And here claims and dictates of consumption. More generally, Our cities are increasingly designing kids out. But this it, the more I realised with creeping trepidation we can cut to Ireland of the Celtic Tiger boom society seems ever more focused on a self that isn’t is more than a problem of urban thoughtlessness. that her analysis implicated my post-1950s years. Unlike the ‘Pope’s Children’, the tiger childlike or young. The individual at the centre of It betrays a deep self-absorption in a society generation in the epidemic of narcissism and its cubs were the product of two intersecting our society is an adult. The Australian commentator that has generally neglected its regenerative consequences for children today. Our children. changes to social values and roles. The first Anne Manne has written of ‘The New Narcissism’ systems, including those that care for children. In Australia our parents’ generation were the was ‘cultural pluralisation’ – the blowing open in Australian (and Western) society. Manne writes, Anne Manne senses ‘something fundamentally beneficiaries of a golden economic summer. There of narrowly stereotyped roles and values ‘Narcissism is not just tolerated in our day and age, it flawed’ in our contemporary social makeup. It is was a pretty steady enhancement of working from the 1960s in the face of feminism, gay is glorified… The hallmarks of cultural narcissism are a special perversity of the age that we should and middle class well-being during this time. rights, environmentalism and the like. deeply woven into the fabric of our current society’. spend so much time before the mirror without ever noticing our darkening blemishes.

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Coincidently it is also 100 years since the birth As well as teaching, research and outreach has equally of the father of Computer Science, Alan Turing. been a priority in the department. The first PhD student To mark these milestones, the department will graduated in 1998 and staff have been leaders in EU hold a reunion of computer science alumni around and SFI grants worth several million euro, particularly Easter of 2012 to which we hope as many of in the areas of digital holography, computer vision, our past students as possible will attend. geo-computation and principles of programming.It is also notable that three research institutes on campus The creation of the Chair of Computer Science in 1987 owe their origin to initiatives started by computer at what was then St Patrick’s College marked the science staff – Hamilton Institute, National Centre for expansion of the Science Faculty with a new subject. Geocomputation and An Foras Feasa. The department’s The department was based in Logic House. In those Summer School for Chinese students has become a days all undergraduate students enrolled for just the regular fixture. The department also runs an annual general science BSc degree and graduated with either a computing summer camp for teenagers and staff three-year general degree or a four-year double honours have given public lectures for primary school children. degree. Therefore, the first computer science graduates Our undergraduates have competed in international were those eight who accepted the general degree in competitions and have twice been highly placed in 1990. At that stage the department staff consisted of the finals of the Microsoft Imagine Cup in Seoul and the professor one permanent academic, and a secretary Paris. Our students have also contributed to the NUI with additional teaching by contract and occasional staff. Maynooth robot soccer team who have done well in The following year the first honours class graduated, international Robocup finals, winning it once in a joint although at that stage computer science was offered team with Newcastle University from Australia. only as part of a double degree. The first graduates with Single Honours Computer Science emerged in 1997. The As well as being a significant anniversary, 2012 is Calling all other major programme offered at that time was the a significant milestone for the future of Computer Higher Diploma in Information Technology, the one- Science at Maynooth. We are launching two new Computer year conversion course. For several years, the numbers degrees – the BSc in Computational Thinking is a new on the HDipIT dominated the department’s teaching, three-year accelerated undergraduate programme in Science peaking in 1999 when 140 students were enrolled. computer s cience, mathematics and philosophy for highly qualified applicants. In addition the department Graduates In 1993, the department moved into the Callan Building is lead partner in a new European Erasmus Mundus on north campus, sharing with Biology. The department MSc in Dependable Software Systems with St Andrews has always been keen to expand its portfolio of courses. 25 Years of University and Université Henri Poincaré, Nancy. Our In 1996, under Professor David Vernon, the MSc in alumni celebration will highlight these developments Software Engineering was inaugurated, combining with keynote speakers from Carnegie Mellon University advanced postgraduate modules with industrial practice and Microsoft followed by a party in the new Phoenix and scheduled to allow part-time participants from Computer Science student restaurant. We look forward to meeting our past. industry. However, the main expansion of the department came in 1998 with the start of the denominated degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE). at Maynooth This resulted in a rapid expansion of the department with the addition of ten new permanent academic posts in three years and a large extension on the 2012 marks several significant anniversaries for Computer Callan Building tripling its lab and office space. The CSSE degree has been restructured twice since then Science in Maynooth – it marks 25 years since the foundation of to address problems caused by the lack of qualified the department with the appointment of Professor Meng Er; it is applicants after the dot-com crash. The third professor, Ronan Reilly, ensured it is now more integrated into the ten years since the first graduation class from the denominated general undergraduate programmes with a common degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering. first year shared between science allowing students to transfer in second year. In addition, computer science is now integrated into the Arts, Multimedia and Music Technology curricula – it is possible to take an undergraduate degree combining computer science with almost any other subject on campus.

Imagine Cup 2008, Paris, France ‘Acid Rain’ team with Aodhan Coffey (Team member), Liam Cronin (Microsoft), Karl O'Dwyer (Team member), Brian Byrne (Team member), Tom Lysaght (Mentor) l-r: John Harpur (Lecturer), James Cotter, Cormac Corish, Margaret Slattery Ruan Ó Tighearnaigh, Professor Get in touch Meng C. Er, Martin Fay, Leo Ruaine, If you are interested in attending this reunion, Philip Fitzpatrick, (missing from photo Antoine Farrugia) please email the alumni office at → [email protected].

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Eugene Magee Martin Nugent Mary Dunne 1964 BA 1972 BA 1977 BA 1960s 1970s

In the college of my generation, it was St. Patrick's College Maynooth had its In September 1974 I joined a long queue impossible to separate the recognized first intake of lay students in 1968. I of students waiting to register for first college of the National University from the arrived with a small number of others year. There was a significant number of us Major Seminary and Pontifical University. in 1969. It immediately struck me as a from rural backgrounds, others the eldest For me and my contemporaries, the friendly and welcoming institution if of the family and therefore the first of University was really a place or state where somewhat quaint. The lecturing staff the family to obtain a leaving certificate we spent time before continuing into were predominantly clerical—An tAth. or indeed register for third level. Theology and on towards the Priesthood. Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich (later Cardinal) was Dublinked My years in Maynooth were indeed some of Many did not complete that journey Registrar, an tAth. Pádraig Ó Fiannachta the happiest years of my life. As students we so there are plenty of us lay graduates (Ollamh na SeanGhaeilge), Fr Liam Ryan Dublinked opens window on were fortunate to have had gifted teachers from the pre-NUI Maynooth era. (Professor of Sociology): all brilliant in the Geography Department like Paddy €27 billion EU open data market and kind men. By the time I was in third The College bore no real resemblance Duffy, William J Smith, Fran Walsh and year, the numbers of lay students and to the modern day Maynooth but it was Denis Pringle. Geography was no longer the lay staff were increasing dramatically. Dublin’s Local Authorities and Across the EU, public sector bodies are He sees businesses and entrepreneurs nevertheless a unique, intriguing place. study of mountains, rivers and lakes. Field NUI Maynooth invite businesses, estimated to be sitting on a potential using this data to develop innovative and There were only 300 undergraduate students I travelled daily by bus from Edenderry, trips to the Burren were educational and treasure trove of data, worth up to interesting business ideas which would and no more than four postgraduates in the Offaly and as the next few years passed so entertaining. Professor Pete Connolly had technologists and researchers €27 billion*. Through a unique initiative drive job growth while also enhancing city Schools of Arts, Philosophy and Science. too did a growing number of fellow students the gift and capacity to keep us spellbound to join unique new data network. between Dublin’s Local Authorities and NUI living. ‘We have seen fantastic examples The Faculty were entirely clerical, the from the Maynooth hinterland. I studied by his insightful analysis of the works of Maynooth, businesses, technologists, app in other cities of new user interfaces students were entirely male, residential Irish and Sociology for my BA. and studied Thomas Hardy and Dickens. Professors developers, researchers and entrepreneurs for public transport information, the and seminarians. Yet it was a place of high for my HDip Ed while doing my teaching Liam Ryan and Micheál Mc Greal sensitized have been invited to join Dublinked – a property market or healthcare data. One quality learning and academic achievement; practice in Kilcock. I moved after three years us to sociology and social psychology. membership network to mine, exploit and of the unique benefits of Open Data is probably because we had little else to do! to Clongowes Wood College, Clane, where I College life centered on Callan Hall and the utilise public data to generate new revenue that applications developed here can am now Assistant Headmaster. I returned to The atmosphere was designed to be Russell library as the new campus did not streams and address regional challenges. easily be adapted for other cities around study in Maynooth a number of times; to do monastic in the original sense, bound exist at that time. A friendly atmosphere the world and we look forward to working a Masters in Irish (1983) and later a Higher Dublinked is a data sharing initiative into a programme of prayer and silence. was a unique part of the Maynooth with our Dublinked partners to develop Diploma in Educational Management (1993). that sees previously unreleased public The campus was an inspiring beautifully experience and I made life-long and true new businesses from Dublin’, he said. operational data being made available online maintained, almost sylvan setting. Mind you What would be my highlights? Meeting and friends during my time in Maynooth. I for others to research or reuse. With the Dublinked is unique in providing both open this sylvan tranquility was pierced almost falling in love with my wife Mary O’Donnell; have recently attended the weddings of initial data coming from Dublin City Council data and an additional research zone, every day by the clamor from some of the being part of the winning Sigerson Cup my friends’ children and it’s wonderful

John Tierney Dublin City Manager and Professor Philip Nolan. and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, South Dublin where members can access additional bloodiest ball games I have ever witnessed! team in 1975; graduating with an MA in to catch up on all the happenings. and Fingal County Councils, it is expected datasets and participate in regular 1983; continuing to live nearby so I can Perhaps more in keeping with our I graduated on November 9th 1977 with a that other public and private organisations member events (membership fees vary have the pleasure of occasionally walking surroundings, we had the highest quality BA in English, Sociology and Geography. in Dublin will link up with Dublinked to share and are based on company size). through the College grounds; to take pride musical and theatrical performances in On completion of my post-graduate their data and invite research collaborations. in the growing reputation of NUI Maynooth Jonathan Raper is CEO of PLACR, a UK the Aula Maxima. On the Seminary side of course in Froebel College, Sion Hill, I The information is curated by NUI Maynooth and finally, meeting the many friends I company specialising in the use of open things, we had amazing liturgies and liturgical began teaching in Kiltale NS, Co. Meath. to ensure ideas can be commercialised as made while studying there who have gone data similar to that provided by Dublinked. music in the four chapels including of course, I later became a principal and during this easily as possible and to minimise legal or on to make a significant contribution to His view is that ‘Open Data is incredibly the spectacular Pugin College Chapel. phase I was seconded to the Primary technical barriers that can be impediments Irish society especially in education. exciting and its potential is practically Curriculum Support Programme (PCSP) for small and medium businesses (SMEs) Many of these things were difficult to leave endless. However one of the issues can be and worked as a Geography facilitator. seeking to develop and prove business ideas. behind as were the people with whom I that public sector bodies often do not move I now work for the Department of shared them. The people were amazing The initial release of data consists of at the pace that SMEs require to prove their Education and Skills as a Primary School and the relationship unique because of the over 100 environmental, traffic and ideas and get it to market. What is exciting Inspector in the Dublin/Meath area. unusual place we found ourselves. Those planning datasets including planning about Dublinked is that the Local Authorities who stayed the course, ended up as Parish I have had wonderful opportunities in my life application data from across the have partnered with NUI Maynooth to Priests, Clerical Academics, Bishops and so far and in many ways the opportunities region, water flow, rainfall and energy remove many of these impediments. This Church Leaders. The rest of us have gone on which have come my way are as a result of the monitoring and air, water pollution and is a key learning from around the world’. to have careers in Law, Medicine, Politics, influence and impact of my undergraduate noise maps for the Dublin region. Get in touch *2009 EC Report – Re-use of Academia, Business and even the Stage. I time in St. Patrick’s College Maynooth. I look Dr Ronan Farrell, Director of the Public Sector Information – Review have yet to meet one who does not reflect forward to the next reunion in the college and Alumni wishing to get involved in Dublinked Callan Institute at NUI Maynooth of Directive 2003/98/EC fondly on ‘the Maynooth experience’. a chance to catch up with contemporaries email [email protected] or visit is Dublinked Co-ordinator. from those happy and exciting times! → www.dublinked.ie

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Deirdre Heaney Niamh O’Gorman Patrick O’Meara Constant (MacMahon) Brendan McEvoy Seaghan Kearney Aoife Barron 1980 BA / 1981 HDip Ed 1983 BA MA 1993 BA 1996, HDipIT 1997 2001 BA 2007 BSc 1980s 1990s 1990s 2000s

Only three things have really shaped me. I began a BA journey in Maynooth in history I took a circuitous route to NUI Maynooth, I was fortunate to spend four great Although it’s probably clichéd; my days I arrived in NUI Maynooth in 2003 to First is family: I was born into one where hard and geography in the fall of 1980. My first completing my Bachelors degree in Business years in Maynooth both as an in Maynooth were some of the best in begin my BSc in Biological Sciences; a new work, aspiration and education mattered impression of Maynooth was how connected Studies in University of Limerick and then undergraduate and a postgraduate. my life. Four years when not too much Degree course at the time. As clichéd as most. Thanks to Donogh O’Malley, I enjoyed it was to the larger world. Because of its spending a year in Spain teaching English, seemed to matter in the outside world, it might sound, the four years I spent at My first three years were spent doing a financially painless school life in Tipperary history and connections to Catholic groups before attending Maynooth to complete an Maynooth lived up to and exceeded all NUI Maynooth were the most enjoyable a BA in History and Geography which I and I arrived in Maynooth on 2nd October globally, I knew students from several African MA in Economics and Finance. It was only expectations for student life. The Roost, the years of my life to date; I made some great enjoyed immensely. I followed this up 1977, two days after my 17th birthday. I met countries, India, the US, Germany and Malta. the second year the course had been run SU, the odd fry in the Rye and trips down lasting friendships, had lots of laughs on the by completing the Higher Diploma in Michael Ryan, roommate, soul mate and and it was a relatively small class of about the country with the lads to play a Gaelic buzzing social scene and to top it all, I left in Professors in Maynooth were responsible Information Technology in 1997. lifelong friend, along with Brendan Fox, Martin 25 people from wide ranging backgrounds. match - life couldn’t have been any better. 2007 with a First Class Honours Degree. for encouraging me to look to the larger Fitzgerald, Jack Caesar, Liam McNiffe, Mark My classmates were a fabulous group of There are so many good memories from world and question the processes that A student of Maths and Irish, I got all my Having completed my final year project in O’Carroll and others. They have all gone on people and while we worked very hard, we my time in Maynooth – the Outdoor shaped it. Several months ago my niece, exams and thankfully never had to repeat the Microbiology Department, I decided a to have spectacular academic and teaching had great fun too acquainting ourselves Pursuits Club, the Bar-Exs, Geography who currently attends Maynooth, inspired any. My graduation day was marked by career in Microbiology was for me, so almost careers. I was lucky. These extraordinary well with the Maynooth social scene! The field trips to Galway and Westport, me to contact some of my teachers. I got the unfortunate events of 9/11; a day that immediately after completing my finals in people helped to shape me and they have course was very challenging and highly assisting the Maynooth Ladies Soccer in touch with Dr. Prionnseas Breathnach changed the world in more ways than one. June 2007, I planted the seeds of my career had the most profound influence. Greater stimulating and I found our lecturers Team but mostly my memories are about and Professor Paddy Duffy. They not only I spent the preceding year as President of as a Quality Control Microbiology Analyst now in wisdom and girth, we meet regularly. extremely accessible and helpful and have the friends I met while I was there. remembered me and my friends but they the Student’s Union after a keenly fought in Wyeth Biopharma (now Pfizer) in Grange fond memories of many lecturers including Maynooth offered a shy, uncertain young had pictures from our geography field trip It’s funny the things you remember - hours contest with the outgoing President Noel Castle, Dublin. Here I spent 16 months learning Prof Paddy Geary, Margaret Hurley and man a secure, rich learning environment, taken in 1982! I still remember the dry wit spent playing cards in the canteen, sitting Hogan. It was a year I thoroughly enjoyed the ropes in the industrial field of Microbiology Tom McCarthy. I also tutored 2nd year BA formally and informally. We learned to work of Dr. Pringle who managed to make me around the Arts Block between lectures, gaining lots of experience, working hard on in one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical students, which was a great experience. and party hard as a matter of principle. laugh even in statistics class. Along the way crossing the bridge umpteen times a lots of projects and making many friends. therapeutics producers, getting hands-on Some did wonder if Maynooth at that time I was also influenced by Professor Vincent Graduating in 1993, the economic day, films for £1 in the Aula on Sunday experience in laboratory work and in the After leaving Maynooth, I went down the could offer the full university experience. Comerford in history who supervised my circumstances weren’t unlike the current evenings, chatting to people in the library, production process of sterile vaccines. path of teaching receiving my first job in St. Whether it did or not, it has been the second thesis project and in the process, helped me challenging environment, but I was walking everywhere looking for people (as Dominic’s, Cabra where I still teach today. The This led me on to become a QC Microbiologist great influence in my life. At 20, I wasn't to develop both my writing and thinking. fortunate enough to be accepted on the no one had mobile phones back then!) intervening years have been interesting to in Pfizer’s new start-up Biotechnology ready for teaching. So after two summers on Bank of Ireland Graduate Programme. I Perhaps the best part of being a Maynooth Since leaving Maynooth I have worked in say the least. I stood for the local elections facility in Shanbally, Co. Cork in 2008. Here, the beaches of Los Angeles, I spent eleven am still there all these years later, having student was the friends I made. Over IT. My firstI T employer was actually NUI in 2009 in the Cabra/Glasnevin constituency I spent 3 years in the most challenging, incredible years learning by doing, in Foróige, been able to benefit from a very diverse long discussions about how to save Maynooth as I worked for the Computer narrowly missing out on a seat by just 7 votes. yet rewarding job of my career so far. I under Michael B Cleary, probably the leading career all within one organisation - the world, I bonded with a unique and Department for a while. It was interesting played a key role in a small, but dynamic educationalist of his generation. Foróige has starting out in retail banking, moving to However 11th October 2010 proved to be eclectic group of people. I still remain seeing the University from the angle of Pharmaceutical environment, working to build been my third vital shaping influence. Ann and Corporate Finance, followed by Mergers & a defining day in my life. A normal Monday friends with many of them today. They too staff member after being a student there. a fully-functioning Microbiology lab from I now live happily in London. I am a director Acquisitions, Capital Markets and Risk. night playing 5-a side with the lads or so played a part in shaping who I became. scratch, in what would become the fastest at BITC, where companies work to improve Since then I have worked solely in IT mainly I thought. 20 minutes into the game my I absolutely loved my time in Maynooth. pharmaceutical start-up completion ever. their environmental and social impacts. I moved to NY in 1986 after completing a for telecoms companies both in Ireland and in heart stopped. Only for a friend of mine, I made some great friends, learned graduate degree in counseling at UCD. I got the UK designing, developing and supporting Terry O’Brien and a donated defibrillator, Unfortunately, the legacy of Shanbally Maynooth was the springboard to all that much and it is also lovely to think that a job as a high school guidance counselor billing and document creation systems. I would have become another unfortunate came to an end this year and I have been I have done in my working life. In it I laid I graduated from the same college as and eventually moved into academia and victim to SADS. I now spend my time one of the many people in this country the foundations of my most important my father had 28 years previously! This year, some ex-classmates and I became an academic advisor. Last year promoting the importance of defibrillators to face redundancy, but I have been friendships and gained the knowledge of decided to return to Maynooth and I took a senior advising position in the and their accessibility through the ACT fortunate enough to continue my career, how to conduct them. I owe it much. attend the 2011 Alumni Ball. It was great Department of Economics and Business at Campaign with the Mater Foundation. now as a Quality Specialist in Cork’s to meet up with everyone again and swap the City University of New York (CUNY) booming Pharmaceutical industry. stories and memories on what was a (Seaghan has an awareness I am married with two teenage children and very enjoyable evening. I wholeheartedly video on YouTube) These trying, but wonderful life experiences live in Dobbs Ferry, on the Hudson River recommend the night to all Alums. could not have happened if it weren’t for the about 40 minutes from mid-town Manhattan. education and training given to me in NUI I have never forgotten the excellent Maynooth. I will forever look upon those brief teachers who opened my mind and helped four years as valuable career preparation, me develop as a professional. I am grateful which hopefully will continue for years to come. to Maynooth for introducing me to a very diverse student body; it prepared me well for my life in NY. I have many happy memories of my college days spent in Maynooth.

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Maynooth Alumni 5 Advisory Board 1. Inaugural Graduating Class of NUI 4. Willie and Paddy Mullins (MAAB) The Maynooth Alumni Advisory Board (MAAB), 4 Maynooth Law with Minister for 5. Vinnie Muldoon, Danielle McVeigh, Social Protection Joan Burton and Professor Philip Nolan, President, which held it’s inaugural meeting on February Law Faculty NUI Maynooth, and Paddy Mullins 2. MA Military History and Strategic 6. Noel Nynes and Studies graduates Tom Kenny, Brid Professor Philip Nolan 3rd this year, has been established with Kenny and Liam Kenny 3. Dr Miriam Ryan, Office Vice three specific aims – to help set the strategic President for Research, who was conferred with a BCL (Law and Arts) in September with her husband, direction of the Alumni Office, to identify ways Dr Kevin Mc Donnell and daughters 3 6 Hazel and Genevieve Mc Donnell in which Alumni can benefit other alumni and to explore how Alumni can help the University.

The objectives that the Board, which aims to meet MAAB Board members include: three to four times a year, has set itself, are: GRADUATIONS Bernadette Coyne, Managing Director, To act as advisory group to the Alumni Office Amárach Consulting, (BA 1987) To act as Ambassadors for NUI Maynooth Peter Finnegan, Director, Dublin City Council, (BA 1976) To help enlarge the alumni base Frank Fitzmaurice, Director 2011 To increase the number of and numbers Corporate Services, NUI Maynooth attending alumni events This year’s graduation ceremonies at NUI Maynooth in Mark Greville, Director, To help identify and prioritise key activities Bank of America, (BA 1996) early September and at the end of October saw over to be built into the alumni annual plan Karen Kelly, NUI Maynooth 2,000 undergraduate and postgraduate conferrals. The President of NUI Maynooth, Professor Philip Alumni Officer, (BA 2009) Nolan, attended Board’s October meeting, at Almost 1,900 students, a record high for the Among the Business Management graduates which he expressed his delight that the Board Flor Madden, Executive Chairman, University, graduated during three days of who were conferred were two sports was in existence and was actively engaged in the Weddings at Home, (BA 1988) ceremonies on campus during September. scholars: Danielle McVeigh, NUI Maynooth development of the University. Professor Nolan 18 courses, including the Bachelor of Civil golf scholar and Vinnie Muldoon, NUI Eugene Magee, Company Director, (BA 1964) updated the Board on his vision for NUI Maynooth Law and the Bachelor of Business Law Maynooth snooker scholar. Graduating with and indicated that he would like to present his draft Hayley McCann, Secondary Teacher, Degree awarded graduates for the first a degree in Equine Business, Paddy Mullins strategic plan for the University at the next Board Geography and Religion, (BA 2007) time. Officiating at his inaugural conferring was accompanied by his father, Champion meeting which is scheduled for 19th January and ceremonies, Professor Philip Nolan, President, National Hunt trainer, Willie Mullins. Gareth McLaughlin, Ebay Executive, (BA 2006) would welcome the Board’s feedback on same. NUI Maynooth encouraged graduates to Rob Munelly, Maynooth Student Union President take some time from their celebrations and The Alumni Office would like to take this reflect on the family, friends, lecturers and opportunity to thank the Board members for Aengus O’Maoláin, Education classmates who had made this day possible. their time and commitment to the Maynooth Officer, IUS (BMus 2009) l-r: Frank Fitzmaurice, Bernadette Coyne, Alumni Association and looks forward to Áengus O'Maoláin, Karen Kelly, John Weafer, Social Researcher, working with the Board in delivering successful Professor Vincent Comerford, Weafer Research Associates, (BA 1979) Hayley McCann and Flor Madden. initiatives for Maynooth Alumni during 2012.

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A unique project is underway on campus – the Morpeth Roll, effectively a pre-famine census recently discovered The Morpeth Roll: at Castle Howard in Yorkshire, is being transcribed and digitised by the Centre for the Study of Historic Irish Houses and Estates at NUI Maynooth.

A Personal and In September 1841, George Howard, or Lord Morpeth The testimonial roll was presented to Lord Morpeth as he was known, and then Chief Secretary of Ireland at the Royal Exchange, Dublin, in September 1841. was presented with a unique gift on the occasion On receipt, he acknowledged that it was the ‘richest of his return to England. His supporters in Ireland heir-loom I could bequeath to the name I bear.’ The roll gathered a testimonial of ‘outpourings of affection is unique both in terms of Irish testimonials, and as a National Heirloom and support’ comprising a farewell address signed farewell gift to a departing official. It has huge research by approximately 275,000 people on 652 individual potential, whether looked at as a pre-Famine census sheets of paper. These sheets were subsequently substitute, a family heirloom, a genealogy resource or joined together to create a continuous length of paper, a politically motivated document in its own right. As approximately 412 metres in length which was then a pre-Famine census substitute it is unparalleled and rolled onto a mahogany spool. Effectively a pre-famine its importance is multiplied by the scarcity of census census of peers, merchants, professionals, clergymen material from this period. Moreover, it has the potential and landed gentry, the Roll lay undiscovered until to provide a unique insight into Irish life, society and 2006. The Roll is currently on loan to NUI Maynooth politics in pre-Famine Ireland as well as providing where it is being researched and conserved. empirical evidence of mass political involvement. Some of the most interesting signatures found on the Lord Morpeth was a Whig politician at the time when roll to date include historical figures such as Daniel the Whigs were supporters of Catholic Emancipation, O’Connell, Thomas Davis and Charles Bianconi. the abolition of slavery and the extension of the right to vote. In 1835 he was appointed Chief Secretary For many years the testimonial roll remained hidden of Ireland where, after long battles, he eventually away in a basement at Castle Howard, Yorkshire, but it is carried through reforming legislation on Irish tithes, now on loan at NUI Maynooth thanks to the generosity of poor-law and municipal government. His defeat in the Simon Howard, owner of Castle Howard and the efforts 1841 general election led to his departure as Chief of Prof. Christopher Ridgway, curator and Dr Terence Secretary of Ireland and a campaign led by the Duke of Dooley, Director of the CSHIHE. It is now the focus of Leinster gathered 275,000 signatures of support from an important scholarly investigation with research led across the country. These were collected in less than by Dr Patrick Cosgrove, post doctoral research fellow a month, an amazing achievement given the available at the Department of History. The staff of the Russell modes of transport and communication at the time. Library have carried out emergency conservation work and Ancestry.com, the world’s largest online resource for family history documents, has begun the process of transcribing and digitising the document to make it available on-line to the general public.

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