District Conference 2013

27 September 2013

President Ken led a party of 20 members and partners at the District Conference in Dublin 27-29 September at the historic Clontarf Castle Hotel. We were delighted Rotaractor Laura Garland joined us. It was a great weekend of Conference business but most of all good fellowship.

The Conference programme was extensive and some of the main highlights were:-

• The presentation by Elaine Bannon on Rombo and the new sand dams and her introduction of the adorable 5yr old Ciara (the tiny abandoned 1½yr old girl brought to her dying from lack of water and malnutrition). In Elaine's words she had been "saved" by District 1160 Rotarians and was now a beautiful, lively and mischievous 5yr old. Ciara entranced the gathering with a song and 'thank you'. Elaine explained how vital the sand dams being donated by District Clubs were to the Maasai people and thanked for the donations so far.
• Bruce Aylward, head of the WHO Polio Eradication Programme, confirmed that Polio would be beaten within the next 5 years and polio survivor John McFarlane asked that the survivors are not forgotten with the eradication of Polio as the after- effects are their lifelong legacy.
• PP Marnette led a very interesting and professional presentation of the GSE New Zealand trip; the team members giving a snapshot of the vocational, fraternal and fun elements of their experiences. Former Ambassadorial Scholars spoke on the influence the programme had had on them.
• Other speakers included RI Representative Mark Maloney, RIBI President Nan McCreadle, Visiting DG 1220 Peter Moralee,2007 Ambassadorial Scholar Dr Aoife O'Donovan, Journalist Rotarian Charles Fletcher, a panel discussion with local community representatives who are working with Rotary and the motivating speaker Andrew Considine.
• The keynote speaker was rock star Bono, unfortunately by video as he was recording in the USA. He highlighted the potential for individuals to change the world and highlighted his work in campaigning to end Third World Debt, Aids and poverty. He congratulated and firmly endorsed Rotary for its work and noted that everywhere he went Rotary "had been there first"!
• Sunday morning an inspirational four faith interfaith service with a 40 strong gospel choir was held. During it a video montage of Rotarians, including four Club members, was shown reflecting the Conference theme of"ordinary people achieving extraordinary things".

The Conference closed with the presentation of the District Awards. President Ken was delighted and honoured to accept the Cecil D Whaley Memorial Trophy from Past District Governor Jack Cunningham for the District Outstanding Community Project – the Club's refurbishment of a trailer for FASA. (details here)

We did, however, manage to find time for social moments and were delighted to meet up once again with members of the Cork Rotary Club for dinner and the Conference Fellowship evening and members of the Dublin Rotary club over lunch. Those who did not dance the night away at the District Governor's Ball spent an excellent evening at a lovely restaurant in Howth.

All have returned safely home and the entire Conference was a most enjoyable experience, newer members should consider participating in future years.