Minerva April 2016

MINERVA

RDS CRAFT AWARDS

Celebrating

Welcome to the April Minerva MINERVA

Editor

Diarmuid Hanifin

Contributors

Eileen Byrne Susan Cox

Natasha Serne Paul Farrelly

Ann-Marie Hardiman Catherine Jordan

Katy Conneely Paul O Grady

Dara O’Leary Joanna Quinn

Gerard Whelan

Sub-editing

than later ROYAL

Ballsbridge Dublin 4

T: 01 668 0866 F: 01 660 4014 www rds ie

Minerva: minerva@rds ie General: info@rds ie RDS Membership: members@rds ie

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Arts (01) 240 7255 ar ts@rds ie Equestrian (01) 240 7296 equestrian@rds ie Science & Technology (01) 240 7289 science@rds ie Agriculture & Rural Affairs (01) 240 7215 agriculture@rds ie Membership (01) 240 7296 members@rds ie Library (01) 240 7254 librarydesk@rds ie Editorial (01) 668 0866 members@rds ie Industry & Commerce (01) 240 7215 industry@rds ie

Taking the long-term view is something the Society prides itself upon Our resources are concentrated on the potential and talent of the next generation – where we can have the most impact. We have made rapid progress in recent years, with our work programme now making a tangible difference in the areas of science, arts, agriculture and industry This rapid escalation has meant that our finances have been unable to keep pace, and we are seeking additional ways to resource these great programmes Nobody knows the benefits of our work as well as RDS Members do; in a recent survey, many of you indicated that you would be open to financially contributing to these programmes In response, we have put together a format that allows Members to contribute directly – if they so wish I will write to you in this regard shortly There is much to be gained in return for Members’ generosity In this Minerva we look at our reciprocal clubs all over the world. From London to Melbourne, these exclusive clubs are yours to enjoy, and I hope that this article will encourage more Members to make use of this facility

The freshly cut grass of April quickly gives way to summer, and in the RDS that can only mean one thing: the Dublin Horse Show. As ever there is much anticipation for this year ’s event, and you can find details on page 5. Please note the change in date this year to July 20-24 to accommodate the Olympics in Rio (where we wish all the Irish teams the very best) I hope to meet many of you before then at the many Members’ events listed in the calendar on pages 14-15

RDS Economic Vision 2020

The RDS Economic Vision 2020 lecture series has gotten off to a strong start for 2016 The Society has welcomed three speakers to date who have spoken on three distinct topics: digital, dairy and design. While on the surface there might not be an obvious connection between the three, each presentation highlighted how Irish businesses are not only competing but succeeding on the international stage

The first lecture of the year saw the RDS welcome Mark Roden, founder and CEO of Ding, to discuss his company’s story, which saw him crowned EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014 Drawing on his own business and life experiences, Mark shared his views on what he believes is required to build a great company Established in

2006, Ding is Mark's fourth start-up, and his talk highlighted the many eventful experiences, successes and challenges over a 20-year career, which ultimately led to the establishment of Ding and its recent astonishing growth. Next up was Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive Officer of Bord Bia, who discussed the great success story that is the Irish agri-food industry, where six years of consecutive growth have seen the value of exports in the sector rise to a record level of €10.8 billion. In particular, Aidan discussed the importance of the groundbreaking Origin Green programme, which is designed to position Ireland’s food and drink industry as a world leader in sustainability

The most recent talk in the

AGRI-FOOD SUCCESSES

Bord Bia CEO Aidan Cotter speaking at the recent RDS Economic Vision 2020 lecture series.

series saw the RDS welcome Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and Irish Design 2015 Karen gave a fascinating presentation, as she discussed how Irish designers are turning their skills into global business opportunities, and the impact this is having on the Irish economy

Details of the remaining lectures in the spring Economic Vision 2020 series can be found in the calendar of Members’ events on pages 14-15. The series is free to attend but booking is essential For bookings, please contact industry@rds ie, Tel: 01 240 7215, or log on to www.rds.ie/industry.

2016 Library Speaker Series in full bloom

Aptly beginning the Spring Speaker Series in the RDS Library was critically acclaimed author, photographer and champion of trees Thomas Pakenham. Thomas kept his audience rapt in attention at his insights and stories of the array of trees that are found on his residence in Tullynally

Following him, President of the RIAI Robin Mandal gave a fascinating talk that brought the O’Connell Street

of today and that of 1916 together through an account of the sizeable building project that commenced in the aftermath of the 1916 Rising.

Going further back in history, Wolfgang Steinicke brought the science of the midnineteenth century to life with his articulation of just why the Birr Observatory was so important to the development of astronomy and our understanding of the stars.

THOMAS PAKENHAM

Thomas spoke about the beautiful trees of Tullynally

See the Calendar on pages 1415 for details of forthcoming Library Speaker Series events and how to book.

RDS rewards scientific breeding

The 2016 RDS Champion of Champions Awards were presented in Dublin on March 3 to the best Irish cattle and sheep farmers from the 2015 show season.

With an annual prize fund of €10,000, the Awards are a highlight for all pedigree breeders, in particular the awards for the highest Economic Breeding Index (EBI) Dairy Cow and the Highest Replacement Index Beef Cow

These are the only awards of their kind in Ireland to recognise the genetic excellence of the animals concerned

In recognising the genetic quality of these animals, the RDS Champion of Champions Awards demonstrates the scientific future for Irish

farming, and shows how farmers can exploit genetics to maximise profitability, with the indices essentially being measurements of profit from breeding decisions.

“Scientifically informed breeding decisions will allow Irish beef and dairy farmers to increase productivity and output potential, while at the same time reducing costs through greater efficiency, allowing for smarter, more effective farming Making Ireland a leader in climate smart agriculture is a central objective of the current RDS agricultural work programme, and our top livestock awards reflect that,” says Tom Kirley, Chair of the RDS Agriculture Committee “To enable

Time to get involved?

The RDS has announced a call for expressions of interest for nomination to the Society's Foundation Board and Membership Committee

Foundation Board –four vacancies

The role of the Foundation Board of Council is to increase the impact of the philanthropic work programme of the RDS Meeting up to 10 times a year under the Chairmanship of Michael Gleeson, the maximum term of service on the 12-member Board is two

terms of three years

Two vacancies will arise on the Board at the end of September 2016 and two at the end of September 2017

Membership Committee –four vacancies

The role of the Membership Committee is to ensure the support and involvement of Members of the Society Meeting up to six times a year under the Chairmanship of Mary Sharp, the maximum term of service on the 12member Committee is two

RECOGNISING GENETIC EXCELLENCE

Replacement Index Beef Cow Award winner Actualite and her daughter Lisnagranchy Gertie

progress in beef cattle breeding, it is necessary to assign economic values to the breeding traits that affect profitability, so that breeding indices can accurately reflect economic gains made at farm level by improving these traits ”

This year ’s main winners were

Noel Beecher from Castlemartyr in Cork, and Gerald Harney from Ardrahan in Galway. Both produced exceptional cattle that showcase what genetic and data-driven selection can do for Irish farming

See www rds ie/csa for more details

terms of three years

Two vacancies will arise on the Committee at the end of December 2016 and two at the end of December 2017

Procedures

All expressions of interest are considered by the Nominations Committee of the RDS Council, which will subsequently make recommendations for consideration and approval by the RDS Council at its June 2016 meeting All expressions of interest are treated in the strictest confidence.

Current Members of the RDS wishing to be considered as possible candidates to serve on the Foundation Board or the Membership Committee are asked to complete an expression of interest form, available from the Registrar (01-240 7221; or email eileen.byrne@rds.ie) and return it no later than Friday, May 27, 2016, at 12 noon Informal enquiries may be made to the Registrar or the Foundation Director, Tel: 01 240 7299.

Are you ready for the Horse Show?

Here’s a handy guide for Members to help you prepare for this year ' s Show:

n Members have complimentary access to the Show, but you must have your Membership card with you at all times. Photo identification may also be required

n Tickets for the Main Arena may be booked via the Membership Desk

(members@rds ie; or 01 240 7296) Tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-served

basis (please note that Members’ complimentary tickets for Friday are already fully allocated)

n The Members’ Club will be open from 9.00am to 7.00pm each day, and until 6.00pm on Sunday.

n A buffet will be served each day in the Thomas Prior Room from 12 00pm to 3 00pm

n A table d’hote menu will be served in the Dining Room from Wednesday to Friday, 12.30pm to 2.30pm

(advance booking for the Dining Room is essential: call 01 668 9244 to book a table) Both the Thursday and Friday lunch sittings are fully booked at time of going to press.

n Afternoon tea will be served each afternoon in the Thomas Prior Room from 3 30pm to 5 30pm

n Evening dining will take place on Friday night, with orders taken between 6 30pm and 8 15pm

n The Members’ Bar at the

Main Arena directly overlooks the course and is open from 11 00am each day until 30 minutes after the end of the final event Membership cards are required for entry, and a maximum of three guests (one on Friday) may be signed in per Member

n Remember, the Show is a great opportunity for Members to use their food and beverage credit, which is valid until October 31.

Valuing Membership

RDS Members are at the heart of the Society. We continue to be a Member-led body, and the time and resources that Members give to the RDS help to maintain it as the unique organisation it has become Each new Member joining changes the dynamic of the RDS, bringing new energy and verve, but also potentially changing the understanding and the interests of the Membership body So understanding the changing dynamic of RDS Members is more important to our organisation than to many other membership associations

Survey

In late 2014/2015, a quantitative survey was carried out to find out exactly what the typical RDS Member thought, what they used their Membership for, and how they valued their Membership The very respected polling company Red C was commissioned to carry this out and they conducted interviews over the telephone with 400 current Members, a very healthy sample size from a Membership body of just under 4,000 RDS Membership Committee Chair Mary Sharp takes up the story: “We wanted to find out what Members thought of the RDS. Although everyone serving on the various committees, including the Membership Committee, are obviously all RDS Members, we were aware that we needed to get a more complete picture of how Members felt We didn’t want to just congratulate ourselves on having done a great job without knowing if the Society was doing everything that other Members expected From the Members surveyed, we were

gratified to see that the majority feel as we do, with 94% valuing their RDS Membership”.

Members suppor t RDS work programme

It was heartening to see that 92% of those surveyed believe in the importance of the RDS work programme The Committees of Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Arts, Industry & Commerce, and Science & Technology have been actively transforming their programmes to make them as relevant as possible They are already having a significantly greater impact in their respective areas, and the acknowledgement of the importance of this work by so many is very welcome.

Interestingly, the poll simultaneously revealed that 60% were interested in learning more about the RDS work programme This could be interpreted in a number of ways The most obvious is that while they were generally aware of the importance of the RDS work programme, the speed of development in this area has left those Members who aren’t directly involved with little time to fully appreciate the impact and significance of the changes that have happened in recent years

Mary Sharp elaborates: “Information overload is not something unique to the RDS or any individual; it has become increasingly universal As someone serving on a Committee I am quite up to speed on the various changes and developments across the suite of our programme in arts, science and agriculture especially But even I would like to know more about the detail, about the impact and about the future plans – even about the history of RDS involvement

RDS WORK PROGRAMME

Some 92% of Members surveyed believe in the importance of RDS work programme activities.

in these areas. The poll helped to really put these ideas on the table. Yet, at the same time, the poll also indicated that many were quite satisfied with RDS communications to them” Michael Duffy, RDS CEO, explains how this was resolved: “Last year we decided to not only change the form and style of communications to Members, but to reflect the Red C finding that Members wanted to know more about the RDS work programme, which after all is the core purpose of the Society So a new emphasis on providing information about the impact of this work was worked into our communications, leading to changes to Minerva in both style and content, as well as the electronic communications that Members receive each month We’ll be tweaking and adapting as we go, but ultimately we’re trying to be responsive to RDS Members and the data that this poll showed”

As someone who has Membership recruitment under her remit, new Membership Development Manager Catherine Jordan was also intrigued to see the data the poll gave about Members recruiting.

“Members are the best recruitment ambassadors we have. To have a healthy and vibrant Society, it is important that we have a regular influx of new Members, and like-minded people are the best prospects,” said Catherine "So current Members speaking to friends or acquaintances about the RDS, the aims of the Society and the benefits you get from joining, is probably the best recruitment tool we have It’s great to see that 65% of Members surveyed have encouraged others to join at some point.” Under the remit of the Membership Committee, a pilot programme of Member Ambassadors will be rolled out in the next few months, which encourages RDS Members to proactively recruit their friends and colleagues as Members of the Society

Most Members are already very well equipped to speak about the many benefits of Membership, not least the Members’ Club and the RDS Library (see pages 10-11 for more on reciprocal clubs) But with greater emphasis in our communications to Members on the impact, reach and increasing significance of the RDS work programme, it is hoped that Members will now also have plenty of answers when asked: what does the RDS do?

RECRUITMENT

ENCOURAGING OTHERS

65% of Members surveyed have encouraged a Member to join at some point

RECRUITMENT

Members surveyed were aware of the importance of encouraging new Members to join

ESTABLISHED EXCELLENCE

Emerging excellence

The focus of the RDS Craf t Awards has shif ted to better reflect the Society ’s core purpose by encouraging and showcasing emerging makers alongside more established craf tspeople.

Review

As part of a major review of its work programme activities, the RDS carried out evaluations of many of its projects to ensure that they continue to uphold the Society’s values This reevaluation extended to the RDS Craft Awards, and led to significant structural change, the purpose of which was to encourage more emerging makers to enter As a result, the 2015 Awards featured not one but two major awards, the Established Maker Award of Excellence, and the Emerging Maker Award of Excellence, each carrying a prize of €5,000 According to Joseph Lynch, Chair of the RDS Arts Committee, the newly reconfigured Awards offer more opportunities to emerging craftspeople: “In the past it was not always easy for emerging craftspeople because they were competing with more professional and experienced makers, so last year we put the emphasis on emerging makers, and we were delighted with the response”

To qualify as an emerging maker, entrants must: n be a student at third level;

n have set up a craft business in the last five years; or, n be new to a craft discipline within the last five years, either studying via an apprenticeship, or as a lifelong learner on an informal course.

The Awards’ prize fund also increased in 2015, thanks to the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, which now sponsors the 24 category prizes of €500 each According to Karen Hennessy, CEO of the Council, the Awards have an important place in Irish craft: “The RDS Craft Awards are a critically important way of recognising the breadth of talent and creativity in Ireland It gives [craftspeople] the time and space to develop their practice Change can be difficult, but what the RDS is doing will be very important to the industry in the longer term It's really important that we continue to invest in standards and the new structure will allow that”

Success

The new structure was an immediate success, with 303 entries to the Awards, 171 of which were from emerging makers. The winner of the Emerging Maker of Excellence Award 2015 was goldsmith Paula O'Callaghan

Originally from Limerick but now living in Cork, Paula left a career in retail to pursue a more creative path She moved to Kilkenny to attend the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland's jewellery and goldsmithing skills and design course, graduating in 2015 Since then she has worked with Designworks Studio in Cork For Paula, entering the RDS Craft Awards was a natural step:

EMERGING STAR

“Before graduating I was taking stock of where I wanted to go within the industry I had a large body of work built up and felt that I would like to enter the RDS Craft Awards to have my jewellery evaluated by professionals, and within a national context. When I realised that there was a new structure to the Awards whereby emerging practitioners were judged with other practitioners at a similar level I was delighted It definitely made the Awards seem more achievable for somebody at my level” Winning the Award has been a major boost to her confidence, and her career: “Winning was very affirming on both a professional and personal level The Award was incredibly beneficial as it allowed me to build up the necessary tools, equipment and resources that I needed to produce my jewellery and develop new work. I now intend to develop new collections and gain more experience in the industry I'm very grateful to the RDS Craft Awards; it’s such an encouraging development for new emerging craftspeople to have these supportive awards more accessible to them”

The 2015 Awards also featured a new prize, the National Crafts & Design Fair Award, which gave the winner a stand, worth €2,000, at the National Crafts & Design Fair the Fair takes place in the RDS each December and is a major showcase for craft and design professionals. The winner of this Award was ceramic artist Chloë Dowds.

Chloë studied art, design and ceramics for nine years, including the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s pottery course in Thomastown For Chloë, the prestigious reputation of the RDS Craft Awards was an enormous attraction: “I was aware of the very high standard of work accepted by the competition I knew it would mean a lot to me to be considered in the same category as other exceptionally skilled craftspeople”

Having the stand at the Craft Fair was a huge boost for Chloë as the owner of a small business.

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE

“Not only did I get the chance to sell my work directly to the customer, I also had my work seen by many more people than I would have otherwise. Another advantage was to gain experience in working at a big fair like that without the financial risk There’s no question that this prize has been a huge boost to my career I’m very proud to have won an RDS Craft Award and people see the value in it as the standard of work for the Awards is so very high”

Another award, the IACI Muriel Gahan Award, offered a prize of €2,000 to a craftsperson to assist them in the development of their business by funding equipment, materials, etc This was won by furniture designer Ryan Connolly The winner of the Established Maker Award of Excellence was basketmaker Joe Hogan.

Continuing the good work

For the first time in 2016, the Craft Awards exhibition will occupy the entire RDS Concert Hall during the Horse Show, providing space for a greater number of exhibitors, and also for a new feature – a demonstration area where visitors will be able to see makers at work This year the featured crafts will be basketry and lacemaking, and they are sure to attract a crowd After the Horse Show, the entire exhibition will move to the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, in Turlough Park, Co. Mayo, and the winners will go on to exhibit at the National Crafts & Design Fair in the RDS in December

For Joseph Lynch, this is the realisation of the goal of the RDS, and a reflection of the hard work of the three Committee of Arts Working Groups, in particular the Crafts Working Group: “We’re delighted to increase the opportunities coming the way of emerging makers through the work of the Committee of Arts, and of the Foundation Board of the RDS We're very pleased with the Awards, and look forward to seeing what will happen this year”.

Use your Membership worldwide

The RDS maintains over 50 reciprocal club arrangements around the world. When travelling, why not avail of this special Membership benefit? It’s a treat to stay in one of our reciprocal clubs All of these clubs will offer you facilities similar to our own, and accommodation in many cases In almost all cases, RDS Members must present a letter of introduction with their valid

Belfast

Ulster Reform Club

The Ulster Reform Club is situated on Royal Avenue in the heart of Belfast City Centre. The old sandstone building is set in the middle of Belfast’s main shopping district with the rearfacing rooms looking out over the Antrim Hills. It opens from 8 30am-5 00pm Monday to Friday It offers a business room, a snooker room, a fitness centre and a Members’ Bar There is no accommodation but members receive preferential rates with the Malmaison and Jury’s Inn in Belfast RDS Members must present a letter of introduction with their valid Membership card and RDS Members’ guests are permitted if they are with a full RDS Member

See: www.ulsterreformclub.com

Membership card and RDS Members’ guests are permitted if they are with a full RDS Member.

The RDS also has membership of the International Associate Clubs (IAC), which means that you can also access over 250 private members’ clubs in over 40 countries, including some golf clubs and leisure facilities

London

The Lansdowne Club

Set in the heart of Mayfair, just off Berkeley Square in the West End, the Lansdowne Club is a private members' club steeped in history, where 18th century grandeur meets stylish Art Deco interior design with 21st century vitality. Officially becoming a Club in 1935, unlike its contemporaries The Lansdowne Club has admitted men and women as equal Members since its doors opened With premium sports facilities, a range of bars and dining, business amenities and accommodation, The Lansdowne Club is able to meet all of its Members’ requirements

The Club has a dress code and etiquette rules that must be observed RDS Members must present a letter of introduction

See: www.lansdowneclub.com

Hamburg

The Anglo-German Club

Established in 1948 and located in a lovely villa, which was built in 1860, in glorious green surroundings in central Hamburg on the Alster lake, the Anglo German Club has a lobby and club rooms like an English country house Compared to the plush foyers of the luxury hotels where members go about their business in the world's great cities, the accent here is on other values The Club has a particularly high standard of dining It is open from 12 noon until 11 00pm from Monday to Friday, and offers lunch and dinner. It does not offer accommodation. RDS Members must present a letter of introduction with their valid Membership card and RDS Members’ guests are permitted if they are with a full RDS Member

See: www.anglo-german-club.de

New York

The Penn Club

The handsome Penn Club is located in the heart of mid-town Manhattan and is walking distance from Times Square, Fifth Avenue and the Rockefeller Centre. It is ‘home’ to thousands of Penn alumni. Open daily from 7.00am to 11.00pm, the Club has extensive dining facilities, including casual dining in the stylish Grill Room The Penn Club has 39 rooms with ensuite facilities, and comes with a fitness centre, a business centre and a library with newspapers among other extras RDS Members must present a letter of introduction with their valid Membership card and RDS Members’ guests are permitted if they are with a full RDS Member

See: www.pennclub.org

Melbourne

The Athenaeum Club

Established in 1868, The Athenaeum Club is firmly established as one of Australia’s finest clubs In a superb central city location, it provides unobtrusive and personal service with outstanding facilities Dining facilities are available every weekday, commencing with a light breakfast from 7 00am with full breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as light snacks throughout the day and right up to 1 00am Accommodation is in 16 rooms ranging from single to club suites Other facilities include a lounge, billiards room, business centre, a wine-tasting centre, heated swimming pool and steam room. RDS Members must present a letter of introduction with their valid Membership card and RDS Members’ guests are permitted if they are with a full RDS Member

See: www.athenaeumclub.com.au

Testimonials

“As an RDS Member it was a wonderful experience to stay at the Lansdowne Club in London. I received a warm welcome and they were eager to introduce me to their facilities, which I found to be of a high standard I no longer need to stay in a hotel when visiting London ”

Ruth Kennelly

Maguire

“One of the huge benefits of RDS Membership for me is the reciprocal clubs arrangement I use the ones in the USA regularly, as I travel there quite extensively I have used the Penn Club and the Princeton Club in New York and they have proven to be extremely elegant and a much more suitable option than any hotel, not to mention much better value for money. I have already booked the Harvard Club in Boston for my trip in April. I became a Member of the RDS last year and within two trips to the US, what I'd saved by staying in a reciprocal club had paid my RDS subscription ”

John McKeon

To find out more about our reciprocal clubs, ask in the Members’ Club or look on our website at www.rds.ie/reciprocalclubs.

Societal gatherings

FOUNDATION

LIBRARY EXHIBITION

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Turning a Novel Inside-Out and Upside

Lia Mills will describe the process of writing her novel Fallen – the Two Cities, One Book choice for 2016 She’ll talk about research and keeping your mind open to what it shows you; about the stages of writing that lead from initial question to finished book; and about how she – and the novel – changed along the way

Lords, Linen and Lace – The involvement of some O'Brien family members with the RDS Members of the O'Brien family have been involved with the RDS for over 250 years In her talk, Veronica Rowe will cover some of the personalities and their undertakings with the Society, including Sir Lucius O'Brien in the eighteenth century, William Smith O'Brien in the nineteenth century, and Florence Vere

Law and Insurgency: the Irish experience

On the 100th anniversary of the execution of Patrick Pearse, Thomas MacDonagh and Thomas Clarke, Rober t D Marshall will examine the legal framework available to the British Army in the aftermath of the Rising and how it was applied

Rowan Manahan:

The ar t and hear t of speaking and presenting

History and husbandry

In response to requests from Members to know more about the Society's history, RDS Collections Librarian NATASHA SERNE gives a brief account of RDS involvement in agriculture.

The minutes of the first meeting of the RDS in 1731 record the Society's founding aims as “improving husbandry [agriculture], manufactures and other useful arts…” in Ireland, and from its inception the RDS dedicated itself to the practical application of new technology in all these areas, particularly in agriculture

Revolution

The RDS was keen to apply the principles of the 18th century European agricultural revolution to Ireland, and founded a library to collect books on agricultural science, as well as asking Members to research a particular aspect of agriculture and present their findings at monthly meetings. The RDS introduced new ideas on agriculture to the public through their publications and lectures, and in 1733 secured the use of the vaults of the Irish Parliament building for a public display of agricultural tools and equipment This display, believed to be one of the oldest of its kind in the world, formed the origin of the RDS Museum, which later became the National Museum of Ireland In 1739, Samuel Madden’s 'Letter to the Dublin Society' proposed the introduction of a premium scheme offering money to projects The first premiums were advertised in 1740, and funded many diverse agricultural projects until the Society ceased to administer them in the early 1800s. In 1768 Parliament granted £7,000 to the Society to distribute to individuals for agricultural and manufacturing improvements

Developments

By the beginning of the 19th century the RDS had redirected its efforts to the establishment and support of local farming societies

The RDS was involved in the foundation of the Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland in the 1840s and in 1880 the two societies merged. The first Spring Show was held in 1831 in the grounds of Leinster House. The Show, which consisted of exhibits of livestock and agricultural equipment, proved a great success and was thereafter held annually Eventually it outgrew its surroundings, and in the late 1870s the RDS purchased land from the Earl of Pembroke at Ballsbridge to hold the Spring Show and the Dublin Horse Show

The Kingstown Railway ran a special siding into Ballsbridge, which allowed livestock to be delivered directly to the showgrounds With the extra space at Ballsbridge the Society was able to expand its agricultural show programme, and the Bull Show, Dairy Show

AGRICULTURAL INNOVATORS

The RDS Spring Show, 1899

and Winter Show all became popular fixtures The last RDS Spring Show was held at Ballsbridge in 1992 The foundation of the Department of Agriculture in the 20th century meant that the RDS again found itself less directly involved in the management of Irish agriculture During this period the Society concentrated on the development of its shows and showgrounds In the late 1950s the RDS purchased land at Simmonscourt, which allowed it to expand the agricultural machinery exhibits for the Spring Show.

Still innovative

Today our innovative and supportive work in agriculture continues, with the latest initiative – the Leadership Forum on Climate Smart Agriculture, which will report its findings this summer

The RDS Archives hold a wealth of material relating to the Society’s involvement with Irish agriculture and one of its objectives is to promote its collections at national and international level, through events, publications and scholarly research This year the RDS Library and Archives Research Bursary of €8,000 has been awarded to Dr Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh, who will explore the role of the RDS in the support and development of farming in Ireland In September 2016 the Library will host a conference on the history of agriculture in Ireland, which will include presentations from Irish and international agricultural historians