To All Our Granduands DkIT will hold this year s prestigious award ceremonies in the Faulkner Building (MPC) on Saturday, 7th November 2009. Over 1100 will graduate at Master s & Bachelor degree levels as well as at Higher Certificate and Craft levels in a series of four award ceremonies. These awards now represent each academic discipline offered in the Institute: Engineering; Nursing, Health Studies & Applied Sciences; Informatics, Music & Creative Media; Business & Humanities. Proud family and friends will be the honoured guests to watch as students from all over Ireland join with their peers from countries throughout the EU, Asia and Africa to graduate on this special day at DkIT. Look out for photos from the day in next weeks DkITimes.
John O Driscoll, Retires Photograph Paddy Clarke, Photography, Dundalk. John O Driscoll s Retirement (30 th Sept 2009). Front Kneeling: L -R: John Doherty, James Mulvaney, Annie O Driscoll, Oliver McDonald, John Gilmore, Colin Doran, Noel Harford, Donal Kelly. Front Seated: Peggy O Driscoll, Mary Kavanagh, Sandra O Reilly, Bill McCarthy, Pat Herr, John O Driscoll, Tom Sharkey, John Connolly. Standing on ground: Gerry Woods, Martha Hogan, Ray McEneaney, Pat Feenan, Teresa Coburn, Antoinette Rourke, Tony Murray, Noel McKenna, Brendan Johnson, Michael Woods, Jean Connolly, Jim O Donohoe, Denise Quigley, Martin O Malley, Enda Fields, Fionnuala Dullaghan, Patrick Carr, Noel Stapleton. Standing at Rear: Eugene Roe, Liam Ó Gogáin, Ama Oji, Micheál Ó Dubhchair, Iqbal Syed, Turlough O Brien, Seán Redahan, Brendan MacQuillan, Tom Dooley, Colman Ledwith, Pat McCormick. (Many thanks to Emma & Paddy Clarke for the photo and for permission to use it for DkITimes) John O Driscoll retired on 30 September after many years of service in Engineering. His colleagues organised a very enjoyable occasion at Byrnes where the great and the good came along to wish John well and more to welcome him to the retiring ranks. Some colleagues travelled from as far as Derry to be with John. Bill McCarthy recalled that John first came to the college in 1982 and throughout this period he roomed or was that roamed in two offices. He finally settled in the office of Joe Concannon following Joe s retirement. Bill also recalled John s huge contribution in the developing and delivering of Certificate and Diploma courses and later the first degree course in the college that of Building Surveying. Bill concluded by summarising that John was and is highly respected as a colleague, a mentor, a friend. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that John is a gentleman a thorough professional and his knowledge of Architectural Design and Construction is second to none. John is a man of high standards and achievements and it has been pleasure to work along side him. He wished John well on behalf of all his colleagues wished him all best wishes for the future and as a token of appreciation presented John with a set of book vouchers. John you will be missed at Dundalk Institute. John rose to his feet and he outlined growing up in the southwest and then arriving in London to further pursue his studies and interests there. He remarked that he had marvellous teachers there where he learned his profession. John also mentioned the philosophical conversations on whether two parallel lines ever met. He thanked all his colleagues for their friendships during his time at Dundalk and to those who organised the event. He has many plans for the future including catching up on his interest in pottery, philosophy, book gathering, meditation and traveling particularly to Japan.
A few words in verse might best summarise John a quiet man even at times a shy man an independent thinker a man with a point of view who was never afraid to state it a store of wisdom and knowledge built on vast experiences a good sense of humour even comical at times a true colleague a confidante and a friend. a man who has a good take on life but who is his own man well liked by all.
Institutes of Technology launch BlueBrick.ie A major new flexible learning initiative to address urgent labour market needs BlueBrick.ie will provide easy access to over 350 modules and courses in 14 Institutes Learners of all ages and aptitudes can find part-time and flexible opportunities to increase their skills On Wednesday 16 th September, Ireland s 14 Institutes of Technology launched BlueBrick.ie - an information and access search portal which will let anyone look for part-time and flexible learning opportunities in Institutes all across the country. BlueBrick.ie is designed to help learners search, compare and apply for career-focused programmes to meet their individual needs. BlueBrick.ie is supported by the Higher Education Authority and its launch was brought forward by 12 months to address the pressing needs of the labour market and to ensure the maximum use of resources for education and training in the higher education sector. Each Institute has increased the number of flexible learning courses it offers through the use of virtual learning and training staff in new technologies. Courses are being converted to flexible learning formats and 350 modules and courses are already available in engineering, science, business, marketing, technology, management and education. The Institutes aim to provide access for up to 19,000 part time students through the portal Blue- Brick - an increase of almost 50% on the 13,000 students currently studying part-time within the institutes. This increase in part-time student numbers will contribute significantly to meeting the targets recently set by the HEA to increase the flexible/part-time provision to 17 per cent by 2013 (7 per cent in 2006). BlueBrick.ie and the programmes it offers access to are aimed at people, irrespective of their employment status. The portal will be heavily promoted through FAS, Department of Social and Family Affairs offices and other relevant agencies. There is no charge or application fee for using BlueBrick.ie The portal was launched by the Minister for Education and Science, Mr Batt O Keeffe TD who commended the Institutes of Technology saying: BlueBrick.ie is as important to part-time learners as the CAO is to direct entrants and school leavers. The last twelve months have seen unprecedented challenges to the labour market that require major responses from all the organisations and agencies delivering education, training and social and employment support. Higher education institutions must show increased flexibility to ensure that they stay relevant and focused on the needs of the learner. Dr Richard Thorn, Director of Flexible Learning and Research at Institutes of Technology Ireland said: BlueBrick.ie is designed to recognise that learners make their educational journeys at different speeds and in different ways. Our qualifications framework recognises this. Now we are increasing the capacity of the Institutes to provide more flexible learning and distance learning opportunities and offer greater recognition of, and engagement with, work-based learning. Further information: Dr Richard Thorn, Director of Flexible Learning and Research, IOTI: 01 7082951 / 087 2643114 Roy Dooney, The Media Group: 01 2301815 / 087 2414165
Nursing Conference to celebrate 150th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's Notes on Nursing On November 6th the Department of Nursing,Midwifery & Health Studies will host a seminar entitled Seeking the Art in the Art and Science celebrating the 150th anniversary of the publication of Florence Nightingales Notes on Nursing, a book considered a sensation at that time selling 15,000 copies within the first month. The prevailing image which endures in the public consciousness however is the iconic representation of Nightingale as the Lady of the Lamp, initially attributed for her tireless work in caring for the casualties of the Crimean war reported The Times newspaper, and later immortalised in H.W. Longfellows 1857 poem Santa Filomena.The seminar on November 6th celebrating Nightingale s work will be quite unique in that her original lamp will be present for the occasion. The seminar will explore the contribution of the humanities to nursing and will include contributions from keynote speakers and students of the Nursing Department. If you wish to attend contact dolores.mcgill@dkit.ie by November 3rd. Parking will be limited so will be available on a first come first served basis. Seeking the Art in the Art and Science Room N111 Nursing Building Dundalk Institute of Technology November 06th 2009 Programme Programme 9.30 Opening & welcome Mr. Myles Hackett Head of Department Nursing Midwifery and Health Studies 9.40 Nightingale s Lamp Mr. John O Connor Director of Clinical Services & Deputy Hospital DirectorCapio Nightingale Hospital London 10.10 Humanities enhancing understanding I3rd Year Students BSc (Hons) Psychiatric Nursing DkIT 10.55 Coffee 11.25 Using the Humanities in Nursing Education:Mr. Kevin McKenna Lecturer, DkIT 11.55 Humanities enhancing understanding I 3rd Year Students BSc (Hons) Psychiatric Nursing DkIT 12.25 Past Lamp, Future Light Mr. Vincent Brehony, formerly An Bord Altranais. 12.55 Closing Remarks Dr Edel Healy Head of School of Nursing Midwifery Health Studies and Applied Science 13.15 Lunch
Press Release Dundalk Outcomers fundraising Variety Night Saturday 14 th November The Spirit Store, Dundalk Dundalk Outcomers are proud to present A Sanely Big Variety Night at the Spirit Store, Dundalk, on Saturday 14 th November. This night of Music, Dance, Comedy, Drama and Drag should be one to remember. Acts include: MC Alan Doherty, Dynamix (dance group), Michael Downey (stand-up comedian), the Tease Mafia (dance/cabaret performers), poweredbysprings (up-and-coming band), oulala Productions (street performers), Gavin Quigley & B2P (dance group), Jason Coburn (stand-up comedian), Tina Tight Arse (dance/drag), the Burlesque Belles (dance/cabaret performers), DKIT Drama Society and much more! Doors open at 8pm, Tickets ONLY 10 and are extremely limited. Dundalk Outcomers is a support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. We offer a range of services including social drop-in facilities and peer support, a telephone helpline, group workshops for health and awareness-raising, one-to-one advice, and information provision. We also provide information, support and training to second level schools and youth work organisations in the NE Region. All funds raised from A Sanely Big Variety Night will go to support our key drop-in services in our centre on Roden Place: Monday Women s Night, Tuesday Men s Night, Thursday Young Adult s Night and Saturday s Youth Group. Further information on Dundalk Outcomers and A Sanely Big Variety Night can be found on www.outcomers.org or by ringing the centre on 042-9329816. Tickets are currently available from Outcomers, or from the Spirit Store: www.spiritstore.ie.
Freshers Off To Winning Start: DkIT Freshers V IT Tallaght The first competitive outing for the Freshers Gaelic Football Team took place on a wet and windy Tuesday evening against IT Tallaght. The lads emerged victorious over a strong opposition, with a scoreline of 3-12 to 0-8. With the disappointment of a waterlogged pitch and game called off against Blanchardstown IT last week, it was important that the team made a winning start to this year's campaign. Tallaght IT came into the match as favorites after trouncing Trinity College the previous week. Early points were exchanged between the two sides, with Adrian Rafferty, Lorcan Ludden and Eanna Atkinson all getting on the scoresheet, before centre-forward James Craven made a thirty yard dash from midfield and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper and into the net. This gave the DkIT Freshers confidence and with Darragh O'Brien fisting in a Mark McArdle pass shortly afterwards, they went in leading by 2-4 to 0-5 at half time. Things got better in the second half with points from Niall Mackin, Sean Byrne and Mark McArdle before Shane Devin scored a goal to seal the game for DkIT. The next outing will be away against Blanchardstown IT next week. Then comes Trinity College away in two weeks, followed by St. Pat's Teacher Training College the week after. The top two teams in the group will qualify for the All-Ireland Semi-Finals. Competition for places will be hotly contested with over 30 Freshers at each training session. Team:- 1. Edward Kirby (Meath - Kildalkey) 2. Enda McCaffery (Monaghan - Currin) 3. Damian Whelan (Wexford - Kilanerin) 4. Conor McGourty (Meath - Ballivor) 5. Colm Barry (Meath - Bective) 6. Daragh Matthews (Louth - Oliver Plunketts) 7. Thomas Finnegan (Monaghan - Aughnamullen) 8. Shane Divan (Louth - St. Brides) 9. Sam Whooley (Westmeath - Ballymore) 10. Darragh O'Brien (Meath - Ratoath) 11. James Craven (Louth - Geraldines) 12. Niall Mackin (Louth - St. Brides) 13. Mark McArdle (Monaghan - Aughnamullen) 14. Eanna Atkinson (Monaghan - Cremartin) 15. Adrian Rafferty (Louth - Dundalk Gaels) Scorers:- Eanna Atkinson 0-2 Sean Byrne 0-1 James Craven 1-2 Shane Devin 1-2 Lorcan Ludden 0-1 Niall Mackin 0-1 Mark McArdle 0-1 Darragh O'Brien 1-0 Adrian Rafferty 0-2 Subs:- Lorcan Ludden (Louth - Sean McDermotts) for Conor McGourty Shane Casserly (Meath - Carnaross) for Niall Mackin Gary Matthews (Louth - St. Finbars) for Sam Whooley Sean Byrne (Louth - Stabannon Parnells) for Mark McArdle Alan Duffy (Louth - St. Pats) Chris Gallagher (Donegal)
Camogie News This was the team s second outing of the year in preparation for their upcoming blitz on Wednesday 4 th November, which is to be held in DKIT. This was a much tougher challenge for the girls against Trinity College. The game was played in poor weather conditions, with a very strong wind, having a major influence. DKIT played against the wind in the first half and battled hard to keep Trinity score to a minimum. It took a while for the team to settle in, but as the game went on we matched them in every position and began to dominate. The teams 2 nd half performance was a credit to all the girls, especially from Elaine Finn (Tallaght) at mid-field, Sarah Mc Manas (peps) centre forward, and Lisa Smyth at centre back. This game was a good gage to show the girls where they are at and hopefully is a good sign for the rest of the year. DKIT; 2 4 Trinity; 5 6 Ladies football The ladies team had their first outing of the year against DCU on Thursday 29 th. The girls have been training hard on Tuesday mornings along with the camogie players and on Thursday evening also. With some old and new faces the girls gave a great account of themselves for their first outing together. They were well within reach at half time, only being down by the small margin of four points. Unfortunately this display did not continue in the second half and the girls were defeated. The team has two more matches against Queens and Jordanstown. Hopefully they will continue to keep up the good training and work hard.
Senior Men s Football The senior team played Jordanstown on Thursday 22 nd. This was an away game, and gave us an opportunity to admire the facilities available to Jordanstown. The game itself was a very tough match, and a slight reality check for the team. Jordanstown could boast about the number of county players on their panel and this was evident in some areas. Dundalk fought hard and never gave up. Paul Mc Shane had been working hard with the team and is committed. We need the same commitment from the men, consistent attendance at training and a positive attitude. Match this week away to St. Marys Congratulations to the Fresher s team who had a great win over IT Tallaght. It has been a number of years since Dundalk has fielded a Fresher s team and we would like to say well done to the lads and to keep up the hard work. It was great to see so many wearing the college jersey, and making the team selection so difficult for the management. Well done to David, Colin and Shane. Keep up the good work. The team has been in good form lately, with some great performances in their challenge matches and excellent turn outs at training. Well done and may it continue. Upcoming match against Blanchardstown IT.
'The Bald Prima Donna' let loose at DKIT Cultural Studies student's present Eugene Ionesco's witty, eloquent and sometimes absurd play 'The Bald Prima Donna'. The students promise to entertain, amuse and even confuse modern audiences with this updated 1950's masterpiece. Come along to the Black Box Theatre, South Block, DKIT from Tuesday 17th November to Thursday 19th November at 12.30pm. The performance last around half an hour. Tickets 4 ( 3 student concession) For pre-booking contact fiona.fearon@dkit.ie or Larry Brennan 087-1338059 Caption Competition. Send your suggestions to editor@dkit.ie