jasonclarkephotography :: Our Blog

Dublin's Mayor surrounded by International Intelligence

2012-02-24T19:06:00.001Z

Lord Mayor Andrew Montague promotes Dublin's fair city as a centre of excellence for study for all.

Pictured here in this Morning's Metro Herald with keen minds from America, Nigeria, Malaysia, Saudia Arabia and The Netherlands.

Aboveat the reception for 100 International Students at the Mansion Housewith the Lord Mayor are are: Belema Alasia, Nigeria with ShelbyBanning, Arndt, USA, Casper Bergmans, The Netherlands, CheeWei Yaw, Malaysia and Enaam Alhashimi, Saudi Arabia

Dublin now ranks in the top 10 cities according to the "QS Top Universities" - World University Rankings that were recently published.

JCP - Top of the Class.

Kenny Powers to Publicise PayPal Posts Promise.

2012-02-22T11:29:00.000Z

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, caught in a superman moment, as PayPal announce
1,000 new jobs in new European operations centre Dundalk.

PayPal are the superheroes of safe online payment and their choice of Ireland as their centre shows that our knowledge based economy is bouncing back.

JCP - Knowledge based photography

Slitherin' to a screen near you!

2012-02-21T17:34:00.000Z

‎Dublin Zoo's Garth De Jong and EBS's Aidan Power pictured in today's Metro Herald with the slippery star of RTE's third series of "The Zoo" starting Thursday. The bank will sponsor the programme loved by animal lovers and of course reptile revelers.

JCP - SSSucceed in landing.

AN ICON OF DUBLIN TOURISM RETURNS

2012-02-17T08:16:00.002Z

Anne, James and Niamh are the new team bringing a wealth of experience to the hostel scene in Dublin as they reopen the iconic Isaac's Hostel.

We are delighted to be part of this exciting story and helping to spread the word.

The new team are creating 30 new jobs which is terrific. The hostel will provide 700 new beds to very welcome tourists to the capital.

Best of luck guys!

Breast Cancer Awareness Beak

2012-02-15T14:59:00.001Z

Orla Green & Erin Smith are tickled pink to be part of the inaugural rubber-duck race at Mount Street bridge in aid of the Irish Cancer Society's Action Breast Cancer. All proceeds of the race, sponsored by Bord Gáis Energy, went to the charity.

They are Ireland’s leading provider of breast cancer information and support.

Looks like it was Gas Quack on page 4 of today's Metro Herald.

JCP - Quack-shot

The Super Tones from Cabinteely.

2012-02-13T11:22:00.001Z

Landing in today's Metro. Cathaoirleach John Bailey and The Super Tones team up for the Arts!

JCP - Set the right tone

Anti Brendan

2012-02-09T11:56:00.000Z

Brendan Courtney interview in today's Metro Life Valentine's special. Brendan is hosting the "All the Single People" anti-Valentine's party in Café En Seine on February 14th.

JCP - All the Striking Images

Cute Commute

2012-02-08T14:40:00.001Z

Cover photo for Metro Herald today.

Clodagh Kane and Darragh Malone promote the Barnardos charity before getting back to their hectic lives.

JCP - Sage of the Front Page

Gentleman and Scholar gets to pop his collar.

2012-02-03T16:13:00.000Z

Was fortunate to photograph a Living Legend as Padraig Harrington was honoured by UCD's Literary and Historical Society with the prestigious James Joyce Award on returning from Abu Dhabi Championship.

Very modest as always was former PGA player of the year Padraig while joining an elite club where you'll find Salman Rushdie and Roger Daltrey in the clubhouse.

Welcome Home!

Singleminded Style

2012-02-02T13:46:00.002Z

Metro Landing for Brendan Courtney's "Singled Out" Valentine's special with press snippet.

Brendan Courtney wants to help half a million people to find love!

The latest statistics show there are a whopping 567,000 Single People aged 25-39 in
Ireland, "All the Single People" is a "V Sign" to all the loved up couples whose 
Valentines night will most likely be spent staring adoringly into each others eyes 
across a crowded restaurant!

"All the Single People is an event that for the first time ever marries the worlds
of Fashion and Dating"

Three lucky ladies will get live Makeovers on the night, and then play Blind Date
with a gorgeous guy, the rest of the party will play the hilarious game of "Singled
Out". 
 
Brendan best sums up the night as "Men, Maidens, Makeovers & Madness". 

So if you're single and ready to mingle or simply want a night out with your mates
then tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster, ticket price is €20 and includes
a free drink on arrival, a goodie bag and spot prizes galore!

Tickets available here: http://bit.ly/w76W8J

Spring has Sprung

2012-02-01T16:43:00.001Z

Final roundup of January's landings, 2012 shaping up to be a busy year, so far.

Creativity In The Classroom.

2012-01-27T13:33:00.003Z

JCP gets creative to launch Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council's Art Grant Scheme initiative to encourage creativity in the classroom.

JCP get Cllr. Bailey to get creative on a very willing and helpful student.

The purpose of the grants is to provide financial assistance to individual artists, arts groups and arts organisations engaged in arts projects or events at local or county level. Grants are also available to support the professional development and arts practice of individual artists, arts groups and organisations.

If you are interested in more information about the range of Arts Grants available from DLRCOCO then go to this page of their website http://www.dlrcoco.ie/arts/grants_scheme_2012.htm for all the information.

An Emotional Unveiling

2012-01-25T11:52:00.000Z

Eleanor McEvoy portrait by Robert 'Bobby' Ballagh @ the National Concert Hall, Dublin, Ireland

.

Take Your Picture ...

2012-01-24T10:42:00.000Z

You're one more click away from hitting the HEADLINES

Click above.

You too could hit the cover!

Publicity Week Round-Up.

2012-01-20T16:51:00.001Z

Ourdiscussions this week have centred around preparing the ground work for yourphoto shoot. Our aim is to prepare as much as possible to help the shoot itselfgo smoothly. Your preparations will create the environment to allow yourphotographer concentrate and focus on what they do best. Now it’s up to me towork my magic.

It’s theexperienced and creative photographer who will maximise the opportunitypresented to them on the day. The key is to book an enthusiastic photographerwho is experienced, agile, able to diversify and take advantage of thelittle challenges that invariably rear their heads on your shoot and use them to theiradvantage.

Yourphotographer is looking for that money shot. They are searching for a look,an expression or the special way the light hits your subject.

It’stheir skill to create the environment and set the mood for this magic tohappen. You need the photographer who not only knows how to turn this on butalso capture it when it happens.

I oftenfind, on shoots where many photographers are involved, for example, that thereis a temptation for some to follow the herd. I, however, enjoy searching forthat different angle. A picture that will stand apart from the rest. Even afterso many years, on many different shoots every day, I still feel the sameexcitement chasing that shot. It’s what gets me buzzed.

For money shot call today for a chat 01 660 7938.

In Sharp Focus.

2012-01-20T13:42:00.000Z

Time to sharpen your pencils because we're in sharp focus in the Metro again!

The Photographer That Gets Your Headlines...

2012-01-19T13:48:00.001Z

Why useprofessional photographers and how do you choose the best one for your shoot.

Firstly, it isimportant to book your own photographer for your photo shoot just in case thepress photographers can’t make the event.

Next, look at themain skills of your photographer. Some, for example, are primarily portrait,product or wedding photographers who, generally, will be unsuitable for press, PRor corporate shoots.

Then, look attheir pedigree. Look at their experience and monitor how often they land. Thiswill give you a real indication of your photographer’s skills in capturingimages the press want to publish and also an indication of the relationshipbetween your photographer and the editors.

Landings over the last couple of weeks

Another good tip isto see the variety of sections within which your photographer’s images land,for example, the business section, food and drink, front page and so on.

A selection of landings from the last couple of weeks

There is also a realdifference between the service you will receive from an agency and anindependent photographer. As in most businesses, the press network is built upon relationships and the importance of a direct connection between the actualphotographer who takes the picture and the editor can make a real difference.You are also going to receive a higher level of service and creativity. On ashot, for example, my experience gives me the confidence to make my owndecisions; I take the lead and do what it takes every time to get that moneyshot. I am not on the clock (within reason of course). When you book yourindependent photographer you are preparing your shoot directly with the personwho will be there on the day. For example, when you book JCP, we take the time totalk you through the whole shoot, concepts, props, personalities and locationsand we will also advise you on the most suitable publications to syndicate yourpublicity shots.

More landings from the last couple of weeks

Be very careful when budgeting for your photo shoot. The benefit of a publishedstory is so great don’t compromise on your photographer’s booking. Don’t dilutethe huge effort you are making to arrange this publicity. Our experience, ability and creativity arecritical. A penny saved can mean much more than a pound of publicity wasted.

Even more landings across all the main publications over the last few weeks

At JCP we have thecourage of our convictions. We lay our landings out for all to see every day onFacebook and Twitter. Connect with us on LinkedIn to keep up to date with ourpromotions, tips and seasonal offers.

Looking for theright photographer? Then don’t waste time, at least call for a chat! 01 6607938

Pea Soup For Publicity.

2012-01-18T17:09:00.000Z

In preparation for your photo shoot there are 3 P’s to keep in mindwhich are vital to creating an image that tells the story and has the requiredvisual impact. They are;

Place
Personality and
Prop

Round your place?

The location of your shoot is important from the visual perspective butthere are also other considerations to keep in mind. Is your location, forexample, easy to access? Make sure all parties have the exact directions toyour shoot. If your shoot is in a park make it clear where exactly you arelocated as every possible delay on the day needs to be avoided. A very handytool to use for those who have GPS navigation systems is to provide them with aLoc8 Code. The more detail you can provide the better, even parking options. Asa busy photographer running from shoot to shoot the more time I have on yourshoot and not searching for parking the more time I have to get that money shotand crucially hit the deadlines.

Take note of your location’s health and safety issues; where are theexits, are there any possible obstacles and is the area cleared for use.Consider, also, the indoor or outdoor implications of a shoot, such as lightingand backup scenarios in the event of poor weather conditions.

From a creative point of view discuss your ideal location with JCP, wecan offer locations that we have found to have been successful. If you have aspecific location in mind consider the angles that can be achieved, for exampleis there an option for overhead shots, are there any reflective objects or visualland marks. The more we know in advance the better prepared we can be tomaximise the locations visual impact.

Give your image some personality.

You need to think about what is going to attract the editors to publishyour photograph. The more relevant you can make your story and engage theirreadership the better chance you have to land. This is why you often seepersonalities feature in publicity photos. Take the time to consider who yourideal brand ambassador is and balance that choice with their newsworthiness.JCP and your PR Company can guide you through this process and also help youchoose the best person available within your budget.

Prop up your image.

Make sure your image tells the story or at least gives the viewer an inquisitiveflavour of the topic. Think about what props you can use to highlight yourproposition. Discuss this in advance with JCP. Your prop may be your product orlogo. It could be the location you are in or the activity your participants areinvolved in. Think about using costumes to create some humour and generateinterest. Richard Branson is famous for his costumed and activity photo shoots.

Each publicity shoot is different and there is a balance between beingovertly promoting your brand, or over branding, and being remarkable enough toland. So to guide you through your specific publicity ideas your best option isto call us (01 660 7938) and talk us through your requirements so we can giveyou the best advice possible.

When Will You Hit The Headlines?

2012-01-17T17:57:00.001Z

Following on from yesterday, you’ve developed your story's unique angle,now let’s get planning.

Remember that a good image significantly increases your ability to landand at least doubles the editorial space you get. So that part of your planningis well and truly covered! (You’re in the right place with JCP).

Now consider where and when you ideally want your release to land? Wellso often it’s all about timing;

As much as possible investigate what other major news stories may behitting the press at the same time as your release; elections, major eventssuch as the Olympics, Euro 2012, a presidential visit or major diplomatic conferenceand so on. These are difficult times to land. If the timing of your release isfixed and happens to coincide with a major event then consider trying to tieyour concept in, in some way, to that major news story or alternatively makesure your story is relevant to a different section of the paper (an electionwon’t affect food and drink for instance).

It is also important to consider publication deadlines. For example 11am is the ideal time to hit the news desks for that evening’s press and thefollowing day’s daily’s. As we said yesterday make it easy for the editors - givethem sufficient time to work with your release. There is, however, a finebalance to consider here because what’s news today is history tomorrow. JCP andyour PR Company understand this balance and will have prepared editors inadvance about your release.

Consider, also, where you want your release toland. Think latterly; consider other media such as online or sales flyers. Atip here is to capture behind the scenes photos for your social media.

Call us now (you know the number 01660 7938) and we will adviseyou on how to get the most out of your photo call.

Good planning gives you better opportunities.

Men Have Been Saying This For Years!

2012-01-17T11:38:00.001Z

It goes without saying that for me sight isvital. So I'm always delighted to be part of sight awareness campaigns. The NCBIdo great work in Drumcondra and it gives me great pleasure to see our photoland in the Independent today, raising more awareness for this amazing charity.

This shoot, however, had the added bonus of bringingto light one of the most baffling questions man (and I mean male man notgeneric man as in the species) has ever had to tackle;

"Shoes, shoes and more shoes and you neverwear half of them!"

At last our cries have been recognised andthese "ornaments" (let's be honest how many shoes in your wardrobehave you never even worn?) can now find some other wardrobe to adorn and partner to perplex.

Ladies, please, please, please, join Gillian Quinn and donate your shoes to thisgreat cause, The NCBI Shoes for Sight campaign. A campaign to support thosewith sight loss and save male sanity!

I’m right behind this campaign!

Is Your Story Newsworthy?

2012-01-16T13:51:00.001Z

This question moreoften than not generates a paradox between those who believe their story to beunquestionably newsworthy when it isn’t and those that don’t realise they havea story in the first place. An objective approach and a little creativity canmake the difference between a story that lands and one that gets overlooked.Regardless where you stand always consult the professionals; your pressphotographer or PR Company. A trueprofessional will give you their unbiased opinion and will help you maximiseyour opportunity. Their aim is to develop a long term relationship with you.

No press releaseis ever guaranteed to land, your stories space in newsprint can depend on otherimportant issues of the day. One of the keys to developing your newsworthiness isto think like the press. They are not there to help you; they are solely lookingfor articles and images that are of interest to their readers. Do everythingyou can to make the editors life easier. Think of the three A’s;

Whatis your ANGLE – create a story not asales pitch,
Becreative in developing a story to interest their AUDIENCE and
Is it APPEALING – Make sure your content isprofessionally written (not publicity for publicity sake) and accompanied by aprofessionally taken photograph that grabs attention and encourages the readerto investigate further (JCP can help you with this).

Remember, yourimage is critical, often you may only get your image to land with an accompanyingcaption.

The Chinese New Year press release image lands in the Metro Herald

The full press release, however, makes its way into the Independent. Always make sure your press release includes details of where the reader canget more information, see www.cny.ie at the end of the article.

This is easiersaid than done and why the relationships built up between press editors andprofessional press photographers and PR companies over many years is a cruciallink between you and landing in the papers.

We have been onthe ground in every nook and cranny doing this work for decades now; we knowthe industry inside out. Apart from producing photographs that land nearlyevery day we have a sense for what will land. Our professional advice,creativity and relationships with the press will significantly increase yourpotential to land.

Everybody has astory to tell, let’s see how we can tell yours. Call us for an informal chat to see how we can help you hit the headlines. - 01 660 7938

Excitement, Intensity, Exhilaration And A Little Unpredictability, Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-13T11:50:00.001Z

Plenty of excitement, intensity,exhilaration and a little unpredictability, the characteristics of the Chinese New Year symbolised by the Dragon aredemonstrated by Amy-Yin Zhang’s reactions as she stares into the eyes of a Chinesewater dragon in the Independent and the Metrothis morning.

Our images land as the city welcomes the Chinese New Year Festival to the capital.

As Dublin is now twinned with Beijing wecommissioned Paddy for the day to symbolise the connection between the twocities. Paddy by the way is the Irish born Chinese water dragon staring back atAmy-Yin.

The festival committee welcome everyone tojoin in their celebrations across the capital from the 20^th Januaryto the 3^rd February. The BIG event will take place @4pm January the22^nd, as the clock strikes midnight in China, when we’ll ring in theChinese New Year and say farewell to the peaceful, calm year of the Rabbit.

Make sure you’re there to witness thespecially commissioned Dragon for the celebrations. Click here for details www.cny.ie

Visually Stimulate Your Story.

2012-01-12T16:59:00.001Z

Publicity week starts here on Monday.

CCCTB a very serious issue

2012-01-10T10:58:00.000Z

Peter O'Neill, the new president of the American Chamber of Commerce, warns of the impending implications for US companies in Ireland if CCCTB (Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base) becomes a reality.

IEA Chief Executive, John Whelan, warned of the dangers to our export-led recovery if the Government doesn't support Irish companies with their expansion into emerging markets, in particular the BRIC countries.

Click here to read the full article in today's Independent Business section.

Need An Excuse? Bring The Family!

2012-01-06T15:56:00.000Z

Capturing the atmosphere at Funderland in the RDS Simmonscourt.

You have until January 8th to hold on tight and let your adrenaline pump.

Foreign direct investment

2012-01-06T09:53:00.000Z

The business pages of the Metro Herald welcomes foreign direct investment. Don't we all!

Our eye on Big Brother

2012-01-05T12:22:00.000Z

Do you Dare To Win?

2012-01-05T08:25:00.000Z

Tell us why you deserve to win! Click here → Dare to Wear Red!

€1,000 shopping voucher,
Your wardrobe and
Your beauty overhaul with style guru Lisa Fitzpatrick?

Smile, you're at the end of my lens!

2012-01-04T11:13:00.001Z

How JCP dressed up October.

2012-01-03T11:32:00.001Z

The faces of September

2011-12-30T12:43:00.000Z

August, when a certain weatherman turned up the heat.

2011-12-30T11:17:00.000Z

Looking back

2011-12-29T16:14:00.000Z

As we get ready for 2012 we continue our look back at some of our images that made the news in 2011.

July

Any ideas for an app?

2011-12-22T10:46:00.000Z

Microsoft Ireland launch their second level schools competition to find creative app ideas.

So how do you know about the competition? Because we landed in the Metro and this clever little XBox also landed in the Indo.

June

2011-12-21T11:06:00.000Z

What are you doing at lunchtime?

2011-12-19T09:17:00.001Z

Three in a day. What more can I say?

2011-12-16T15:13:00.003Z

Page 1, 12 and 22. You've gotta be good!

Coming to your defence ...

2011-12-16T14:44:00.000Z

The Law Societies newly qualified solicitors were presented with their parchments in Dublin yesterday.

Capturing sisters Anne and Mary Foley, confidently strutting to the presentation, landed in the Irish Independent this morning.

Ruby the Reindeer says ...

2011-12-16T12:30:00.000Z

From Ruby the Reindeer,

Jason, Jenny and Dee,

Thanks a mill for all your support this year.

Happy Christmas from all @ JCP!

Leaping onto the pages once again.

2011-12-13T12:15:00.001Z

Where bus, rail and Luas meet, my two helpers, Callumand Chelsea, leap into action with their new integrated travel cards.

Nine years in planning and €55 million to develop, thecard system, makes it so much easier to travel around and across the city.Using the card will offer discounts of between 9 and19%. You can buy the cardsfrom over 400 outlets or at www.leapcard.ie.The cards operate just like phone credit cards which you can top-up.

Other bus and coach operators will be joiningthe scheme in the new year.

Our best at Christmas

2011-12-08T14:57:00.001Z

Capturing the festive atmosphere at Superquinn with Celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio and little elf, Muireann Cooper Edgeworth (3) in Santa’s Grotto at Blackrock Shopping Centre.

Superquinn launch their series of Christmas Food Festivals which will be held in selected stores throughout the season. Check out Superquinn on Facebook or visit www.superquinn.ie.

No flirting with safety

2011-12-08T14:21:00.001Z

VIP Taxis ‘Safety Comes First This Christmas’ campaign.

We need to drive home the message that taking a VIP taxi this Christmas will not only take the stress out of the festive season but it is the safest way to travel.

This is how Georgia Salpa rolls. You too can travel in style.

An author travels back to his first page

2011-12-06T16:32:00.001Z

Page5 of the Irish Independent

I capture a moment of reflection. Resting by his own portrait, Joseph O'Connor contemplates where it all began as he is conferred with an honorary degree of Doctor of Literature at UCD yesterday.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-28T13:51:00.001Z

The room was filled with officials and dignitaries and entrepreneurs but the hubub in the air was different to your usual meeting or conference. The businesslike atmosphere these suited men and women would normally create was punctuated with hearty chatter, laughter and smiles.

I'd covered many events for The American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland over the past year and come to know a few of the regular attendees. It was good, if not a little strange, to see a party like atmosphere amongst them.

Then the room suddenly hushed a little and everyone's heads turned in one direction.

We smelled it before we saw it.

Ben Kilford, sous chef, rolling out the turkey at the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin

The American Chamber of Commerce has asked me to cover a number of events over the past year and last week I was back again to shoot their annual Thanksgiving Lunch. It was certainly one of the more joyful events I've covered as the spirit of Thanksgiving could be seen in everyone, especially when that turkey came out!

Gerard Kilcommins & Joanne Richardson

Gerard Kilcommins, Joanne Richardson & Ben Kilford

The Chamber is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Ireland and has put together a video reviewing their year. If you look closely you'll a spot number of news clippings that feature my shots, as well as snatches of me hard at work!

To many, Thanksgiving might seem solely an American tradition, but celebrations of gratitude have existed in European societies at the end of harvest for thousands of years.With that spirit of gratitude in mind, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank The American Chamber of Commerce, and all of my other regular clients, for consistently booking me to shoot and cover their events. Without you I would be unable to pursue my love and passion for photogrpahy.

Thank you.

Here are some more shots from the lunch.

Guest of Honour, Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, TD.

Michael Noonan, TD

Gerard Kilcommins, Michael Noonan
& Joanne Richardson

Quality Means Business

2011-11-28T13:19:00.001Z

As a PR and corporate photographer my success relies on the success of the print media and the existence of high quality journalism in Ireland, particularly from business supplements. Fortunately for me there exists many examples of excellent business journalism here and thanks to the UCD Smurfit Business School Business Jounralism Awards, I can see that these high standards are set to continue and that quality shots will always be in demand for these quality papers.

Below you will find the winners of the Journalism Awards, alongside clippings of my own work that have landed with their paper over the last few weeks.

Irish Independent

Maeve Dineen with Thomas Molloy

The Irish Times

John Collins and Una McCraffrey

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh with John Collins, Adam Maguire, Una McCraffrey and Simon Carswell

The Sunday Times

Brian Carey, Tom Lyons, Mark Paul and Niall Brady

The Sunday Business Post

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh with Emma Kennedy and Cliff Taylor

Running Against Blindness

2011-11-28T12:05:00.001Z

The ORBIS Ireland Runners queing up at Dublin Airport before their flight to Ethiopia

As a photographer, the thought of my vision coming to harm is a particularly scary proposition, but it goes without saying that our eyes are very important to all of us. If our sight ever came to be endangered we would take immediate action to protect it, calling upon all the resources at our disposal to ensure that our vision would come to no harm.

But for millions of people in poverty stricken regions, where such resources are in crippling scarcity, blindness poses a very real threat. Trachoma, an easily preventable disease in Ireland, effects over one third of children living in Ethiopia, causing blindness and suffering that could be cured by a simple and cheap treatment. According to WHO 80 million people in the world suffer from blindness, but 80% of these suffer needlessly.

ORBIS International aims to fight preventable blindness in developing countries, raising money and awareness, while also organising the required medical support for those suffering from unnecessary blindness. This December ORBIS Ireland have organised 70 sponsored runners to take part in the great Ethiopian run, as ORBIS International raises over €400,000 to deliver their sight-saving treatments.

Last Thursday I met with the runners at Dublin Airport as they prepared to embark for Ethiopia:

Thanks to Georgia Scott, Victoria Sheil and the rest of the ORBIS running team.

Another day, another landing.

2011-11-25T11:13:00.001Z

This shot from last Friday's ceremony at St Patrick's Cathedral was in today's Metro Herald (p. 26).

Still gives me a buzz every time I see something of mine published.

Higher Level Bookings

2011-11-22T11:59:00.001Z

It almost felt like I was back to school. But this time I didn't have to lump around a big bag of books.

Last week JCP booked coverage for four events in UCD, NCI and DIT. As with Friday's NCI graduation, it was good to be back around that sense of optimism and expectation you find these institutes' students.

Patricia Kiernan, Prof Brian Glennon
Dr Mark Barrett & Cathy Prenderville

Prof Brian Glennon &
Dr Mark Benett

Prof Brian Glennon &
Dr Mark Benett at NovaUCD's CCDP

On Thursday Nov 17th I covered the presentation of NovaUCD's 2011 start-up award. APC, a new pharmaceutical research company about to create 20 new jobs, won the award and also received a prize of €17,500.

Maiasz Golebiose, Dominica Wereck
& Michal Spiewick

Katie Murphy Twohigs &
Salina Heaney

Friday was a busy day which saw me hoofing it around the city centre, getting from NCI's graduation ceremony to DIT. There I covered the conferring of CPD diplomas in retail management to those who took part in a DIT/Musgraves initiative.

Arthur Ryan with his
granddaughter, Ella Ryan (8)

Arthur Ryan with his
daughter, Jessica Ryan

And on Saturday I found myself back with DIT covering the conferring of an Honourary Doctorate to Arthur Ryan, founder and chairman of the Penneys/Primark group at St Patrick's Cathedral.

JCP Scores a Hat-Trick

2011-11-21T16:28:00.001Z

JCP completed a hat-trick over the week as Jason's shots from the ISME Annual Conference appeared in the business pages of the Irish Times, the Irish Independent and Irish Examiner.

Below you will also find landings in The Sunday Times, The Sunday Business Post, two further landings in the Irish Independent and a cover shot of Mark Little in the magazine Business Plus.

1,900 Reasons for Optimism

2011-11-21T11:23:00.001Z

Brian McDonnell and Shauna Burke

Last Friday the National College of Ireland conferred over 1,900 awards to degree, diploma and FETAC students attending 48 courses at their college, including business, computing, finance, accountancy and HR.

Shots from these events always capture the joy, positivity and optimism young people exude when confidently stepping out into the adult world of work and entrepreneurship, proudly brandishing their hard won degree as though to say 'It's my turn, now'.

Marzena Czyzewska and
Karolina Sierawska

Ann Wilson with granddaughter
Ruth Wilson (2)

While right now the economic climate may be difficult, particularly for recent graduates, no sense of doom and gloom could be found in the bright-lit atrium of NCI's campus. Graduates milled around smiling and laughing, filled with hope that the promise of a better future would be fulfilled by nothing more than their talent, hard work and self-belief.

These pictures capture all of this, and offer those of us who may feel pessimistic about the future of our economy and society a brighter outlook on the possibilities and potential of our nation, our economy and maybe even our selves.

For more details of the National College of Ireland, click here: http://www.ncirl.ie

Thanks to Brian McDonnell, Shauna Burke, Marzena Czyzewska, Karolina Sierawska, Ann Wilson, Ruth Wilson, Laura Cahill, Rain Cahill, Neil Cahill, Anne Spain, Margaret O'Donoghue, Deirdre Kavanagh, Kemi John, Coaimhe O'Dea, Elizabeth Olunaike and Shauna Rooney.

New Horizons for Science and Society

2011-11-18T10:26:00.001Z

Nanoscientist Professor Jonathan Coleman was awarded the 'Researcher of the Year' award by Science Foundation Ireland. His work has been published in a multitude of prestigious international journals including Science, Nature, Nature Nanotechnology, and Advanced Materials. As well as featuring in New Scientist, The New York Times and on CNN.

Prof Jonathan Coleman and Minister Sean Sherlock, TD

Prof Jonathan Coleman

Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock, presented the award and found encouragement in the theme of this years event, 'Shaping the Future Now - New Horizons for Science and Society', saying "very often, when debate in politics and in the general public centres around the economy - especially in times such as now - society can sometimes find itself consigned to the margins."

Further information can be found by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/6nwynpz

Dr Graham Love with
keynote speaker Prof John Day

Keynote speaker Dr Corey Goodman
and Dr Graham Love

Dr G. Love, Dr. L Barrett and
Dr C Goodman

Dr Ruth Freeman (SFI) and
Dr Louise Barrett (DCU)

Dr Graham Love,
Director General of SFI

SFI Image competition winner David McGovern

Engineering a Promising Future

2011-11-17T10:10:00.001Z

Dr Angela Brady

On Saturday 5th of November Dr Angela Brady was conferred with an Honourary Doctorate at DIT's graduation ceremony for Architects and Engineers. Angela, the first Irish person to be elected President of the Royal Institute of British Architects, represents some of the wonderful architectural talent that exists and is being produced in Ireland.

Below are pictures of some of the graduates from the event, the future Angela Bradys, and the future of Ireland's built environment.

Larry Whelan, Tadhg O'Grady,
Robert Thornton and Ronan Seery

Elizabeth Gaynor

Caitriona Gaughan, Ciara Horgan
and Michelle Dillon

Elizabeth Gaynor

Goodbye, Mary.

2011-11-16T16:02:00.001Z

The opening ceremonies for yesterday's international soccer match between Ireland and Estonia truly represented the arrival of Michael D. Higgins as President of Ireland. It was quite a shock to see our new commander in chief arriving on the Aviva stadium pitch, greeting the Estonian visitors and inspiring the lads in green with handshakes and warm words of encouragement.

In front of a national audience of millions, President Higgins fulfilled a duty we have been watching Mary McAleese perform for 14 years - at international soccer and rugby matches and at national football and hurling occasions. The sight of Michael D. treading the presidential red carpet at such an historical moment in Irish sport sharply clarified the role our former president played in both representing and inspiring the mood, the personality and the temperament of this nation to visitors and viewers from far off lands. A role she performed with great subtlety and grace.

JCP, now operating for 17 years, has grown and come of age under the tenure of President McAleese. In that time we have had the good fortune of working with her on a number of occasions. Below you will find a selection of our work that Mary has been involved in.

Hands up for Better Business

2011-11-16T10:00:00.001Z

Eoghan Coyne of PIAB taking part in a warm up exercise as directed
by motivational speaker Brody Sweeney

ISME held their 2011 Annual Conference at the RDS last week with the theme 'It's up to BUSiness'. The event was attended by small to medium business owners from around the country looking to avail of the expertise and experience of successful entrepreneurs, the enthusiasm building exercises of motivational speakers and the priceless networking possibilities that come from a gathering of your peers.

Michael Carey and Brody Sweeney

H.E. Julian King, British Ambassdor to Ireland
and John Ryan, Chairman of ISME

Everyone is talking about how tough things are in the current climate, and no more so than for small to medium business owners. For Ireland to pull itself out of its current malaise the jobs, industry and trade provided by these brave entrepreneurs is absolutely vital.

More information can be found here: http://www.isme.ie/events-page54872.html

Buy Quality, Buy Irish

2011-11-14T14:36:00.001Z

The Crafts Council of Ireland launched an exhibition of Irish crafted jewellery at Dublin Airport's Terminal Two over the weekend. As these wonderful pieces demonstrated, supporting Irish craftspeople does not mean putting national interests ahead of taste and quality, beautifully crafted items that stand up to and surpass the quality of most imported branded goods are being produced all over Ireland.

Thanks to models Thalia Heffernan (wearing Inga Reed bracelet, rings and earrings) and Karen Fitzpatrick (wearing Angela O'Kelly bracelet and Rachel McKnight necklace) and designers Filip Vanas, Angela O'Kelly, Geraldine Murphy and Rachel Swan.

A hair-raising encounter

2011-11-14T12:14:00.001Z

Bumped into this little known pair over the weekend. Been thinking of updating my style recently. What do you think?

Jason and Jedward

Would you like fries with that?

2011-11-14T11:46:00.001Z

Samantha Toner and Aneta Gelaze Ciene got a lot more than just fries with their careers as they receive their FETAC Certificates in management as part of a collaboration between NCI and McDonald's. I snapped them receiving their awards last week and the picture can be seen in today's Metro Herald.

Metro Herald 14th November 2011

And here's some more shots from the event:

Thanks to Sinead Coleman, Samantha Toner, Aneta Gelaze Ciene, Dainius Visockas and Tanya Liksunova

Lord Mayor of Christmas

2011-11-11T15:11:00.001Z

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague, launched a very useful website for Dublin residents and visitors this Christmas. Check it out here: http://www.dublinatchristmas.ie/

Picture from Metro Herald 11/11/2011

Ireland, the tiny island with a huge influence.

2011-11-10T16:55:00.000Z

For a small nation on a tiny island perched out on the balcony of Europe, Ireland seems to produce an unusual amount of international cultural greats. From Dean Swift to Oscar Wilde all the way through to Joyce, Yeats and Beckett. Not to mention the huge international impacts of more contemporary pop cultural icons such as Thin Lizzy and U2. There is much to be proud of in our past and in our present.

Bill Whelan and Seamus Heaney

Last Friday 4th November I had the pleasure of covering UCD's Foundation Day ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of a former student with the Foundation Day Medal, an award that has been granted to such luminaries as Peter Sutherland, Maeve Binchy and Brian O'Driscoll.

Undoubtedly Bill Whelan, who was awarded the medal this year, can be counted amongst our most influential of cultural giants. Credited with composing the original 7 minute orchestral piece for Riverdance, his influence has spanned the entire globe, bringing a fresh, contemporary and relevant take on Irish music to countries as far flung as Japan and Brazil.

Bill Whelan with his UCD Foundation Day Medal

I remember very well settling in to watch the Eurovision in 1994, surprised by the quality of the Irish entry that year (remember the 'Rock and Roll Kids'?) and not expecting much from the interval performance other than the usual bland quasi-advertisement from the Irish tourism board. But what a treat they had in store for us. Watching it now I still get those goosebumps, still feel that excitement, and as the 7 minutes draws to its conclusion, the swell of pride and emotion with the knowledge that Ireland was putting its best foot forward in front of a continental audience of millions.

We might make fun of Michael Flatley and Riverdance and bemoan the commercialisation of Irish culture now, but that night was one to make us proud to be Irish. Bill Whelan deserves to be recognised as a cultural giant, who's music provided the backdrop to one of Ireland's proudest nights.

Here are some of the other pictures from the UCD Foundation Day:

Bill Whelan and his medal

President of UCD, Hugh Brady with Bill

Bill Whelan at the piano

CD Choral Scholars Susan Gibbons and Megan O'Neill
chatting with Bill Whelan

Bill Whelan

David Whelan and Charlie Sander

Aoibhinn ni Shuilleabhain

UCD Choral Scholars Susan Gibbons and Megan O'Neill with Bill Whelan and Aoibhinn ni Shuilleabhain

Bill Whelan and Flo Lawlor

Brian McDonagh and Eilis O'Brien

Prof Anthony Roche and Gerry Stembridge

Bill Whelan

Some Novel Headwear Trends

2011-11-09T13:37:00.000Z

Shooting the opening of the refurbished Stillorgan Library last Friday I spotted Vivienne Pim fashion some strange headgear for herself.

Metro Herald 9th November 2011

Then, at the launch of the library at The Barretstown Kids' camp on Sunday, I found Cecilia Ahern and Ella Weldon (4), who had finished her treatment for leukaemia in May last year, sporting this novel look.

It's great to see libraries flourishing and it was real pleasure to support these literary launches. The refurb at Stillorgan is top class - bright and fresh and clean and modern. Just right for keeping a clear mind as you study, or discovering for yourself that hidden gem of a novel.

And the new Barretstown library is a wonderful resource for children recovering from serious illness. Here's some more of the shots I took at Sunday's launch.

Thanks to Robbie Bennett (4), Harry Bennet (10), Molly Bennet (4), Elena Weldon (6), Ella Weldon (4), Dylan Weldon (8) and Killian Weldon (4).

Your Health Matters

2011-11-08T16:57:00.000Z

At the launch of "Your Health Matters" by Dr. Nina Byrnes was the author and photographer Jason Clarke who's work features on the book's cover.

Noel Kelly of MK Management with Dr. Nina Byrnes

Dr. Nina Byrnes with Jason

Ethel and Dr. Nina Byrnes

Nick and Tina Noblett.

Pamela Murphy and Noreen Dockery

Dr. Nina Byrnes and Alison Canavan

Alison Canavan and Susie Grant.

Ross Morgan and Mary Dillon.

Dr. Nina Byrnes

Dr. Nina and Dean Byrnes.

Dr. Nina Byrnes and Maura Derrane.

Every IKEA soft toy = €1 to UNICEF

2011-11-08T16:26:00.000Z

Unicef Ambassador Dustin the Turkey hosted a special story book reading to officially launch the UNICEF and IKEA Soft Toy fundraising campaign at the IKEA store in Ballymun, Dublin. For every IKEA Soft Toy, children's book or kid's meal purchased from now until December 23rd IKEA will donate one euro to education programmes worldwide supported by UNICEF. One euro can buy schoolbooks and pencils for at least five children involved in UNICEF's education programmes worldwide.

Saoirse (3) and Caoimhe (6) O'Shea from Bandon, Cork.

Caoimhe O'Shea age 6 from Bandon in Cork and Unicef Ambassador Dustin the Turkey.

Gerry and Ryan Archer and (1) from Rush, Co. Dublin

Jesse Sarap age 3 and Dave Amakor age 5 from Finglas

Rian O'Brien age 3 from Clondaklin, Dublin

Eamonn Kelly age 2 from Bray, Co. Wicklow.

Ruby McGing age 2 from Raheny, Co. Dublin.

Finn (1) and Rian O'Brien age 3 from Clondalkin, Co. Dublin.

Clodagh King age 6 from Cullen, Co. Louth and Rian O'Brien age 3 from Clondalkin, Co. Dublin

Burning up the pages

2011-11-08T13:19:00.000Z

Fired Up, in today's Metro Herald
Pat Short as 'Michael D' jumping the coals to encourage you to walk on fire to raise money for One in Four on the 27-11 at Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel