Thu, 17/10/2024 from 10:30 - 12:30 in Bray Golf Club
In this talk Patrick Geoghegan will give an account of the evolution of the American presidential system over the centuries and of the issues, events and personalities which shaped it. American presidential elections have certain regular features. Some of these were laid down by the Founding Fathers, such as the four year term, election by State and the Electoral College. Others such as primaries, nomination conventions, platforms and massive fund-raising developed over time. But each presidential election has also had its own highly distinctive features, reflecting the divisions, challenges, prospect and fears of American society at the time.Thu, 31/10/2024 from 10:30 - 12:30 in Bray Golf Club
Although sacred wells and springs occur throughout the world, Ireland is unusual in having so many. Some of these holy wells probably date from pre-Cristian times whereas others are more recent. Many holy wells are still visited regularly, especially on the saint’s day (the patron or pattern day). Beliefs in the healing powers of holy wells are widespread, with pilgrims seeking cures for problems such as eye diseases, warts and rheumatism. Based on his recent research and book, Bruce will talk about the distribution of holy wells across the different landscape settings in Ireland and the beliefs and rituals associated with these wells. He will discuss the chemical make up of the waters and examine whether there are potential links between the water properties and the reputed cures. Bruce will end his talk by highlighting the need to preserve these fascinating cultural features for the benefit of future generations. Dr Bruce Misstear is a Fellow Emeritus of Trinity College Dublin, where he has taught hydrogeology and environmental engineering for 30 years. He has worked on groundwater projects in UK, Africa, Middle East and Asia, as well as in Ireland. He is the author or co-author of 200 publications, including his recent book “Wells and Wellbeing: The Hydrogeology of Irish Holy Wells” which was published by Geological Survey Ireland in 2023. Bruce is a former Secretary General of the International Association of Hydrogeologists.Thu, 14/11/2024 from 10:30 - 12:30 in Bray Golf Club
Thu, 28/11/2024 from 10:30 - 12:30 in Bray Golf Club
In this talk to our Bray Heads U3A group, former Irish Ambassador, Bobby McDonagh, will be drawing on his own impressive diplomatic career, to illustrate the ways in which diplomacy and identity are closely interlinked. In particular, he will b e highlighting three principal diplomatic arenas in which he was involved, where identity has played a particularly important role: the European Union; the United Kingdom and its relations with Ireland; and the Northern Ireland peace process. Bobby was educated at Gonzaga College Dublin and Balliol College Oxford. During his diplomatic career, he served as Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the European Union, and as Ambassador to the United Kingdom, to Italy and to Malaysia. He also held several senior positions at Department of Foreign Affairs HQ in Dublin, including as Deputy Secretary General. He worked in the cabinets of two European Commissioners and was an official of the European Parliament. Since retirement in 2018, he qualified as an executive coach at UCD’s Smurfit Business School and subsequently completed the advanced coaching course at the School. He now works as an executive coach and has a growing practice. He is also a public commentator, including as a regular contributor to the Irish Times, on a wide range of international issues including the European Union and British-Irish relations. He has written extensively about the European Union. He is married with four daughters and twelve grandchildren.Thu, 12/12/2024 from 10:30 - 12:30 in Bray Golf Club
Thu, 09/01/2025 from 10:30 - 12:30 in
Thu, 23/01/2025 from 10:30 - 12:30 in
Thu, 06/02/2025 from 10:30 - 12:30 in
Thu, 17/04/2025 from 10:30 - 12:30 in
Print Date: 11 Oct 2024