Tar Éis Óir Winter Newsletter 2012

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Tar Éis Óir Contact Details

Tar  Éis  Óir  -­‐  Gaisce  Alumni  NetworkGaisce  -­‐  The  President's  Award,  Ratra  House,  North  Road,Phoenix  Park,  Dublin  8

Email:  [email protected]

Web:  www.tareisoir.ie  (Coming  Soon!)  

TwiMer:  @TarEisOir

Facebook  :  www.facebook.com/tareisoir

LinkedIn  :  Tar  Éis  Óir  Gaisce  Alumni

Previous  ediUons  of    our  NewsleMer:  hMp://www.issuu.com/tareisoir

Winter 2012

CHAIRPERSON’S WELCOMEI am delighted to welcome you to the winter edition of our newsletter. I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas holidays and are geared up for an

exciting year with us in Tar Éis Óir. A

lot has happened since our last edition.

We had an AGM in December where I was elected Chairperson with an 18 strong committee! This gives us an

extraordinary opportunity to achieve a

huge amount this year with committee members from across Ireland having fantastic potential to contribute to a

growing alumni organisation.

This December we attended the Silver Award Ceremony in Trinity College Dublin where we supported Gaisce in

what was a great evening of celebration.

Well done to everyone! We also attended

the conclusion of President Michael D.

Higgin’s seminar series ‘Being Young and Irish’ in Áras an Uachtaráin. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to all

those Tar Éis Óir members who

volunteered for the seminar series across Ireland.

Lastly I would like to offer my greatest thanks and warm wishes to Christine Carty, our former chairperson, who has done such a fantastic job guiding this organisation over the past year. She is an

inspiration and did a fantastic job in

growing TÉÓ over the past 12 months. Christine will be travelling the world next year and I hope she will have time to

check in with us periodically!

Thank You to all those who made 2012

such a success and I really hope you will

join with us in the year ahead to make Tar Éis Óir, the Gaisce Alumni Association, an organisation which

continues to grow and develop for YOU!

Finally I want to wish you all a very

happy new year. I hope to see you soon!

Karen x

Inside this issueGold Award Ceremony 2012 Page 2 International News Page 8TÉÓ Merchandise Page 3 Leinster Silver Award Ceremony Page 9Chairperson’s Report 2012 Page 4 Upcoming Hike Page 10Committee 2013 Page 5 International Scout Moot Page 11Upcoming Events Page 6 Until Next Time Page 13Being Young & Irish Page 7

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Tar Éis ÓirThe Gaisce Alumni Association

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Gold Award Ceremony 2012, Dublin Castle

The Gold Award Ceremony for 2012 took place on Thursday 27th September in St. Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle. This was President Michael D Higgin’s first Gold award ceremony as Gaisce Patron. 70 Gold awards were presented to young people from all over the island for their endeavours in completing the hardest of all challenges set by the President to the young people of Ireland. Participant activities included volunteering in charity shops, hiking part of the Camino de Santiago, volunteering in a Belorussian orphanage, attending a Gaeltacht course, training with the Reserve Defence Forces and learning how to cook. Prior to the ceremony, entertainment was provided by the band of An Garda Síochána.

In his address, President Higgins said that “Today I am reminded of the great wealth of talent and creativity that our young citizens have to offer...You are proof that strength of character, commitment and the

determination to see a task through to the end still lives on."

Some participants were interviewed by national media with articles appearing in the Irish Independent, Irish Times and report featured on The Mooney Show on RTÉ Radio 1.

TÉÓ had a strong presence at this year’s ceremony with volunteers assisting with seating guests and escorting dignitaries to their seats. TÉO members were also on hand to answer questions regarding the alumni network and gold award recipients had the opportunity to sign up to our newsletter and our mailing list on the day.

The President met with all recipients and TÉO volunteers afterwards for a reception in Dublin Castle. TÉO also organised our own reception for gold award recipients later that evening in the Trinity Bar and Venue where a good night was had by all!

GOLD AWARD CEREMEMONY 2012

Don’t forget to use #tareisoir to keep up to date with events on Twitter

Report: Peadar Ó Lamhna

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Breaking News: London Fashion Week reveals must have accessory for 2013London Fashion Week revealed this

week that the latest must-have fashion accessory for 2013 is none other than our very own Tar Éis Óir hoodie! We're giving you all the opportunity to have a little piece of TÉÓ to wear in your day.. that is.. we have a limited number of TÉÓ Hoodies and T-shirts available for you all to purchase. If you would like to purchase a

TÉÓ Hoody and/or T-Shirt, email [email protected] with Hoodie in

the subject line and we will send you an order form. Hoodies cost €35 and t-shirts €20. If you would like us to post your items to you, please advise us via of

your postal address and include an additional 5 Euro towards

postage and packaging. Alternatively, collection may be arranged by contacting any committee member.

Tar Éis Óir Social Night

TÉÓ are organising their next social night on Saturday 26th

January in Solas, Wexford Street. We will be there from 9pm and we hope to see you

there!

Hurry!Limited Stock

available

HOODIES

Have you a picture of you wearing your TÉÓ hoodie or t-shirt in a far flung destination? If so, send it on to [email protected] and we will publish some of them in the next issue!

Are you following us on Twitter?

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In 2012, TÉÓ focused on creating a concrete base for development by introducing a central committee structure of core volunteers. The goal of our new central committee is to give a focal point of contact for all Gaisce and International Award stakeholders now and into the future. It is my intention that the Central Committee will also help develop a succession plan for award volunteers to “continue their journey” with both Tar Éis Óir and Gaisce.

We have had an extremely successful 2012, highlights of which include:-Representing and volunteering for, and on behalf of Gaisce at the “Being Young and Irish” Presidential Initiative at both a regional and national level

-Active rebranding of our association to Tar Éis Óir – Gaisce Alumni to allow for a more inclusive brand across all award levels and encourage buy-in from a wider range of Gaisce stakeholders.  

-Providing more than 20 volunteers for the annual Gold Award ceremony to aid with the smooth running of Gaisce’s yearly flagship event.

-Creating a President Award Leader Coordinator position to provide assistance in processing the many committed long-term award

leaders to Independent PAL requests received by Gaisce.-Representation by our Chairperson as an NAA Youth Delegate at the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Forum 2012 in Malta in conjunction with both the CEO of Gaisce (Barney Callaghan) and Chairman of gaisce Council (John Concannon).

-Running Royal Geographical Society accredited “Off Site Safety Management” Training and American Heart Foundation accredited “CPR Training” for our members

-Holding voluntary days at the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shelter in Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin

-Creating an active social media presence through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Issuu to both build our network and ensure a two-way communication process with all Gaisce stakeholders

As a voluntary group, TÉÓ is entirely self-funded and relies heavily on the efforts of members for funding. We do not charge for membership of our network. With this in mind, we set about formalising revenue streams through the sale ofTÉÓ branded hoodies and T-shirts, which are for general sale throughout the year. Part of

the cost of our merchandise is profit to allow for continued growth and activity of the network.

For our 2012 rebrand to Tar Éis Óir – Gaisce Alumni, we also enlisted the help of award-winning advertising team Rob Frewand David Higginbotham. With their help, we have now a full range of promotional literature at our disposal from business cards and flyers, to pop up stands, all of which allows us to more readily promote ourselves and market our brand effectively.

Our vision for 2013 and beyond is to continue to grow and give back to Gaisce. Although currently a small group of dedicated and extremely hard-working volunteers, we continue to strive to help Gaisce become a household name; to create a central focus for enthusiastic volunteers who hold the Gaisce ethos closely; and most importantly, develop TÉÓ into a world-renowned and respected Alumni Network.

Congratulations to all newly award Gold, Silver and Bronze award holders for 2012 and we look forward to welcoming you all at events in 2013.

Chairperson’s Report 2012Below is an extract of our annual report presented by TÉÓ

Chairperson 2012 Christine Carty to the board of Gaisce

Christine Carty

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13 Our AGM took place on Saturday 1st December, 2012 in the Central Hotel, Exchequer Street.

It was an excellent opportunity to review the activities we engaged in during the year. We were fortunate in that we had Barney Callaghan, Chief Executive of Gaisce in attendance and two Gaisce executive council members. We had a number of presentations and then we had an election of officers. Barney Callaghan spoke briefly to those in attendance and

thanked TÉÓ members for their support of Gaisce during the year. Cian Timmons, Gaisce Council representative spoke about TÉÓ’s important role in supporting Gaisce and award

participants. The following were elected to serve on the committee for 2013.

1. Chairperson: Karen Doyle

2. Vice Chairperson: Benny King

3. Secretary: Oliver Clare

4. Head of Events: Ronan Friel

5. Treasurer: Steven Cull

6. PRO/Social Media: Rachel Hearne

7. P.A.L. Liaison Officer: Helena McGee

8. Webmaster: Barry Kennedy

9. Munster Rep: Karen O’Sullivan

10. Expeditions Officer: Neil Ledwith

11.Ulster Rep/Newsletter Editor: Peadar Ó Lamhna.

12. Photographer/ OCM: Lorna Sweetman

13.Merchandising/OCM: Orna Collins

14. Ordinary Committee Member: Christine Carty

15. Ordinary Committee Member: Aideen Fallon

16. Ordinary Committee Member: Deidre O’Rourke

17. Ordinary Committee Member: Sean O’Brien

18. Ordinary Committee Member: Kathleen Foster

Have you liked our Facebook page yet?

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Gaisce����������� ������������������  Residential23rd-����������� ������������������  28th����������� ������������������  September����������� ������������������  2013As part of The Gathering 2013

festivities, Gaisce have organised

an international residential to take

place next September in Swords Co.

Dublin.

A full programme of activities is

planned to stimulate the mind and

body. Themes relating to Being

Young in the modern world will be

discussed. The Residential will

explore subjects such as leadership,

teamwork and group dynamics.

Expedition safety will also be

covered during the course. Evening

activities include a traditional

music and dance night.

This residential is aimed at

Gold participants over the age of 18

and a certificate of attendance will

be provided to verify completion.

Registration fee is €200 and

further information can be

obtained from John T Murphy,

Director of Development, in the

Gaisce Head Office or by emailing

[email protected]

Ulster & Munster events

This year, two committee members will oversee organising TÉÓ events in both Ulster and Munster. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and the next edition of the newsletter for further details.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CPR CourseOur next CPR course will take place in Foxrock Dublin on Saturday February 2nd at 11am. This is an Irish Heart Foundation and American Heart Foundation certified course. The course lasts approximately 4 hours. For further information and to book your please email [email protected] asap as places are limited

Have you joined our LinkedIn group?

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED BECOMING A PAL?Our PAL Liaison Officer Helena Mc Gee is on the lookout for new PALs that would be willing to help develop the award in 2013.A PAL offers guidance and support for those that are participating in all levels of the award. Being a PAL is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the award.A PAL can be absolutely anybody from all walks of life who enjoy working with young people and can offer guidance, support and motivation throughout the participant’s award journeyThe next PAL training session will take place on Saturday January 26th 2013 in Ratra House in the Phoenix Park. Cost is free and places are booking up fast. To book, email [email protected] as soon as possible

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Being Young & Irish National Seminar, Áras an Uachtaráin

On the 17th November, 6 Tar Éis Óir volunteers from all over the country volunteered to help with the running of the Being Young and Irish national seminar in Áras an Uachtaráin. Four regional workshops had been held in Dublin, Monaghan, Cork and Galway and from these 100 participants were selected to help draft the “Take Charge of Change Declaration”. The declaration was presented to President Higgins, Minister for Children, Ms Frances Fitzgerald TD and other senior policy making figures in Irish politics. The following are some of the key priorities that young people in Ireland want to see acted upon as soon as possible.

1.A renewed dual approach to teaching Irish at Leaving Certificate level; the first (compulsory) subject focused

on speaking, the second (optional) subject focused on literature, driven by the foundation of Gaelscoileanna.

2.Legislate for the X Case and hold a referendum in abortion

3.Make marriage equality and adoption rights a reality

4.Legislate for absentee voting for citizens outside of the constituencies and abroad.

After the declaration was published a reception was held in the Áras for all participants and volunteers. Everyone had the opportunity to meet with President Higgins and his wife Sabina. Ryan Sheridan performed a private concert for all present. It was a very enjoyable evening and was a wonderful opportunity for young people to come together to share their ideas for the future.

BEING YOUNG AND IRISH

Some of the TÉÓ Volunteers

at Áras an Uachtaráin

Report: Peadar Ó Lamhna

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International Award Forum 2012 - Malta

The 11th Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Forum, held in Malta from the 21st to 25th November 2012.

The Award Forum covered a selection of themes over the course of the 4 days with a focus on the new updated constitution changes for ratification, including workshops on the new licensing agreements, and the unveiling of the new international award symbol.

Life after gold and award holders networks

For award alumni members, the most relevant workshop was held on life after gold by award holders Felicia Pickard from Canada and Katie Hulmes from Australia.

The life after gold workshop allowed for group interaction and group work on the current interactions of alumni with their national award programme. Ideas were shared on what has worked in certain countries such as Singapore, and Challenges that are faced by those wishing to either grow or be set up.

The workshop came from the growth at IGE Kenya for a linking together of global award networks and was a follow on of the innaugural Gold Award Holders Network forum in Singapore in 2012. Positive aspects to this

workshop was a strong motivation from all present Youth reps to link and grow globally in a global award holders network. Many felt a strong global connection through the international award will give a renewed focus to NAAs to aid the set up of Alumni.

Online media and presence

Of ever increasing relevance to award authorities and award networks worldwide is the usage of online communication methods. The newly designed international award website was briefed to the attendees; more intuitive and user friendly interactive web experience in conjunction with the importance of a clear and strong online message.

Attending the International forum on behalf of TEO and Gaisce was not only a privilege but also a fantastic opportunity to network with our international family and in turn spread the good news of the work of TEO internationally. My sincerest thanks must be expressed to the international award family for a well thought out programme.

Christine Carty

International Award Social Media linksThe International Award is on Twitter - @intaward & on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/intaward Like and follow these pages to keep up to date with our award family spread throughout the world!

International News Round up

L to r: Christine (Ireland), Sophie ( Netherlands), Katy ( UK), Elena ( Finland) at the International Award Forum in Malta

Are you following us on Twitter?

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Leinster Silver Award Ceremony,Trinity College Dublin

On  the  evening  of  13th  of  December,  Tar  Éis  Óir  supported  Gaisce  at  the  Silver  Award  Ceremony.  It  was  a  great  evening  where  more  than  one  hundred  Silver  Award  parEcipants  from  across  Leinster  received  their  Silver  medal  from  the  Gaisce  CEO  Patrick  Callaghan.  We  were  lucky  to  have  a  number  of  TÉÓ  volunteers  who  were  there  to  lend  a  hand  and  the  evening  went  very  well.  Well  done  to  all  Silver  Award  holders!  

We  really  hope  they  will  conEnue  their  journey  and  go  for  Gold!

VOLUNTEERING

Report: Karen Doyle

Have you ordered a TÉÓ hoodie?

As part of Tar Éis Oir's commitment to helping in the community we are hoping to volunteer with the DSPCA in February. The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a registered charity, established in 1840 to prevent cruelty to animals and is now Ireland's largest animal welfare organisation. Their centre is located in Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 where they look after neglected, ill-treated and abandoned animals including dogs, cats and horses. Keep an eye out for further details about this event on our facebook page! 

If you know of other charities which you would like us to volunteer with please let us know by contacting us at [email protected]. 

As with all TÉÓ events, you must be over 18 to attend. This is for insurance purposes.

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Tar Éis Óir Upcoming HikeAte  too  much  turkey  over  Christmas?  Has  the  4n  of  Roses  been  reduced  to  a  4n  of  empty  wrappers?  If  so,  why  not  join  Tar  Éis  Óir  on  our  first  hike  of  2013  through  the  Wicklow  Mountains!

TÉÓ  Head  of  events  for  2013,  Ronan  is  organising  a  10km  easy  trek  through  the  Wicklow  Mountains  for  Saturday  26th  

January.  It’s  planned  to  start  along  the  river  and  climb  up  to  Art’s  Cross  which  commemorates  the  infamous  prison  break  by  Art  O  Donnell  and  Hugh  Red  O  Donnell.  

A`er  that  it  is  hoped  to  head  back  down  the  opposite  side  of  the  steep  ground  to  the  river.  The  walk  is  mostly  on  pathed  areas  but  there  will  be  some  mucky  and  

muddy  areas  that  will  soak  feet  if  not  prepared  for.  

A  full  kit  list  for  the  hike  will  be  posted  on  the  TÉÓ  Facebook  page  but  the  essenUals  for  this  trip  include:

Hillwalking  BootsWaterproof  Jacket  with  hoodWalking  trousers  /leggings    Light  or  Mid  weight  hiking  socks  Sock  liner  Spare  top  or  fleeceRucksack  (size  25ltr  –  35ltr)Waterproof  Over  trousersGaitors  (recommended  for  all  but  the  driest  condiUons)HatGlovesFoodWater  (about  1  litre)CompassAn  ability  to  navigateWatchWhistlePersonal  First  Aid  kitSpare  gloves  (if  weather  is  wet  and  cold  and/or  windy)

*N.B.  If  you  wish  to  aMend  please  email  [email protected]  before  January  17th.  

Saturday January 26th

Meeting at the Kilmacanogue Petrol Station on the N11

(Southbound)@ 9am sharp

The Committee and members of Tar Éis Óir would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Ian McKeever, a Gold Award Holder who was involved in the early days of Tar Éis Óir and who passed away while climbing Kilimanjaro on January 2nd 2013. He contributed so much of his time to engaging with young people and sharing with them his love of the outdoors. Ian presented Silver Medals to participants in Trinity College Dublin a few years ago.Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis

Ian Mc Keever1970 -2013

Ronan Friel

Have you liked our Facebook page yet?

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Scouting Ireland & Gaisce seek Irish Delegation for World Scout Moot 2013Are you looking for a potentially life-changing Gold Residential project in 2013?

ScouUng  Ireland  has  offered  a  limited  number  of  places  to  Gold  Award  parUcipants  and  Gold  Award  holders  to  join  its  delegaUon  to  the  14th  World  Scout  Moot  to  be  held  in  Canada  from  the  5th  to  the  18th  of  August  2013.  This  event  is  one  of  World  ScouUng’s  two  flagship  events  and  will  gather  over  5,000  people  from  around  the  globe  for  a  profound  intercultural  experience  in  a  breath-­‐taking  locaUon.

                     What is the World Scout Moot?

An  internaUonal  event  for  18-­‐15  year  olds,  months  ahead  of  their  arrival  in  Canada  for  the  event,  each  parUcipant  will  create  his/her  own  Moot  experience  by  making  a  series  of  choices  individually  or  with  their  internaUonal  patrol.  

So  if  you  choose  to  join  us  you  will  be  at  once  part  of  the  Irish  conUngent  but  also  part  of  an  internaUonal  

patrol  in  which  you  will  do  your  acUviUes.

A  copy  of  the  iUnerary  is  on  the  next  page.

I’m interested – What do I do next?

Send  an  email  to  [email protected]  and  one  of  the  team  will  send  you  an  applicaUon  form.  If  you  wish  to  travel  to  the  event  you  will  need  to  return  this  form  and  a  deposit  (refundable  if  not  selected).  If  there  are  more  applicants  than  places  then  a  selecUon  process  will  take  place.  Applicants  should  register  their  interest  as  soon  as  possible  and  not  later  than  25th  January.  

Important details-Participants must be between 18-25 on 01/08/2013

-No experience of Scouting/Guiding necessary

-The total cost of the trip before fundraising is €1950- this includes return flights, transfers, meals and full 8 day Moot programme

Closing Date 25th January

2013

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The itinerary:• A  few  days  to  seMle  in  to  

Canadian  life  before  the  opening  gathering  at  the  University  of  OMawa.

• 2 days  to  welcome  parEcipants  to  the  base  camp  at  Awacamenj  Mino  hMp://www.scouts-­‐est.on.ca/camp_awacamenj_mino/index.html:  opening  ceremonies,  team  meeEngs,  workshops  and  technical  training,  and  conferences  where  you  can  prepare  for  your  urban  expediEon  challenge;

• 3 days  when  half  of  the  parEcipants  will  head  for  their  pre-­‐selected  desEnaEon  –  Toronto,  Montréal  or  Quebec  City  –  for  their  urban  expediEon  challenge,  while  the  other  half  of  the  group  remains  at  base  camp  to  take  part  in  a  series  of  outdoor  acEviEes  and  adventures;

• 1 day  of  travel,  as  all  parEcipants  head  for  base  camp  for  a  cultural  acEvity;

• 3 days  when  the  other  half  of  the  parEcipants  take  their  turn  heading  for  Toronto,  Montréal  or  Quebec  City  for  their  expediEon  challenge,  and  the  first  half  of  the  group  remains  at  base  camp  to  take  part  in  a  series  of  outdoor  and  adventure  acEviEes;

• 2 days  when  everyone  gathers  at  the  Awacamenj  Mino  base  to  share  their  discoveries  and  for  the  closing  ceremony.

“The Paths”Each  parEcipant  will  choose  to  spend  three  days  in  either  Toronto,  Quebec  or  Montréal  for  an  urban  service  project.  In  each  city  parEcipants  may  parEcipate  in  one  of  four  “paths,”  here’s  what  to  expect:

• The  Life  Path  is  a  partnership  with  the  Messengers  of  Peace.  The  Messengers  of  Peace  Program  is  a  10  years  iniEaEve  of  the  World  OrganisaEon  of  the  Scout  Movement  aiming  to  involve  Scouts  in  projects  that  promote  peace  in  the  World.  With  this  partnership,  the  Messengers  of  Peace  will  undertake  their  first  large  scale  project  together  with  hundreds  of  parEcipants  to  Life  Path  to  spread  a  message  of  peace  in  the  World  through  a  collecEve  acEon  in  ciEes  visited  by  the  Moot.    

• Those  choosing  the  Culture  Path  will  parEcipate  in  a  discovery  acEvity  in  the  Canadian  Aboriginal  Culture  with  Aboriginal  groups.  It  will  be  a  great  opportunity  to  exchange  and  enhance  each  other’s  culture.  The  NaEonal  AssociaEon  of  Friendship  Centres  is  a  network  of  119  centres  from  coast  to  coast  in  Canada.  Friendship  Centres  enable  the  provision  of  a  wide  range  of  cultural  programs  to  urban  Aboriginal  people.  For  more  than  50  years,  the  Friendship  Centres  have  helped  Aboriginal  People  from  the  North  and  from  reserves  to  make  the  transiEon  to  urban  life  while  preserving  their  culture  and  values.  

• ParEcipants  who  choose  the  Eco-­‐responsible  Path  will  parEcipate  in  an  awareness  acEvity  related  to  the  conservaEon  of  water.  ONE  DROP  Canada  develops  access-­‐to-­‐water  and  sanitaEon  projects  in  counEes  where  access  to  this  vital  resource  is  lacking.  ONE  DROP  is  involved  in  raising  awareness  on  water-­‐related  issues  to  create  a  mobilizaEon  for  universal  access  to  water  and  encourage  people  to  adopt  sound  habits  for  preserving  this  precious  resource.  

• ParEcipants  to  Adventure  Path  will  have  the  opportunity  to  take  part  in  deployment  of  a  Shelterbox  Village  in  an  urban  environment.  Shelterbox  provides  a  roof  and  material  to  those  who  are  in  need  when  a  disaster  occurs  in  the  World.  Since  its  incepEon,  Shelterbox  has  lead  200  urgent  missions  and  brought  help  to  more  than  1,000,000  vicEms  in  more  than  75  different  countries.  Each  green  Shelterbox  supplies  the  equipment  needed  by  a  family  to  survive  aier  a  disaster  (tent,  blankets,  water  containers,  kitchen  equipment,  etc.).  

Steven Cull

Don’t forget to use #tareisoir to keep up to date with events on Twitter

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We hope that you have enjoyed the latest issue of the TÉÓ newsletter and we look forward to seeing you at some of our events in the near future. Remember to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. If you wish to order a hoodie or t-shirt, place your order soon as stocks are limited.

If you have a story that you want to share with TÉÓ members for the next issue of the newsletter which will be published in the spring, email your article to [email protected] with “Newsletter” as the subject. Don’t forget to include a picture (or ten!)

We hope to have an action packed 2013 and would love to see as many of you get involved as possible. Remember that we are a network for everyone associated with Gaisce, whether they be bronze,silver or gold award holders as well as PALs.

Many thanks to all the contributors to this edition of the newsletter and to those who have attended our events in 2012. All the hard work we do throughout the year is for you, our members, so please don’t

hesitate to contact us with suggestions for what you would like to see organised.

We are constantly on the lookout for new, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help us expand throughout the country. You can help in many ways from simply attending one of our events or help organise an event in your area to keep the spirit of Gaisce alive and kicking not only at a national level but also in our local communities.

Many thanks for reading,Peadar

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

EditorPeadar Ó Lamhna

Contributors Karen Doyle, Ronan Friel, Steven Cull, Christine Carty,

Tar Éis ÓirGaisce- The President’s AwardRatra HousePhoenix ParkDublin 8

The Small PrintIt is important that when

attending events run by TÉÓ that you are aware of your own

personal safety and that you take all possible steps to minimise your risk. It is important that you obey

the instructions of the dedicated

leaders and organisers. You may be turned away from an event if the leader/organiser feels you are a

danger to yourself or the success of the event. You must be over 18 to

attend Tar Éis Óir events. We cannot an will not entertain

individuals below 18 for safety and

security reasons. Any questions on

the above please contact us.Thank You