1 Worldirish.com
The founders of a new Irish social networking site launched yesterday say it has the potential to connect millions of Irish people or those with an affinity towards the country together. The site is the brainchild of John McColgan, the co-founder of Riverdance, and has been supported by financial donors such as businessmen Denis O’Brien and Dermot Desmond.
Mr McColgan said the site works by harnessing the power of existing social networks – such as Facebook and Twitter – to strengthen people’s relationship with Irish culture, arts, sports and business.
worldirish.com
2 Technology chiefs to serve on State boards
One hundred top-ranking business, science and technology chiefs among the Irish diaspora have volunteered to serve on the boards of State agencies free of charge. The Irish Technology and Leadership Group – a US-based grouping of expatriate technology executives – is creating the pool of leaders who will be available to offer advice and guidance until 2016 without pay.
“We expect the group to cover many sectors of the economy with particular focus on information technology, life sciences, innovation and entrepreneurship,” said John Hartnett, the group’s founder.
3 Graduate scheme for Asia
The “Farmleigh Fellowship”, a graduate scheme which gives participants a chance to work and study in Asia, is being expanded. It currently has 25 places each year, but there are plans to expand to 100 or more. The idea behind the scheme is to create a critical mass of highly skilled professionals with a deep understanding and first-hand experience of Asia.
These experts will, in turn, spearhead a greater business, political and cultural engagement between Ireland and the world.
4 Diaspora awards
A new system of diaspora awards will be launched to recognise outstanding contributions made to Ireland and Irish communities.
“Irish people have rightly taken pride in the achievements of its people abroad – I believe it is now time for the State to reflect this pride by recognising in a formal way the outstanding contribution of the Irish diaspora,” Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said.
It will not be an honours system, he said, but it will represent formal recognition of sustained or distinguished service.
He said further details of the initiative will be announced later this year.
5 The Gathering
Billed by the Government as the biggest tourism initiative staged in Ireland, it is aimed at attracting up to 325,000 extra visitors. It will be a year-long programme of events and festivals which will “invite the world to come and join in Ireland’s renewal”, according to Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar.