Major conference begins in Newbridge tomorrow

The national Rotary Ireland Conference begins in Newbridge tomorrow with almost 400 international and national delegates gathering to discuss social and humanitarian issues facing the worls.

The Conference kicks off with a golf outing at the Royal Curragh Golf Club – Ireland’s oldest golf club and golf course.

On Friday evening, delegates will be brought back in time as they enjoy a Fellowship Night at the historic Ceannt Mess, in the heart of the Curragh Camp, hosted by Brigadier General, Joe Mulligan.

The Celtic-themed evening will feature a falconry display, music by the Army No. 1 band accompanied by soprano, Lorraine Nolan, whilst Celtic warriors with their wolfhounds will welcome guests upon arrival.

The speakers will give presentations on Saturday followed by a Gala Dinner that night at the Keadeen Hotel.

Rotary originally started in Chicago as a business and charitable network with Dublin, Ireland being the first club outside the USA.

Rotary Ireland, an all island district, is part of Rotary International, the world’s largest service organisation with over 1.2 million members in 200 countries.

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Rotary Serving Humanity and the line-up of high profile guest speakers include Oscar nominated film maker, Jim Sheridan, founder of ‘Right to Sight’, Dr Kate Coleman, consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon, Dr. Mohammed Sattar, journalist Kevin Meyers, broadcaster Tracy Piggott (pictured), resolution mediator, Enda Young, historian and explorer, Jonathan Shackleton, and An Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald.