Centenary of Rotary in Ireland

Saturday 28 January 2012, Rotary Clubs throughout Ireland gathered in Belfast and attended a dinner in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings on the occasion of Rotary District 1160 (Ireland)’s Council Meeting being held in Belfast. The dinner, recognising the Centenary of The Rotary Club of Belfast, was kindly hosted, on behalf of the Club, by Michelle McIlveen MLA and 100 Rotarians and guests were treated prior to Dinner to a tour of the Senate and Assembly Chamber.

Officially welcoming everyone to Parliament Buildings and Belfast Michele McIlveen MLA stated that she was honoured to sponsor the evening and delighted that District had chosen Parliament Buildings in this important Centenary year for Rotary in Ireland. Congratulating all Rotarians, being conscious of the good work Rotary does at home and abroad, she stated that she was in awe of their so readily giving up their time and making a difference. She particularly congratulated the Belfast Club on their legendary work and their Centenary. She hoped everyone would return to Belfast to see all going on in the City and visit, in particular, the Titanic Signature Project building due to open soon.

District Governor Barney Cavanagh (from Limerick) opening the evening welcomed all and stated that he had wanted to hold the Council meeting in Belfast as an honour to the Belfast Club having attended their Centenary Meeting where he had been touched to see present long service members and the 3rd generation of founder members. He asked all Rotarians to build the foundations for the next 100 years celebrations.

A keynote address was given by Club Rotarian PP Professor Michael Smyth (Head of the School of Economics UU); a member of the European Economic and Social Committee, he is one of Northern Ireland’s foremost economic commentators and specializes in economic development and European-related issues. He gave a frequently humorous commentary with “Some reflections on the state we are in…” Considering the dominance of the Eurozone crisis and the dangers to the UK, European, BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and US economies if not resolved, he indicated solutions and reflected on implications for the UK, the Republic and Northern Ireland. He also highlighted prospects for the NI and Irish economies.

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