Grand Slam Winning Irish Rugby Team Welcomed Home to Civic Reception

On Sunday 22nd March I had the great privilege of welcoming home the Irish Grand Slam winning Rugby team at a civic reception in the Mansion House in my capacity as Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin. It was certainly a day to remember. The following is the text of my address to the reception. (Photos to follow).

ADDRESS BY CLLR EMER COSTELLO

Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin

At Civic Reception for

Irish Rugby Team

Sunday, 22 March, 2009

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our Grand Slam winning Rugby squad, Declan Kidney and his management team, President and Committee of the Irish Rugby Football Union, Public representatives and distinguished guests to the city's premier residence, The Mansion House, Dublin.

As Deputy Lord Mayor I wholeheartedly congratulate the Irish squad and management team on your wonderful success in this year’s Six Nations Championship.
You have given us five wonderful games of incredible football this season. You beat the best of European rugby along the way. You are simply the best.

And then to cap a perfect day, Bernard Dunne won the Super Bantam Weight World Title for Dublin and Ireland.

On behalf of the citizens of Dublin City and sporting fans all across the island of Ireland can I say how proud we are of your achievement in winning our first Grand Slam since 1948. Our first of the 21st Century. I'm sure we won't have to wait as long for the next!

I am aware that fans from all corners of the country are waiting anxiously on Dawson Street to show their appreciation and see their heroes in the flesh.

In conclusion on behalf of Dublin City Council and the people of Ireland can I say to you all, savour the moment, take in the atmosphere and once again thank you for the tremendous honour you have achieved for Ireland.

International Women's Day 2009

Pictured at the Launch of the Dublin City Council

International Women's Day Programme

Photo 1: Speakers at the Launch event: Anne Henrick, Janice Lau Burke, Salomé Mbugua, Ailbe Smith, Cllr Eibhlin Byrne, Cllr Emer Costello, Ruth Murray, Nadine Murphy

Photo 2: Cllr Emer Costello with Rose Henderson and Anne Henrick

International Women's Day Events 2009
The following activities will take place over the coming week and admission to all events is free although booking for some events will be essential:

Sunday 8th March
11.30 a.m. Let's Walk and Talk - Great Women of Dublin. Historical walking tour with Pat Liddy
Meet: Leave Fusilier's Arch, St Stephen's Green going to Liberty Hall for 2.30 p.m.
2.30 p.m. Liberty Hall Play “Ruby Tuesday”,
This comedy stars Rose Henderson (Father Ted) and Helen Norton (Paths to Freedom) and has been earning rave reviews for its performances nationwide


Thursday 5th March
Revolutionary Irish Women Doctors 1916 to the Civil War A talk by Anne MacLellan Venue: Cabra Library, 6.30 Admission Free, booking essential For Booking :Phone: 8691414 or email cabralibrary@dublincity.ie

Thursday 12th March
Information Session on Women in Politics
As part on the DCC International Women's Day Event Programme, two sessions have been organised for councillors and community group representatives to meet and discuss the role of women in political life. Councillors will answer questions on the 'life and times' of a local representative and facilitate discussion on women's participation in decision-making at a local level, the avenues and possible barriers to formal politics and the development of skills and experience.
Venue: Charleville Mall Library, North Strand, Dublin 1
Date: 12th March 2009 @ 2.00 p.m (to be confirmed, contact me for details emercostello@eircom.net )


IWD Working Group Background
The IWD Group was established last year on foot of a Labour Party Motion calling on the City Council to celebrate the political, social, cultural and economic contribution of women to the City of Dublin. Last year we focused on Women in Decision Making, and published a report "Every Step of the Way - Women and Decision Making in Dublin City".


This year, it was decided to have a community focus and to work with Dublin Public Libraries on a range of community and cultural events.

We launched the programme of activites on Sunday 1st March in the Mansion House. Speakers included Ailbhe Smith, founder of the Women's Education and Resource Cenre, and convenor of the Feminist Open Forum; Ruth Murray and Nadine Murphy from O'Devaney Gardens, Salomé Mbugua, the founder and national director of AkiDwA (the African Women’s Network Ireland), Janice Lau Burke, an accountant and partner with Crowley DFK, and Ann Henrick, who recently in collaboration with Maeve Binchy, published a book “A Time to Dance” which celebrates the life and experience if Irish senior citizens.