It is just over one week since our Fellows concluded their second programme residential in Dublin. We want to take this moment to showcase what our Fellows got up to and to thank every facilitator and organisation that contributed during the residential. Enjoy!
Day 1
The Dublin residential got underway with a visit to the British Embassy. A huge thank you to Ambassador Paul Johnston, Deputy Head of Mission Elin Burns, Dr Harry O’Rahilly, and other Embassy colleagues for sharing their expertise and experience with our Fellows.
Following the visit to the British Embassy, we were kindly hosted ESB Networks for a tour of their new headquarters and an insightful overview of their corporate strategy and reputation initiatives, including a wider discussion on net zero targets.
Day 1 ended with a viewing of How to Defuse a Bomb: The Project Children Story, the inspiring story of NYPD officer Denis Mulcahy, who co-founded Project Children in 1975 with his wife, Pat. The charity provided six-week summer respites for over 23,000 Catholic and Protestant children from Northern Ireland amidst the violence of The Troubles.
Day 2
Day 2 of the Dublin residential brought us to the iconic Royal Hospital Kilmainham, where we were warmly hosted by the IMMA team. Our Fellows had the privilege of exploring the Take a Breath exhibition and engaging in conversation with artist and filmmaker Helen Flanagan on the powerful role of the arts in addressing social issues. The day began with an insightful discussion on strategic leadership led by Ciarán Ó Cuinn, drawing from his extensive experience in the Middle East. Dr Elizabeth Welty concluded our time in Dublin 8 with a valuable workshop on breathing techniques for clarity and confidence.
The day concluded with colleagues from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Shared Island Unit. Fellows engaged with officials on a range of issues focused on North/South cooperation. We are truly grateful for the vital support of the Department’s Reconciliation Fund that makes the work and impact of the Fellowship Programme possible.
Day 3
Fellows wrapped up the 2025 Fellowship Dublin residential with visits to Trinity College Dublin and Bank of Ireland HQ, focusing on British-Irish & North/South relations. A huge thank you to Dr David Mitchell, Prof Etain Tannam and Dr Gillian Wylie for hosting us at TCD and facilitating fascinating conversations alongside the inspirational Tim O’Connor.
We’re also grateful to Gillian Orr and the team at Bank of Ireland for giving us a tour of the spectacular College Green building and presenting on their work across these isles.
