DkITalk hits the airwaves on Dundalk fm100. Monday’s 8-9.

DkITALK presented its second success-ful show last week in its dedicated weekly slot every Monday between 8 and 9. The show is hosted and produced by DkIT third year Film s t u d e n t O l i v i a Purcell ably assisted by her dynamic t e a m o f co-presenters Fiona T a a f f e , R o s Madigan and Iarla O Neill. The DkITalk team is mentored and supported by Electronics lecturer, Liam O Gogain, a familiar voice on Dundalk fm 100.

DkITalk presenters, Olivia Purcell, Ros Madiagn, Iarla O Neill and Fiona Taaffe

DkIT students launch balloons as part of

Please Talk initiative

NEW INITIATIVE OPENS DOORS FOR STUDENTS

Tuesday, November 25

th. Sensory Garden, Nursing Building, DkIT.

In these times of unprecedented change , Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and the Further Education Colleges of the North East are working together to provide leadership in the face of uncertainty and are modelling new ways for public sector bodies to collaborate. Together these organisations are creating innovative responses to the challenge of enhancing participation in education, thereby multiplying educational opportunity in the North East.

DkIT and a consortium of Further Education Colleges have come together to form the North East Further and Higher Education Alliance (NEFHEA), the aims of which are to make further and higher education more accessible. The Alliance comprises of DkIT, O’ Fiaich Institute of Further Education Dundalk, Dunboyne College of Further Education, Drogheda Institute of Further Education, Cavan Institute and Monaghan Institute of Further Education. The purpose of NEFHEA is to enhance the educational profile of the population of the North East and in so doing improve our regional economic competitiveness, leading to higher quality of life for all. NEFHEA forms part of DkIT’s response to the increased Higher Education Authority target of 72% of the population attending higher education.

Currently students with a further education FETAC award can use their qualification to progress to DkIT under the Higher Education Links Scheme. The initiative is underpinned by a formal memorandum of agreement between DkIT and the further education institutes.

The North East Further and Higher Education Alliance (NEFHEA) formally link the six Institutes for the first time and covers a total of 12,000 students and 1000 staff. It aims to promote a higher take up of further and higher educational opportunities by all learners in the region. Working through the alliance the member Institutes will ensure balanced regional provision of educational opportunities across the north east region and to co-operate in joint development of programmes and sharing of resources. Another priority of the alliance is the increase in the transition rates of students from the further education colleges in the north east region to Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Commenting on the launch of this initiative Denis Cummins, President, Dundalk Institute of Technology stated that “ DkIT recognises the quality of the courses delivered at FE level in the region as evidenced by the level of preparedness for higher education demonstrated by students coming to DkIT through further education routes.. Despite the uncertainty of the times we live in it is important that we act in service of our Mission of enhancing educational opportunity and development. It is important that we build on our strengths and common values and seize opportunities to make change happen. In the past as educational institutes we have all co-operated on the transfer of students allowing a significant number of students to progress their studies to degree level. Using the new route, we would envisage enhancing and developing the existing relationships and look forward to welcoming even more students from our partner colleges coming to join the DkIT learning community"

Historical Perspectives.Historical Perspectives.Historical Perspectives.Historical Perspectives. Carroll’s Factory Dundalk: Heraldry and the Carroll Family, Dundalk

In this second part we examine the heraldry associated with the Carroll family and we need go no further than Carroll’s factory. James Marmion Carroll (1884-1962) who lived at Killineer house was particularly in-terested in heraldry and is responsible for the heraldry at Killineer.

The traditional family burial plot is in Louth village and dates back to 1800 when James Carroll erected the monument there, it bears the family coat of arms. The inscrip-tion reads: ‘THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED BY JAMES CARROLL OF DROMGOOLAN IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1800 FOR HIM AND HIS POSTER-ITY THIS SLAB WAS RENEWED IN 1943 BY HIS GREAT GRANDSON JAMES MAR-MION GILMOR CARROLL KILLINEER HOUSE DROGHEDA FORMERLY OF DUNDALK HOUSE DUNDALK’.

There is a stone (shown in the photo) at Killineer House with what appears to be the arms and crest of the Carroll or Finnegan. Both families have arms consisting of two lions combatant supporting a sword in pale (pointing upwards, vertically), both families also have a falcon in their crest. In the absence of tinctures the only difference in the arms between both families is that the blade of the sword is wavy in the case of Finnegan. The coat of arms depicted on the Killineer stone has a wavy sword, thus the arms appear to match those of Finnegan. The known history of the stone does not definitely lead us to its identification. Tempest in 1948 noted that the stone was dug up when a trench was made to bring a sewer into Shop Street, Drogheda. He goes on to note ‘the stone was lately in the possession of Miss Finnegan, Shop St, Drogheda and now in that of James M. Carroll, Esq., Killineer’. The article about the old stone is by Harry Tempest from the County Louth Archaeological Journal, 1948 (Vol xi, no. 4, pages 252-3) entitled ‘Two Armorial Stones from Drogheda’.

There is a glazed glass window (see photos) in Carroll’s factory with the Carroll coat of arms, crest and the motto ‘Virtus unica nobilitas’. This motto is possibly unique to the tobacco family. It used to be over the door going into the canteen. It is planned to preserve this glass during the refurbishment, its location however may be changed. The Carroll coat of arms is heraldically described ‘Gules (red) two lions combatant or (gold) supporting a sword erect or’ and the crest is described ‘on the stump of a tree sprouting, a falcon rising gules’.

The former chapel of the Presentation Sisters in Fair Street, Drogheda was kindly donated to the Order of Malta by the owner of the convent. The chapel is still used by the Order of Malta. The Killineer Carroll family were also involved with the Order. Two new stained-glass windows have been added by the Order of Malta, these have two panels each bearing the eight-pointed cross of the Order and a floral image. The first also has the following inscriptions: ‘Remember Blessed Gerard Founder of the Order of St John of Jerusalem’, ‘To celebrate 900 years 1099-1999 of service to the poor, sick and disabled’ and the second window has the memorial inscriptions: ‘Remember James M. Carroll K.M. Past President of the Irish Association of the Order’, ‘In your prayers remember our benefactor Dame Grace Carroll Grandcross of Honour & Devotion’.

Finally, last week we had the Burns connection, this time we finish with the optimist Mick McQuaid and his counterpart the pessimist. In the 1880's a popular magazine named 'The Shamrock' featured a serial written by a Colonel Lynam about imaginary conversations between an optimist, Mick McQuaid and a pessimist, Terry Garrity. During these philosophical conversations, Mick often drew inspiration from a pipeful of Carroll’s tobacco. Consequently, in 1889, the company launched one of its most successful tobaccos, Mick McQuaid. When, in the 1920's, the company had a figure of Mick designed, it is said that the artist

Compiled by Seamus Bellew, Historical Editor.

Charity Event– We need YOUR Support.

Hair Raising Experience

Staff are ‘dying’ to help. When; Next Monday, December 1st at lunchtime

What; Hair dying and beard shaving

Why; to raise money for CanTeen and the Florence

Project;

Who; DkIT staff– Frances Byrne, Seamus Bellew, Turlach Cotter and Terry

McNamee. Don’t miss the hair raisin’, hair dying event outside the Whitaker Theatre next Monday. Be there to witness the transformation of the staff members all in aid of charity. Come along and donate a

little. It will ago a LONG way!

Thanking you in advance.

CanTeen Ireland? CanTeen Ireland is a nation-wide support group for young people who have or have had cancer, and for their brothers, sisters and friends. Can-Teen Ireland was set up in 1990 by a group of dedicated health profes-sionals. We are associated with the Irish Cancer Society, and can be contacted through our address which can be found later on, by the Irish Cancer Society, or through the social worker in the hospitals.

So what do we actually do?

Throughout the year we have 4 to 5 weekends away. We go to various activity centres all over Ireland, and we go to the Barretstown Gang Camp once a year. We have also been to Alton Towers, the Share Centre in Fermanagh, Shielbaggan Outdoor Adventure Centre, to name but a few. We have also been to Scotland, and even as far way as Australia, and New Zealand. As a group we meet up 6 to 8 times a year. At these meetings we have a chance to talk, share stories and have a bit of fun. We then have lunch, .PIZZA, PIZZA, and more PIZZA! And then in the af-ternoon we go on an activity, such as bowling, quasar, painting ceramics etc. For more informa-tion visit http://www.canteen.ie/

The ‘Florence’ Project.

This project is run by Florence Katushabe, a friend of our own Martha Hogan, recently retired from the Library. Over the years Martha has raised money to help educate children in Florence’s community. In more recent times, many of Florence’s relatives have died from AIDS and Florence is now looking after several orphaned children. Thanks to the DKIT community and Martha’s friends, the living conditions in Florence’s community have improved dramatically. As a result of the financial support raised by DkIT staff

who participated in the Women's Mini Marathon, full time education has been provided and a brick house has been built in Uganda. The house replaces the mud hut that Florence previously lived in but was badly damaged during the rainy season.

So how was it for you?

Graduate Just a Minute Q & A

Name: Carol Murray

Home town: Skerries

Qualification/course of study: BA Accounting & Finance

Current status/employment: Trainee Accountant

First Impressions of DkIT: Very Friendly Atmosphere

Name three things you like most about DkIT: Wide va-riety of social activities, Lecturers who really care (you’re not just a number) and great career prospects after graduation.

What’s the greatest lesson you learned while studying here: Life lessons are just as important as what you learn in the classroom.

What are your lasting impressions of DkIT: A supportive learning environment that helps you to achieve your goals.

Name: Muddesser Ali Jalal

Home town: Lahore, Pakistan

Qualification/course of study: Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance

Current status/employment: seeking employment as a Trainee Ac-countant

First Impressions of DkIT: A welcoming Staff within a modern and beautiful environment

Name three things you like most about DkIT: The Library, where many resources are available for students.

The Lecturers, who have shown great support and always had time available to meet their students.

Finally the Campus ,green, always clean, providing a very good study environment .

What’s the greatest lesson you learned while studying here:

What I’ve learned is that nothing is impossible, that when there is a will, we can find a way, and DKIT has definitely helped me to clearly define my way.

What are your lasting impressions of DkIT:

The lasting impressions in DKIT lays in my memories of time spent with friends in places such as the Coffee Dock, where very often lecturers would stop by and have their coffee with us. This relax atmosphere is what I will never forget. The Ceremony also has been fantastic for me. Not o n l y t h e C o l l e g e h a s g e n u i n e l y providing its students with a beautiful ceremony, but the visit of my whole family coming from Pakistan has been the best reward for me on my graduation, and I will never forget this day.

Graduate Q & A

Name: Mary Moran

Home town: Charleville, Dunleer, Co. Louth

Qualification/course of study: B.A. (Hons) in Accounting & Finance

Current status/employment: Studying Masters of Arts in Accounting in DkIT

First Impressions of DkIT: Very big!

Name three things you like most about DkIT:

1. Excellent lecturers

2. Great atmosphere

3. Lasting friendships

4.

Whats the greatest lesson you learned while studying here: We never stop learning.

What are your lasting impressions of DkIT?: Still here so can’t answer that yet!

Name: Mercy Eniola

Home town: Cavan

Qualification/course of study: BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance

Current status/employment: Full-Time Employment

First Impressions of DkIT: My first impression was great. it felt like a home away from home in a way. i knew i wanted to spend the next three years here.

Name three things you like most about DkIT:

1. The classes are small enough. There’s real contact with your lecturers and course mates

2. Very diverse. I’ve met people from several different parts of the world here.

3. Very helpful lecturers and facilities .

What’s the greatest lesson you learned while studying here?: That with the right attitude to work, anything is achievable!

What are your lasting impressions of DkIT?: Everyone here did their best for me.

I’ll never forget that.

Attention, Class of

‘08

We wish you hearty congratulations on your graduation from Dundalk Institute of Technology. We hope that you, your family and friends are very proud of your achievements to date. Our wish is that your time in the Institute will be of immense personal and professional benefit to you in your future career.

DkIT is required to produce statistics on where our students go after graduation, whether to further study, employment or taking time out for whatever reason. We know how precious your time is but would appreciate if you would complete the 2008 Graduate Survey that we forwarded to you and return it in the Freepost envelope that we provided or you can download the survey on www.dkit.ie/careers and return by Friday 5th December 2008. If we receive your completed questionnaire by that date your name will be entered into a Draw to win a ‘One For All’ Voucher to the value of €150. Any specific details that you provide on the form will remain completely confidential.

If you have left the Institute, please know that you are most welcome to avail of the Careers Service in Dundalk IT for up to 12 months after you graduate provided you complete the Graduate Survey.

You are also eligible for free membership of the Alumni Association (DkIT i.e., Graduates Association) and may register on line via http://alumni.dkit.ie

This is an excellent way to network and to keep in touch with your classmates for years to come.

Finally, if you are willing to participate in graduate talks at our annual careers fair in February 2009, this would be greatly appreciated and you can indicate your willingness at the end of the Graduate Survey or email us at careers@dkit.ie.

With every good wish for a most success-ful and enjoyable journey ahead.

From the DkIT Careers Team

careers@dkit.ie

www.dkit.ie/careers

DkITalk hits the airwaves on Dundalk fm100. Monday’s 8-9

DkITALK presented its second successful show last week in its dedicated weekly slot every Monday between 8 and 9. The show is hosted and produced by DkIT third year Film student Olivia Purcell ably assisted by her dynamic team of co-presenters Fiona Taaffe, Ros Madigan and Iarla O Neill. The DkITalk team is mentored and supported by Electronics lecturer, Liam O Gogain, a familiar voice on Dundalk fm 100.

DKITALK is a radio show run by students for students as a platform to air opinions and views, showcase the wealth of talent in DkIT and most importantly as a valuable connection into the local community. As a are a talk radio show, we air important and topical issues amongst students such as binge drinking, a topic that was dealt with in last week’s show. Students from the Health in Physical Activity

and Community Sports leadership courses joined us to talk to us about the effects of alcohol and tell us about their course.

All music on the show is provided by DkIT students giving our many young performers a chance to promote themselves. On Monday last we were joined by Alan Kavanagh, a second year music student who performed a live acoustic set. He sang one of his new songs about road accidents and so evocative was it that it almost reduced the studio presenters to tears. To listen to Alan, check out his bebo page at http://www.bebo.com/alankavo9 Tune in on the web or radio on Monday next for our official launch complete with competitions and prizes funded by the DkIT Students’ Union.

Many thanks to SU Prez Luke and Vice Prez Subhash who are backing the show! We encourage not only student but also community involvement so if you have an opinion or suggestion related to DkIT, students events or topics discussed on the show etc., you can email us at dkitalk@dkitsu.ie

To hear past shows you can log onto the student union website at http://www.dkitsu.ie and check out the ‘Podcasts’ section

DKIT Innovators Club host their first event of the academic year to showcase DKIT Student

Businesses.

DKIT Innovators Club hosted their first event of the academic year to showcase DKIT Student Businesses, on Wednesday 19th of Nov in the Whitaker Theatre at 2pm. This well-attended event attracted students and lecturers from all faculties interested in hearing about the various businesses that students from DKIT were running while studying at the Institute.

Alexander Nobel, President of the Innovators Club got the proceedings under way as he informed the audience of what the Innovators Club do, when they were formed and what their plans were for the upcoming year. Alexander also spoke of the close working relationship that the

Innovators Club and StudentEnterprise@DKIT have. Following Alexander accordingly was Ronan Lynch from StudentEnterprise@DKIT. Ronan spoke about how StudentEnterprise promotes business on-campus, encouraging students to come up with their enterprising ideas and developing their business while still at college. Ronan also spoke about the effective workshops, inspiring guest speakers and the fun competitions that StudentEnterprise@DKIT have held over the course of the semester and what lies ahead in the coming year, not forgetting the prizes that are in store!

First to speak about his business was Kevin Thornton from KT Tints who specialise in vehicle window tinting. “We use the best film in the industry; provide the highest quality service, are extremely professional and all our work is guaranteed”, says Kevin. Indeed his enterprising endeavours don’t just stop with vehicles as KT Tints has moved into the construction industry applying their quality service to conservatories and corporate business. For all you window-tinting needs at competitive prices, check out KT Tints at:

http://www.bebo.com/kt-tints.

Up next was Francis Gorman who spoke about his business Join the Cue, and it’s soon-to-be-launched website ‘which acts as a portal for people to showcase their talents in the Arts and Entertainment industries such as in sectors such as Film, Television, Media, Radio, Theater, Modeling, Creative Arts. We are not just a company – we are a community and together we can build up our talent pool and use our skills to progress and strengthen’, declared Francis. The website will be online in time for Christmas but until then you can sign up and declare your i n t e r e s t o n t h e i r B e b o s i t e :

http://www.bebo.com/JoinTheCue6051957431

Last but not least was Shane O'Dwyer from The Mystery Tour, (www.themysterytour.com/). “The Mystery Tour is a Co. Meath-based tour operator set up for people who like a bit of spice in their holidays”, explained Shane. Previous tours have seen trips to Holland, Germany, Hungary, The Czech Republic and everywhere else in between! An experienced, and highly competitive operator, The Mystery Tour is currently selling to the student.

Local Entrepreneur at DkIT for Global

Entrepreneurship week. D k I T ’ s S t u d e n t Enterprise Interns Mary Larkin and Ronan Lynch pictured with (centre) local author/entrepreneur

Kate Gaynor.

Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2008 finalist, Kate Gaynor was the guest speaker at DKIT on Tuesday November 18

th

as the institute played host to Global Entrepre-neurship Week. Local girl Kate described to the captivated audience how her wish to make a difference blossomed into a fully fledged and highly successful business, namely Special Stories Publishing.

“Special Stories Publishing is an Irish publishing house specialising in children’s books that address a range of children’s health and social issues in a child centred and unique way”, states Kate. A graduate from University College Dublin in 2003 with a BA Degree in English and Sociology, Kate was motivated to write a series of books, drawing on her experiences from friends and relatives and healthcare professionals. Indeed Kate’s mother was a valuable source of information and inspiration having over 20 years experience working as a social worker in foster care, adoption and child protection.

Kate spoke to the DKIT students about how her business came into being. “From a young age, I was always very conscious of the struggles of children at risk. Now, with my own friends working as play therapists, social workers and teachers the need for suitable literature for very young children became even more apparent”, insists Kate. Research was conducted and Kate met with many professionals working with children on a daily basis. It was at this stage that Kate noticed the gap in the market for specialised books, which culminated in her writing her first series of books in 2005. Rather than contending with bland leaflets and booklets about sensitive issues which were mostly aimed at parents and carers, Kate’s books were written for the children themselves. They could now read and learn the story of a child in a similar situation to their own, in language that they could comprehend enhanced by beautiful colourful illustrations.

Issues such as foster care, adoption, asthma, wheelchair users, diabetes, childhood cancer and speech difficulties are just some of the matters highlighted by Kate in her series of books. Kate’s hope is that the “books from Special Stories Publishing will help to normalize life for children and make difference the norm for young children in classrooms, families and crèches throughout Ireland, the UK and the rest of the world.

Find out more about Kate and Special Stories Publishing at www.specialstories.net

Global Entrepreneurship Week.

StudentEnterprise@DKIT

StudentEnterprise@DkIT has been established to promote, develop and sustain enterprise among students in DKIT. We are committed to helping students find out more about enterprise and to encourage participation. Through-out the college year we will be holding many events and competitions on and off campus to facilitate this task. So come on, sign up and join in.

W | www.studententerprisedkit.ie

E | info@studententerprisedkit.ie

B | www.bebo.com/studente8

From November 13

th-20

th StudentEnterprise@DKIT played host to the Global Entrepreneur

Week on campus, which proved to be 7 days filled with innovation, creativity and fun. The fun-packed week kicked off with the Stanford University-run ‘Innovation Tournament’ where students were challenged ‘to create as much value as possible from a (mysterious) everyday object’. At 10am on Thursday November 13

th, students were notified that the mystery object was

bottles of water and over the course of the following four days, they set out to create as much value as possible from the bottles of water. A 3-minute video detailing their work was uploaded to You Tube by Monday November 17

th and a panel of judges at DKIT decided the winning entrants

to the local final of the Innovation Tournament (details of this final can be found later in this article).

Spot the Entrepreneur!

The Innovation Tournament Final took place on Thursday November 20th in the Whitaker Theatre

where the entries for the challenge were showcased. Cian Shortt’s entry ( h t t p : / / w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m / w a t c h ? v = t K Z z 7 2 s P t L 8 ) received the award for the ‘Most Socially R e s p o n s i b l e ’ category and he received a cheque for €500. Cian and c r e a t e d ‘ a n environmental and health value from plastic bottles’. They cut the bottles in two, filled them with peat moss and recruited students to plant seeds. Finally those who contributed (161 students) pledged to do something good for the environment, raising the aware-ness of global warm-ing and making stu-dents more con-scious of their carbon footprint.

Pictured above is Dr. Paul MacArtain of the Centre for Renewable Energy at DkIT (CREDIT)

presenting Cian with his cheque.

Below is Colin Cooney , lecturer in the School of Business and Humanities presenting

Shane o Dwyer with his cheque for the most creative entry.

Shane O’Dwyer’s entry (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brrbN4FRP5c) won the ‘Most Creative’ category. Shane created a model of The Giants Causeway using the bottle tops, the plastic from the bottles and naturally enough the water itself. “Imagination was the key and I really just let my creativity do the rest”, explained Shane. His creativity certainly im-pressed the judges and he too received €500 for his endeavours.

Clubs and Societies News. All the news from Diarmuid Cahill, Clubs

and Societies Officer.

DkIT Students among All Star Award Winners DkIT students Amanda Casey and Sharon Courtney will remember Saturday 15

th November

2008, as the day they received an O’Neills TG4 All-star Award from Uachtaran na hEireann President Mary Mc Aleese at the Citywest Hotel Dublin. The scene was set with nine hundred guests, the TG4 camera crew in position, joint masters of ceremony, Daithi O Shea and Marty Morrisey. The nights entertainment was provided by International Stars, Brian Kennedy, Sandy Kelly, the High Kings and the ABBA tribute group ABBAISK. The night gave an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the past year and in particular to honour the forty–five nominees. One by one the All-Star Team was named and as expected All Ireland Champions Cork dominated the 2008 Awards winning seven gongs. Ulster champions Monaghan were rewarded for their outstanding displays this year with four All Stars, two of which were students from DkIT Amanda Casey and Sharon Courtney. Sharon is an Award Year student (BSc Hons in Health and Physical Activity) and Amanda is a second year student studying a BA Hons in Accountancy and Finance. Both girls play club football for Donaghmoyne. The 15 All Star winners were: Elaine Harte (Cork), Linda Barrett (Cork), Angela Walsh (Cork), Sharon Courtney (Monaghan), Briege Corkery (Cork), Brid Stack (Cork), Neamh Woods (Tyrone), Juliet Murphy (Cork), Amanda Casey (Monaghan), Nollaig Cleary (Cork), Naimh Kindlon (Monaghan), Michaela Downey (Down), Edel Byrne (Monaghan), Cora Staunton (Mayo), Edel Hanley (Tipperary) The All Stars team will travel to Dubai to play an exhibition match in January.

Hill Walking Club takes to the Mournes

On Saturday 29th November the Hill Walking Club

have a trip planned for the Mournes. The

student club led by Eoghan Bailey we set off from

the college at 9.30 a.m. and will return by 4.00

p.m. The walk depending on weather will set off

from the Leitrim Lodge area which is between Hill-

town and Rostrevor in Co Down. If any student or

staff is interested in going on the walk please con-

tact the Sports and Societies office.DkIT punished

them again. Emma Singleton won the ball in mid-

field and set up Mary Beth and she struck a clever

shot into the back of the net, 5-0. The win leaves

DkIT needing just 3 points to secure a place in the

semi-finals.

Pictured above is Ian McKeever Broadcaster,

Adventurer, Lecturer, Motivational consultant & World

Record Holder presenting staff training at DkIT

recently.

Futsal Competition

T h e D k I T F u t s a l competition got under way on W ednesday 12 th November and has been running every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday since. If what we have seen is anything to go by it will be GOALS GOALS GOALS all the way, until the final which is fixed for the week of 1

st

December. The first game saw The IT Crowd beat Dual Core FC 4-3 in a very enter-taining match. Next up were Sporting Lisbon and Drunk Stars in a game that saw Drunk Stars win by 4 goals to 2.

DkIT Cancer Support Society attend CanTeen Ireland Ball Submitted by Amy Fitzpatrick, CSL 3

On Friday 14th November last I attended a charity ball in aid of CanTeen Ireland, which. was held

in The Crowne Plaza hotel in Santry with 400 people in attendance most of which are members of CanTeen and their families and some of which were from companies who decided to go along and support a good cause.

Whilst being in attendance as a member of Canteen I was also representing the DkIT Cancer Support Society a new society which has been set up in DkIT for students and staff who have been affected by cancer in any way. The society is involved in fundraising throughout the year for different cancer services nationwide, the latest of which was the Marie Keating foundation which we raised €2000 for last year.

This year’s charity is CanTeen Ireland so look out for notices of different events coming up!! If you want further information about DkIT Cancer Support society http://www.dkitcancersupportsociety.com or contact Amy on 0862350717 or email dkitcancersupport-society@gmail.com.

Welcome to the DkIT

Cancer Support Society.

A cancer diagnosis can be a

very daunting thing for anyone and also for their families and

close friends. People may also start to feel isolated and lonely

and that they have nobody to talk to. So the DkIT Cancer

Support Society was set up for

all students and staff members who have or have had cancer,

also those who have a family member or close friend with a

cancer diagnosis. Please feel free to browse through the

website and you will find all our contact details under the

information heading at the top. www.dkitcancersupportsociety.com

Pictured right is Amy (centre back row) with friends at last Friday’s Charity Ball in aid of

CanTeen Ireland.

DkIT Fencing Club Dominates the Field at the Derry Open By: Emma Foy

Last weekend 15

th & 16

th November 14 Members of DkIT Fencing

Club travelled to Derry to compete in the Derry Open. This competition was held in Foyle & Londonderry College Senior School and the competition in all three categories of weapons was of a very high standard.

For DkIT this was the second time the club had travelled to this competition. The Competition was made up mainly of the NI team and the current British Team. DkIT provided the bulk of the Irish Entries.

On Saturday the women’s team were the first to represent DkIT over the weekend and was led by Ladies Captain, Emma Foy. For some of the members this was their first tournament after only 8 weeks of training. Success for the Ladies team came in the form of Carrie McEneaney who took Bronze for DkIT losing only to the eventual winner M a o l i s e D o n n e l l y ( N I ) .

Sunday saw the DkIT mens team take to the piste led by Men’s Captain, John McCabe. The competition in the mens field was high with both NI & British

ranked fencers in attendance. For most of the DkIT mens fencers this was also their first competition and some put up some very good fights to the outright winner, David Downey QUB. DkIT were not without a medal as Donny Smailus also took Bronze for the college. DkIT also dominated the rest of the final placing with Chris Mooney, John McCabe and Daniel Eberlein finishing in the top 10 overall.

We hope that this success continues into the future as the club will represent the college at the Irish Open in DCU on the 29

th & 30

th of this

month. This is the largest competition in the Irish F e n c i n g c a l e n d a r which will have a strong national and international field. We hope that both teams can replicate the success of Derry at this and future tournaments.

Basketball Update Last Wednesday DkIT Basketball team travelled to Carlow to take on Carlow IT in the Colleges league.

The team started off positively taking an early lead and at the end of the first quarter both teams were level at 18 points each. Second quarter was more tit for tat with excellent displays from Kevin Lacey, Big John, Eugeneo Sam and Neo. Dundalk went in at half time down by a single point.

DkIT Women’s Soccer team had another thumping league win against Carlow IT last Wednesday afternoon. Mary Beth Duffy got the first goal

after 4min and it set the tone for next 41 minutes of the first half. DKiT totally dominated the half and Ashling Kerr hit an unstoppable shot from 20yrds that flew into the top corner given the Car-low GK no chance and DkIT a 2-0 lead.

It was only a matter of time before DkIT scored again and in the 18 minute Mary Beth got her second, 3-0. DkIT really started to move the ball around and you would have forgiven Carlow had they thrown in the towel there and then. Caoimhe Hearty, scorer of 6 goals in the last home game, got in on the act when she received a wonderful pass from Francesca Fernandez she controlled it first time and fired home to make it 4-0.

In the second half DkIT made a number of changes and it showed the strength in-depth of the squad. Carlow IT to their credit raised their game and made it difficult for DkIT to create any clear chances. But when they lost their concentration DkIT punished them again. Emma Singleton won the ball in mid-field and set up Mary Beth and she struck a clever shot into the back of the net, 5-0. The win leaves DkIT needing just 3 points to secure a place in the semi-finals.

I'm Heather James - the NDLR- IOT Rep from IT Sligo. I wonder if you can help me? In addition to being IOT Rep for IT Sligo, I'm also acting as Community of Practice Coordinator for the Applied Social Studies Community of Practice. I'm looking to contact lecturers in Applied Social Studies who might be keen on participating in activities to develop learning materials in collaboration with colleagues. These individuals may also be interested in participating in IASCE/IASCW Conference on the 26-27th of Feb

09 http://www.iascw.ie/ConferenceEvents.html

<http://www.iascw.ie/ConferenceEvents.html>

My Plan: From Jan-April 09, I will be visiting ITs around the country to meet with lecturers in Social Studies. During these visits, I will show the placement preparation module material we are working on, and gather input from lecturers on this material. I also hope to gauge and drum up interest in the NDLR, and encourage and assist lecturers to share resources online.

I'd like to plan a schedule that dove tails in with any local activities which may be going on during that time in which I could take part. I am especially keen on visiting either Letterkenny or Castle-bar in January/February, as they are close by Sligo, and there is great potential for collaboration between our institutions. I am flexible for all other locations.

Most likely I would be arriving on a Thursday night or Friday morning, and I'd be available for a full Friday or any weekend activities. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for your help!

Heather James, IT Sligo hjames@itsligo.ie <mailto:hjames@itsligo.ie>

DkIT Upcoming Events. What’s going on outside?

DkIT is currently half way through the time period identified in our Strategic Plan. Maybe we need to review it, maybe we need to see if it is reflective of our environment. In order to let us explore these issues we are organising a number of events over the coming months. This includes a series of talks from various people, from DkIT and outside. Among the external speakers will be Prof Kathleen Lynch (Professor of Equality Studies, UCD), Tom Boland (Chief Executive, HEA) and Prof Maria Slowey (Vice President, for Learning Innovation and Registrar, DCU).

December events are;

Andy Pollak, Director Centre for Cross Border Studies

Friday , December 5th 2008 : Theme: Thinking Big: An all island context

Peter Browne, Head of Section, National Access Office, Higher Education Authority

Wednesday, December 10th

2008: Theme: Changing Participation: Increasing Participation

These events are open to all students, staff, other stakeholders and members

of the public.

Venues and formats confirmed closer to the time. If you would like to be added to an email list so that you know of our work please get in touch with Ann Cleary (ann.cleary@dkit.ie)

If you have any suggestions for speakers, or if anyone reading this would like to contribute, please get in touch. Our Website is at http://www.dkit.ie/strategy and details of our work can be found there.

Upcoming Engineering events in DkIT for schoolchildren.

Extreme Engineering Show

As in previous years, Engineers Ireland in conjunction with DKIT are running an 'Extreme Engineering Show' for primary schools in December 2008.

The Extreme Engineering Show aims to stimulate the curiosity and imagination of primary school pupils and open their eyes to the exciting world of science and engineering. Scientist-turned-magician, Sue McGrath, delivers a captivating, wacky and fun show allowing for real experiential learning opportunities.

The innovative and interactive demonstration show has been developed specifically to support the Social, Environmental and Scientific Education section of the Primary School Curriculum. The show is energetic and explosive, and maintains the attention of pupils for the full hour of the

show! It comes to Dundalk Institute of Technology on Friday December 5th 2008.

Bookings can be made via www.steps.ie or by contacting Mark Noonan at mnoonan@steps.ie or 01-6651329.

STEPS to Engineering

The Engineers Ireland “STEPS to Engineering” programme for secondary school students will be held in January 2009.

The programme sponsors a series of seminars on the various disciplines of engineering to give students, teachers and parents a better understanding of the different disciplines within the engineering profession. Each seminar is made up of 6 to 8 short talks (15 to 20 minutes each), each one delivered by a recent engineering graduate.

Talks cover Mechanical, Electronics, Civil, Computer, Biomedical and Chemical Engineering. Each speaker explains to their audience why he/she had chosen their particular field of engineering study, what it was like to study it and what their qualification has led them on to.

DKIT will be hosting one of these seminars on Thursday January 15th 2009.

Events this week in DkIT.

I just wish to let you know that Mass will be broadcast from DKIT on 95.8 Lmfm on Sunday 30th November 2008 at 9.00am (1st Sunday of Advent). This mass will be recorded on Thursday 27th November at 5.00pm in Ceol Oirghialla (Department of Music, Room 205). Your attendance would be very welcome. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Eibhlís Farrell (Head of Music & Creative Media) and the enitre department for their willingness to

assist in providing music for this liturgy.

Yours sincerely,

Fr. Emlyn McGinn (Chaplain)

Teaching and learning at DkIT; Events.

Collaborative Learning; Best practice exemplars and implications

for assessment.

Dr Brian Bowe, Dublin Institute of Technology, Wednesday November 26th from 3pm -

5pm in Room S234.

Brian Bowe is Co-ordinator of the MA in Third Level Learning and Teaching. He teaches on the Postgraduate Certificate and delivers the Problem and Project-based Learning module on the Postgraduate Diploma.

Brian also supervises and examines MA research theses and fulltime MPhil and PhD students. He is the founder of the Physics Education Research Group http://www.physics.dit.ie/research/education.html) and currently supervises one MPhil student and one PhD student within this group.

Brian has consulted on pedagogy and approaches to teaching and learning in over 15 higher education institutes worldwide. He was an invited speaker at the American Physics Society Annual Conference in Montreal in 2004 and has presented at 20 education conferences and has a wide range of education publications. Brian was appointed Learning Development Officer at the DIT Learning and Teaching Centre in September 2004. His particular areas of expertise are student-centred learning, assessment, project and problem-based learning, curriculum development and evaluation.

Dr. John Dallat

Head of Department, Learning and Teaching

Dundalk Institute of Technology

042 9393716, Extn 3716, Room N336

Enquries and reservations to;--

Angela Foley

Administration, Dept of Learning and Teaching

Dundalk Institute of Technology

042 9381806 Extn 2806, Room L115

Music Department News and Events.

Ceol OirghiallaCeol OirghiallaCeol OirghiallaCeol Oirghialla Music students perform at Spirit Store-

tonight Wednesday 26th November at 8.p.m Spirit Store concert featuring students of D k I T ' s M u s i c D e p a r t m e n t . 26th Nov, door open at 8.00pm

Lunchtime Concert. Thursday November 27th at 1.p.m Black Box Theatre. Featuring the departments very own highly talented musician Mary McCague on Piano and award win-ning Flautist John Brown.

Mary McCague has been playing violin and piano since the age of four and has since established herself as one of Ireland’s foremost young musicians. She has won numerous awards at national level and has given many solo recitals and concerto performances throughout Ireland. Mary is also much in demand as a chamber musician and piano accompanist. As an orchestral musician, she has worked with the major orchestras in Ireland, including the National Symphony Orchestra and the RTE Concert Orchestra, and has played in some of the premier concert venues in the world, including Carnegie Hall and Boston Symphony Hall. Mary has performed on stage in the Point Theatre with Kanye West and also at the Meteor Awards, Childline Concert and on the Late Late Show with acts such as Westlife, Shayne Ward, Rod Stewart and Sinead O Connor.

Mary was awarded Scholarship of Trinity College where she later graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Music and Irish. She also holds a Masters in Performance from the Royal Irish Academy of Music. In addition to her performing career, Mary also teaches and lectures part-time in Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Composition Forum

27th Nov 14:00 - 15:00

The departments first Composition

Forum will be held on the 27th of

N o v e m b e r i n t h e n e w

theatre starting at 2:30pm (directly after

the lunchtime concert). It will feature

original compositions from 3rd and 4th

year students who are specialising in

composition for their B.A. in Applied Music

degree. Attendance is mandatory for all

BA in Applied music students.

C e o l O i r g h i a l l a ; C e o l O i r g h i a l l a ; C e o l O i r g h i a l l a ; C e o l O i r g h i a l l a ; C h r i s t m a s C o n c e r tC h r i s t m a s C o n c e r tC h r i s t m a s C o n c e r tC h r i s t m a s C o n c e r t

Dr Eibhlís Farrell, Head of Music and

Creative Media/cordially invites you to

A Celebration of Christmas Music with

the DkIT Choir & Chamber Orchestra,

Traditional & Guitar Ensembles

Where: The Faulkner Building

When: Tuesday, 9th December at 7.30 pm.

Ba mhór ag Dr Eibhlís Ní Fhearghail, Ceannasaí Roinn Ceoil agus Meáin Chruthaitheacha,tú a bheith i láthair ag Ceiliúradh Ceol na Nollag bhFoirgneamh Uí Fhachtna Dé Máirt, 9ú Nollag, 2008 ag 7.30 i.n.

Careers@dkit.ie Job Vacancies

Check out all positions at http://ww2.dkit.ie/student_life/student_services/careers/job_vacancies

The following job vacancies were recently submitted by employers interested in recruiting suitable DkIT graduates for the various positions as detailed below. If you are an employer interested in recruiting a DkIT student or graduate see the section on 'Services for Employers' where you can submit a vacancy - alternatively email careers@dkit.ie

Sports Programme Facilitator - Kerry County Council

Kerry Local Sports Partnership are currently recruiting to fill the post of Sports Programme Facilitator (Full Time - 12 Month contract).

Application forms are available on the Kerry County Council web-site www.kerrycoco.ie or on the Local Government jobs web-site www.localgovernmentjobs.ie or on the FAS website www.fas.ie.

The latest date for receipt of completed application forms and supporting documentation is 5pm. on Thursday, 4th December 2008.

Senior .NET Developer - Ergo Software Solutions

Ergo Software Solutions has recently opened a new R & D facility in Dundalk . We are currently seeking to recruit 2 Senior .NET Developers with at least 5 years development experience. These roles involve participation in the full project life cycle including

responsibilities of analysis, design, development, testing and documentation of software projects.

Business Analyst - Computershare

Computershare - a leading provider of financial market services and technology to the global securities industry are looking to recruit a Business Analyst who would be responsible for the creation of functional requirements for web-based technology projects. Closing date for Applications: Open

Teach English in Vietnam - Free Placements

Tiger English recruits university graduates from any discipline for TEFL teaching positions in China. TEFL is Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It provides graduates with an opportunity to earn a good salary, travel and build their CV while holding a meaningful position. Closing date for Applications: Open

Teach English in South Korea - Free Airfare and Housing

Tiger English offers a free placement services to graduates of all disciplines. Great pay, great benefits and amazing opportunities in wonderful locations. Closing date for Applications: Open Download the attached PDF file for more information

Teach English in China

Contract commencing in August/September 2009 for an academic year, June 2010. 18 contact hours a week teaching English to young people. Benefits include international air fare free, furnished apartment on campus with paid holidays.

Closing date for Applications: Saturday, 30th November 2008 but earlier application is advisable.

Ulster Bank Group Graduate Development Programmes

Ulster Bank Group are already the largest bank in Northern Irleand and third largest in the Republic of Ire-land. Their four graduate programmes cover everything form Retail and Corporate Markets to Risk and Operations Management. Each of these programmes offer graduates a great career here in Ireland and across the globe. To find out more visit their graduate recruitment website www.makeitrbs.com/ulsterbank. Brochures are also available from the Careers Service, DkIT.

The closing date of application is 28th February 2009.

FAS Overseas Graduate Programme 2009

The Overseas Graduate Programme (OGP) currently places newly qualified graduates into full-time employment with companies primarily in Japan. The initial placement is normally for two years and may be extended by agreement between the graduate and the

company. Participants will gain first hand experience of the business and social culture of their placement company and learn the skills required for doing business in their placement country. The key objective of the OGP is to increase the number of Irish graduates who have top quality international experience in their chosen field for industry in Ireland. Apply online at www.fas.ie (click on quick link and choose OGP) Brochures on OGP 2009 are also available from the Careers Service, DkIT.

Bank of Scotland Ireland - Graduate Trainee Programme

Our Graduate Trainee Programmes are now open for applications! The programmes are 2 years long, with excellent salary and benefits, not to mention training and development prospects that are second to none. Graduates who have jo ined us in the past have developed successful careers in Commercial Lending, Finance, Treasury, Corporate Banking, Wealth Management and Intermediary Sales. www.bankofscotland.ie

Anglo Irish Bank Graduate Programmes

Anglo Irish Bank was founded in 1964. In 1988 we grew our business into the UK at which time we had only 128 employees. Now we’re over 1,800 people strong and operating in

seven countries across Europe and North America. Our business focuses on three core markets: Commercial Lending, Treasury and Wealth Management.

We are looking for people with the talent to seize the initiative and make decisions, people with the determination to learn. If you think you possess these qualities, then at Anglo you can look forward to a highly supportive and welcoming environment with an 'open door' policy – a place where you can build your career and go further. www.angloirishbank-graduates.com

Application deadline for the Graduate Programmes is 30th November 2008.

Deloitte - Graduate Opportunities

Deloitte delivers world-class audit, tax, consulting and corporate finance services. More than 165,000 Deloitte professionals in nearly 140 countries serve over 80 per cent of the world's largest companies, as well as national enterprises, public institutions and successful fast-growing global companies. We have over 230 graduate opportunities available nationally this year across our service lines. To view our current graduate recruitment opportunities please visit our website www.deloitte.com/ie/graduate

RBS 2009 Graduate Development Programme

Opportunities in Asset Finance – Aviation Capital, Dublin RBS Aviation Capital is the bank’s centre of excellence for commercial and corporate aircraft finance. We lease aircraft to airlines and offer airlines and aircraft investors an extensive range of aviation financing solutions. Our banking and leasing expertise provides customers with a “one

stop shop” to meet specific requirements. With our broad suite of financing products we can offer solutions tailored to our customers needs.

ACCA Employer Guide 2008

The ACCA employer guide 2008 brochure is now available from the Careers Service here at DkIT. The guide provides details of ACCA approved employers such as Microsoft, Grant Thornton, AIB, Accenture and more who are currently looking to recruit business/accounting graduates. Many of you students will be reviewing your career

options over the coming months and this guide may encourage you to think about a professional qualification with ACCA.

Graduate Software Test Consultants

SQS Software Quality Systems (Ireland) Limited is Ireland's leading independent quality management and testing consultancy company. We are currently recruiting graduates for our Graduate Induction course commencing in November 2008. We are looking for graduates with educational backgrounds in Business and Information Systems; IT; and Quality Management.

Careers@dkit.ie

Graduate Development Programme - Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of

Ireland

We are delighted to introduce a Graduate Development Programme to the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland (CBFSAI). This is an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain unique pro-fessional experience at the heart of Ireland’s financial system.

The Programme is open to holders of primary and post-graduate degrees who have recently attained, or expect to attain in 2009, a minimum of a 2.1 honours degree. Applications are welcome from all degree disciplines.

Problem Solvers Required

Solve for x: x = (x-a)(x-b)(x-c)...(x-y)(x-z)

After you have solved that little problem, please help us solve our bigger problem: How to find new members for our actuarial team. Naturally, we want graduates with a strong mathematical background. But we want more than that: We want people that enjoy confronting problems, getting to the heart of the issue, identifying the best mathematical tools to use, and then producing the neatest solution. Does that sound like you? If so, read on.

Postgraduate Posts - Teagasc

3 Ph.D. (Microbiology) positions available in Teagasc-Ashtown Food Research Centre, Dublin 15 with Ph.D.s awarded by NUI or UUJ.

Closing date for Applications: Open until positions are successfully filled

BT Ireland Graduate Positions 2009

BT Ireland are offering opportunities for Graduates to join them and work on some of the most challenging projects around in both Ireland and the UK. As well as the core programme

graduates would have training and a development plan tailored to their skills and needs with excellent re-wards and benefits.

Closing date for Applications: Sunday, 30th November - Northern Ireland and Tuesday, 30th December 2008 - Republic of Ireland