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Local Company First Derivatives, has announced its sponsorship of the GAA Asian Gaelic Games Tournament in October 2012.
First Derivatives are leading providers of software and consulting services to the global capital markets.
Held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the games are in their seventeenth year having started in 1995 with six men’s teams and now approaching 900 participants. The appeal of the tournament has also broadened with a 60/40 split between men and women and incorporating men and women’s Gaelic football, Hurling and Camogie.
First Derivatives decision to sponsor the games is a clear indication of their ambition to increase visibility in Asian markets and to reach out to the Irish diaspora. At present the firm has consultants working in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo implementing their high performance suite of trading products.
However Chief Operating Officer Adrian Toner said the firm saw it as a strong networking and below-the-line marketing opportunity.
“With our large footprint in London, and growth in the US, Asia represents major potential for First Derivatives. Financial markets there are still experiencing strong growth, and demand for products and services like ours is huge.
“Not only is the Irish diaspora in Asia growing but they are becoming more structured and organised and the rapid growth of gaelic games is a good example of this. We want to position ourselves at the heart of those networks.
“This event is an ideal investment opportunity for First Derivatives as it recognises the cross-over between sport and business coupling the tournament with the new Asia-Pacific Ireland Business Forum. This is an excellent platform from which to build upon our links into key markets and we know that people with an Irish connection can be found in senior positions in financial markets across Asia. In business terms that common background can be a significant advantage.
Adrian Toner said the firm were proud of the sponsorship as a contribution to the global GAA family, “Apart from the clear business benefits we also want to support activity that offers so much to our staff. With a young Irish work-force spread across the globe, gaelic games can often be an excellent social network for our staff, helping them establish friendships and settle into new places quickly.
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With more than 1,700 drivers passing their test in the Newry area in the past year, Autoline Insurance Group have teamed up with MyDrive Solutions to develop a money-saving app for those looking to reduce their car insurance. Local Insurance Broker Autoline, with offices in Newry, Ballymena, Coleraine and Downpatrick now offer free a downloadable Android App which will monitor driving patterns and charge insurance premiums accordingly, saving drivers up to 50%.
Once downloaded to the driver’s Android phone, the app captures data on a second by second basis and contextualises the data in relation to the road network. This sophisticated technology can then build a true picture of the driving patterns and in turn allow Autoline Insurance in conjunction with RoSPA to coach drivers to improve their skills.
Michael Blaney, Managing Director of Autoline Insurance Group said “We, at Autoline are all too aware of the reality that young drivers are the most likely to be involved in an accident and therefore in many cases insurance premiums are too high for new motorists. We want to offer an affordable insurance deal for young people based on their driving skill not just their age. This will encourage a new generation of more careful road users hopefully reducing the number of accidents on our roads as well as the cost of driving.”
Working with insurance telematics specialist MyDrive Solutions, this new software has been developed for an android phone as research shows this is the most popular phone for young people. The technology should be ready later in the summer for Blackberry devices and soon after for iPhone. This is a voluntary option with immediate savings of up to 40% on current premiums and potential for up to 50% with a good driving score.”
Julie Gibbons, Autoline’s Operations Director continued “With more than 1,700 new drivers in the Newry area alone in 2011/12, the opportunity to take advantage of this hugely beneficial and groundbreaking technology has never been greater. This technology has been well recognised as the future in other countries and we are delighted to be the first to bring it, in an affordable app format, to young drivers in Newry. The advantages do not stop here as there are far reaching possibilities with this mechanism for road safety and the environment also. Responsible, careful drivers of all ages, not just young drivers, have a better awareness on the roads helping prevent accidents and leads to fuel efficiency which will benefit the pocket. We will actively be encouraging customers to seek a better driving score which should cut the number of accidents on our roads and hopefully have a positive impact on insurance premiums for everyone.”
Further information about ‘Telematics’- our young drivers scheme from Autoline is available by visiting www.autoline.co.uk or by contacting Autoline Insurance Group on 08452 30 30 30.
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Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has highlighted the important role of the IT sector in attracting potential investors to Northern Ireland when she visited Newry yesterday.
The Minister was speaking as she visited ‘Empowering Change in Emerald Valley’, a privately funded entrepreneurial incubation centre in Newry which provides co-working space for a number of technology and other business start-ups.
Arlene Foster said: “The ICT sector is central to our future economic growth and so it is hugely encouraging to see facilities such as this, which gives assistance to innovative and cutting edge companies in areas such as web design, social media and digital marketing.
“My Department, through Invest Northern Ireland, will continue to offer support to fledgling businesses in the ICT sector as we seek to attract high-quality investment here. Northern Ireland possesses a highly skilled ICT workforce and start-ups such as those based in Empowering Change in Emerald Valley are invaluable if we are to establish the knowledge-based economy upon which our future competitiveness will largely rest.”
‘Empowering Change in Emerald Valley’ offers office facilities for businesses and entrepreneurs, including conference room, exhibition space and broadband and also provides wrap around business development activities to help tenants grow through networking, advice and access to business coaching expertise.
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The Quays Shopping Centre, Newry, is looking forward to a number of new retailers who are due to commence trading in the coming months with the creation of up to 75 new retail jobs.
Despite the downturn in retail sales, The Quays, Newry, has continued to attract exciting new retailers such as international brand Mexx.
Top of the list of those still to come is the UK’s number 1 sports retailer, Sports Direct, which will open an 11,500 sq ft flag ship store over two floors, making it Newry’s premiere sports retailer. Sports Direct, with over 470 branches nationwide, has an extensive product range at discounted prices, including clothing and equipment for all sports activities plus the latest sporting fashions.
Danish childrenswear retailer Name It, is also set to open a new store at the Centre. Offering trendy, colourful, continental designs for kids up to 12 years at great prices, Name It is sure to be popular with fashion conscious kids and mums alike.
And for the trend setting young women of Newry, top fashion brand ONLY will also be making their debut at The Quays this Autumn, offering quality, inspiring and affordable fashion.
Other exciting new tenants opening at The Quays include Tiger Stores, a Danish variety store with a difference. Tiger Stores sell stylish practical, fun, decorative and creative homeware, kitchenware, stationery, toys and hobby items. Most noteworthy is that no product in store exceeds the price of £30.
The Quays is also delighted to welcome Chinese restaurant operator, Imperial City, to the Complex, expanding the food offering at the site.
Award winning, Sabino Hairdressing, will open at the end of August, building upon the leisure services offered at The Quays. Sabino Hairdressing specialise in sophisticated female styling and male grooming.
The Quays Complex, Newry, has also significantly developed its role as a mixed use office and retail development with the recent announcement that Teleperformance will expand its presence at the site, with the creation of up to 200 additional jobs. Teleperformance Contact Centre already employs approximately 600 staff at The Quays site.
Eddie Cull, Retail Director at Parker Green International, said, “This welcome boost for the local economy comes at a time when good news is all too often in short supply. The Quays knows the importance of being forward looking and creative when meeting ever evolving market conditions, if we are to achieve success in challenging times.”
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Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade is delighted to announce it will host a Business Breakfast with Minister John O’Dowd, Department of Education on the 20th September in the Canal Court Hotel.
This event will include an ‘Interview with the Minister’ facilitated by BBC Sports Pundit and Vice Principal of St Paul’s High School, Mr Jarlath Burns.
Speaking on behalf of Newry Chamber, President Cathal Austin stated, ‘Newry Chamber looks forward to hosting this important event with Minister O’Dowd. The education of our young people is of vital importance to Newry Chamber; today’s students are the industry leaders, entrepreneurs and workforce of tomorrow. Business needs to work with Government to ensure that our young people are given the best possible start to their careers through developing their skills and attaining the appropriate qualifications to match the needs of industry. The Interview with the Minister promises to be interesting and informative especially considering the Ministers plans for educational reform; his views on the transfer test and the upcoming restructuring of the Department of Employment & Learning. I would encourage all members of the local business community to attend’.
To book your place at the Newry Chamber Business Breakfast, please contact Newry Chamber office on 028 3025 0303 or email: info@newrychamber.com
This event is generously sponsored by Newry & Mourne Labour & Education Forum.
The event will take place from 7.45am - 9am. Tickets are £10 each; this includes a full cooked breakfast.
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The first private bus service to operate into and out of the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast, starts today.
As part of a Department for Regional Development pilot project Translink’s station will be open to the private operator, Rooney International Coach Hire Ltd. This pilot scheme will serve to test the arrangements of a shared transport facility.
Commenting on the pilot, the Department’s Director of Transport Projects, Ciarán de Búrca, said: “The Department is keen to facilitate and encourage innovation in the provision of public transport services across Northern Ireland. Consultation with users shows support for the idea that Translink bus stations and other facilities, including bus stops, should be made available for the use of other licensed operators. This pilot is designed to test what is needed to make this happen.
“To date, with a few exceptions, Translink stations are used exclusively for its own passengers. Introducing access to Translink stations will help to deliver greater convenience for passengers travelling with other licensed transport operators.”
A Translink spokesperson said: “We have been working jointly with the Department and Mr Rooney for the past number of months in order to establish the arrangements for this pilot exercise. We hope the new arrangements will be of benefit to users of public transport services and look forward to working with Mr Rooney over the course of the pilot.”
Overall, Rooney International will be operating nine services in and out of the Europa Buscentre. Most of these services, which run from Hilltown, Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and Newry, are pre-existing services which previously picked up and dropped off passengers outside Jury’s Hotel in the city centre. Mr Rooney said: “Being able to have access to the Europa Buscentre will enhance the service I provide to my customers. They will be able to wait in comfortable surroundings, make use of the shopping facilities and food outlets, and it will make it easier for them to connect with Translink’s bus and rail services, if they need to do so.”
The Department will conduct a formal review and evaluation of the pilot exercise in conjunction with Translink and Mr Rooney. It will then finalise the legislative arrangements which will need to be in place in order to enable those operators who provide public passengers transport services to make use of Translink-owned stations across Northern Ireland.
Expressions of interest for inclusion in the pilot were sought from all licensed public passenger transport operators in Northern Ireland in spring of 2012. Mr Rooney was the only operator who sought to be included.
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Kedco plc, (AIM:KED) the renewable energy group focusing on the production of clean energy in the UK and Ireland, announces that the Company’s plant in Newry, Northern Ireland, which will produce a total of 4MW, has commenced the exportation of power to the grid from its biomass electricity and heat generation plant. This marks the Company’s transition to an operator of renewable energy assets from a pure development company.
The electricty generated by the Newry Biomass Plant is being sold to Bord Gais Eireann under a Power Purchase Agreement. The Company now intends to move towards the completion of the next 2MW phase of the project, which is expected to come online in Q4 2013. The civil and on-site works for this additional 2MW have already been completed and a deposit has been paid to secure the expansion of the grid infrastructure for the project.
Once fully operational, the plant will employ up to 12 people and be able to provide clean electricity to over 7,000 homes.
The Company’s plant at Newry is the first in its pipeline to commence exporting power to the electricity grid. Kedco’s other key asset is the 12MW Enfield Biomass Project located in Enfield, London. This project has full planning and permits to convert 60,000 tonnes per annum of waste wood and has entered into advanced discussions on an offer to connect to the national grid. The Company has already entered into a 20-year lease in relation to the site. The Company also has various options available for feedstock sourced locally for the plant.
The Directors believe that this project in Enfield is one of the most advanced biomass development projects located in the London region. The Company intends to progress the project towards financial close and commencement of construction.
In line with this aim, the Company has already conducted preliminary discussions with debt and equity partners and these are expected to progress over the course of the next few months. A further update will be provided as appropriate.
Gerry Madden, CEO of Kedco, commented:
“This step marks the Company’s move from being solely a clean energy project developer to a clean energy producer. The Board is delighted with the progress made at the site, and is pleased to be generating revenue from the plant, as this significant step in the Company’s development will provide Kedco with good visibility of earnings. Biomass electricity and heat producing technologies are among the most incentivised in the UK, and this support further underpins Kedco’s business model.
The Board would like to thank its key commercial partners, RBS Ulster Bank, Stobart Group, Clarke Energy/GE Jenbacher and Zeropoint, for their work completed on the project to date. The Company looks forward to completing the commissioning of the additional 2MW of its Newry Biomass project.”
Eddie Cullen, Head of Corporate & Institutional Banking, Ulster Bank said:
“This operational milestone is an important one for Kedco. Our support for the project has enabled us to clearly demonstrate our continued commitment to customers in the renewables market on the island of Ireland.”
Haydn Rees, Managing Director of Clarke Energy Limited, commented:
“We congratulate Kedco on their progress to date with the Newry project and we look forward to continuing our support of Kedco on their future projects.”
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Members of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade met with the Secretary of State Theresa Villiers for Northern Ireland on Friday.
This was the Secretary of State’s inaugural meeting with the Newry business community following Ms Villiers recent appointment into Office.
Newry Chamber members raised key issues with the Secretary of State including devolving Corporation Tax, increased Cross Border collaboration, bank lending, Out of Town developments and fuel costs’
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St John Bosco Minors have progressed to All County B Championship Final
Due to a mid-season slump in form brought on by an unfortunate run of injuries to experienced players Bosco’s minor team just missed out on qualifying for the ‘A’ Championship. Drawn in Group 3 of the ‘B’ championship against Mitchels, Cil Dharach and Clann na Derg, Bosco’s injury worries increased as eight players were missing for the opening group game against local rivals Mitchels.
Mitchels 1-5 BOSCO 1-9
In a hard-fought local derby in rain-soaked Derryleckagh Bosco’s young team overcame local rivals Mitchels due to a combination of hard work and skilful play. Aaron Beattie led the way with a typically robust display, chipping in with six points in the process. Aaron was assisted by several ‘senior’ players, many playing out of position due to the injury crisis. Among them were John McKevitt playing in full-back, Niall Burns at half-back, Tiarnan McKeown at midfield and Shane Crummey at centre-half forward. Under 16 players Curtis Cregan, Daniel Graham, Darren McShane, Oisin Carnegie and Jordan Pinnington all played magnificent games; none looked out of place at this level. Jordan and Darren contributed a goal and point between them. Special mention must also be made to Dylan Morgan at full-forward who produced the move of the night with his catch and pass on the run to set up Niall Burns for a great point. Bosco team and scorers: Rory O’Loughlin, Ben Cafolla, John McKevitt, Curtis Cregan, Daniel Graham, Conor Boyle, Niall Burns (0-1), Jonathon O’Hare and Tiarnan McKeown, Darren McShane (0-1), Shane Crummey (0-1), Oisin Carnegie, Jordan Pinnington (1-0), Dylan Morgan, Aaron Beattie (0-6, 3F); Niall Byrne.
Bosco’s next game was to be at home to Cil Dharach but unfortunately the East Down outfit couldn’t field and the Newry lads claimed the points.
Clann na Derg 4-7 (19) BOSCO 2-13 (19)
With both teams having won their opening two games this game was to be the group decider. In a further twist to proceedings a draw would also have meant both teams qualifying for the semi-finals. But this wasn’t one of those boring World Cup stalemates. This was a humdinger of a match with both teams going flat out for the win. Bosco dominated the first half but two fine goals from the home teams full-forward left the Newry lads trailing at the break by three points on a scoreline of Clann na Derg 2-4 BOSCO 0-7.
Bosco started the second half on fire with two quick goals from Darren McShane and Lee Ruddy. The home side hit back immediately with a goal of their own to level proceedings. The teams then traded points until the twenty-third minute when a fourth goal gave the home side a two point lead. But this Bosco team were not to be denied and points from Lee Ruddy and Aaron Beattie brought the sides level again going into injury time. In the third minute of injury time both teams spurned goal chances to kill off the game before the referee’s final whistle brought this fantastic game to an end. The result meant that both teams qualified for the semi-finals. Bosco team and scorers: Rory O’Loughlin, Niall Byrne, John McKevitt, Daniel Graham, Feargal Lavery, Conor Boyle, Niall Burns, Conal Gallagher (0-1, 1F) and Jonathon O’Hare (0-1), Darren McShane (1-1), Tiarnan McKeown (0-1), Lee Ruddy (1-6, 3F), Ryan Byrne, Oisin Carnegie, Aaron Beattie (0-2); Sean McStay and Dylan Morgan.
ACMFC ‘B’ semi-final
25th September 2012 at Clonduff
BOSCO 3-7 Saul 0-12
Bosco minors progressed to the final of the All County ‘B’ Championship after a hard-fought win over a spirited Saul team. Played under lights at Clonduff’s fantastic facility this was a typical semi-final with both teams battling hard to make the final against Clann na Derg. Playing against a stiff breeze Bosco started brightly with Tiarnan McKeown’s point inside fifteen seconds. But Saul settled into the game and reeled off six points inside the next fifteen minutes. At this stage Bosco were struggling to come to terms with the conditions but in a purple patch during the middle of the half Aaron Beattie took the game by the scruff of the neck scoring a goal and two points to give the Newry lads the lead for the first time. However, in the last two minutes of the half Saul fired over two points of their own to lead by one at half-time on a scoreline of Saul 0-8 BOSCO 1-4.
Playing with the aid of the softening breeze Bosco started quickly with a well-taken goal from Lee Ruddy and a point by Beattie to give the Newry lads a three point lead. But Saul didn’t lie down and they fired over the next three points to leave the sides level in the seventeenth minute. A point from a mighty free from the right by Lee Ruddy followed by an even better strike from Conor Boyle gave Bosco a one point lead going into the last five minutes. As both teams went for the victory it was the Newry lads who prevailed thanks to a poacher’s goal from half-forward Barney Doyle. This gave the Newry lads a four point lead and they fought like dervishes to maintain this advantage until the referee’s final whistle blew in the fifth minute of injury time.
Bosco just about deserved this victory and they now progress to the county final were they will face Clann na Derg in a rematch of the final group game at the end of August. Bosco team and scorers: Rory O’Loughlin, Ben Cafolla, Ryan Collins, John McKevitt, Daniel Graham, Feargal Lavery, Shane Crummey, Jonathon O’Hare and Conor Boyle (0-1), Barney Doyle (1-0), Tiarnan McKeown (0-1), Lee Ruddy (1-2, 2F), Aaron Beattie (1-3, 1F), Niall Burns, Oisin Carnegie; Dylan Morgan, Niall Byrne, Ryan Byrne, Jordan Pinnington, Dario Cafolla, Curtis Cregan and Sean McStay.
Leo Hughes Memorial Tournament
The annual Leo Hughes Memorial Tournament is being held in Carrickcruppen GAC on Sunday 7th October. Throw in at 2:00 p.m. with refreshments for all afterwards in Carrickcruppen GAC.
This annual tournament is a charity fundraiser held to honour the memory of Leo Hughes father of Cumann Naomh Eoin Bosco Leaschathaoirleach Pól Ó hAoda.
All funds raised are being donated to Macmillan Nurses who carry out sterling work in our community in times of great need. Can't attend the match and would still like to donate to the charity? Fear not, Paul has a placed a collection box in the St John Bosco Club to ease the donation process.
Annual Mass
Our annual Mass for the living and deceased members of St John Bosco GAC is on Sunday 18th November in St Brigid’s Chapel at 11:30 a.m. All welcome
St John Bosco GAC AGM
The club AGM is being held on Sunday 23rd November in the Cusack Lounge in the clubrooms on Water Street.
Oíche Airneáin
Social Night As Gaeilge 5 Deireadh Fómhair/October ar 9.00 pm
le BOTHÁN
(Pádraig Carragher, Gareth Doran, Paddy Martin, Ruairí Cunnane)
Beár an Iarnróid - The Railway Bar
Sráid Mhuineacháin-Monaghan Street
Iúr Chinn Trá
Beatha teanga í a labhairt
St John Bosco Club Kit
An order for kit is being submitted to O’Neill’s this week. If players, parents or members want to order shirts, hoodies, jackets etc please let Paul McCormack know before Wednesday 3rd October.
Coaching Workshop
Ulster GAA will be delivering a juvenile Coaches workshop in the Abbey GS Newry on Tuesday 2nd October 2012. The workshop is free of charge, and will commence at 7.30pm sharp. It is open to all club coaches of children aged 5-12 years:
Workshop Title:
Children’s Club Coaching CPD
Description:
This session will identify the Key stages of player development:
u6 - Gaelic Start
u8 - FUNdamentals
u10/u12 - Learn to Train
The session will be an information session on what to coach children at these various
age groups.
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