News

Derryman Padraig all set for Clipper adventure!

2012-05-17T13:44:15Z

Padraig McConway flies to US to join Clipper raceThe latest of the local representatives to join the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is packing his bags to board the yacht in New York and sail across the Atlantic Ocean - Padraig McConway, (25) from the Shantallow area of the city - will fly to the US this weekend to set sail from New York on June 7^th.

The recently qualified primary school teacher is one of five successful Derry City Council sponsored bursary representatives to take part in the Race through the KICKSTART to Work programme.

Padraig has been busy preparing for his challenge over the past number of months, keeping in regular contact with the crew through the sailing blog and checking their progress regularly. Although he was a novice to sailing before undertaking the intensive training for the race last summer, Padraig has a range of skills which led him to be an ideal candidate for the programme, including certificates in life saving, disability awareness, basic sign language, fire awareness and youth leadership scheme – all attained during his time with the St John’s Ambulance.

“The training provided was really intense, and it was a fantastic experience as I had never sailed before. However, although it was tough it prepares you for almost eventuality, so we should be able to handle whatever comes our way along the race.”

Padraig’s sister is also travelling to New York to wave him off as he sets sail on his voyage. Although he is a little anxious about the race he is looking forward to the challenge and what will be an experience of a lifetime. “We start off in New York and sail to Halifax. From there we then set sail for Derry - which will definitely be the highlight of the race – then to Holland before the end of the race in Southampton on 22^nd July.”

Joining Padraig on the transatlantic leg of the race will be a number of other local participants including Orla Quigley, Roy Devine, and Jodie Harkin, all from the city, as well as Jodie’s father, John Harkin, and Michelle McCann from Greencastle, Co. Donegal, who are both participating in the complete round the world race. Padraig said he is looking forward to sailing with so many local people. “It will be a great atmosphere on board, I’ve got to know the other participants through training, and sailing into my home city after crossing the Atlantic with everyone on board will be really special.”

The Clipper Homecoming Festival will take place on the banks of the Foyle from 29th June – 08th July. At the centre of the ten-day long festival will be the welcoming of the magnificent Clipper yachts – including our own Derry~Londonderry yacht.

During the festival visitors will have the opportunity to visit the Clipper yachts and meet the crews, however, that’s only the start! The event will include a programme of activities and maritime themed attractions and sights, including marine taster sessions, a Seafood Festival, a marine environment zone with visiting boats, Zapcats micro powerboats display, a marine heritage zone, Northern Ireland’s largest continental market, sizzling musical entertainment and creative family events every day, fireworks and much, much more! Padraig said: “It will be an amazing event, and we hope everyone comes out to welcome us and the many visitors from around the world so we can showcase the very best of the city.”

Padraig will be providing regular updates from the vessel via the Clipper’s Facebook page Derry Londonderry Clipper 11-12 and on Twitter – DerryClipper where you can follow the team and their progress in the race. Padraig is taking part in the KICKSTART to work programme as part of the Derry City Council bursary initiative.

There are many ways for businesses, communities and individuals to ‘Get on Board’ with the Clipper Homecoming Festival, as we countdown to the arrival of the international teams and visitors to Derry-Londonderry. For more information on the volunteer and ambassador opportunities, international road show, business networks and education programme; as well as on the festival, go to www.derrycity.gov.uk/clipper and like us on Facebook to get up to date news on the festival programme: Derry – Londonderry Clipper 11 – 12

Press information from Shóna McGuigan, Derry City Council’s Marketing and Communications Section, Tel. 048/028 71 376504.

Clipper Homecoming Festival – unique chance to Get on Board

2012-05-16T09:21:04Z

From left, Jonathan Levy, Director of Business Development for race organisers Clipper Ventures, Padraig McConway , bursary representative, Derrick Anderson, Loughs Agency, Niall Boyle, bursary representative and Bill McCann. Harbour Master, Londonderry Port and Harbour.Countdown details of how the city is preparing for the forthcoming Clipper Homecoming Festival have been unveiled by Derry City Council. The Mayor, Alderman Maurice Devenney joined members of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to talk about the momentum that is building in the city ahead of this unique and exciting world class event for the city.

As a flagship event in NI 2012, the Clipper Race Homecoming Festival, which is scheduled to take place from 29th June – 08th July in Derry~Londonderry, will welcome a ten-strong fleet of 68-foot yachts to the Foyle, as part of the final transatlantic leg of the world’s longest ocean race.

Mayor Alderman Maurice Devenney called on everyone to ‘Get on Board’ to make the most of the opportunities the event will bring for businesses, local communities and visitors.

“Whether you are interested in volunteering, supporting the Clipper Race Homecoming Festival or looking for business development opportunities, we are happy to assist and support your needs. The Clipper Homecoming Festival is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our city and tell our unique story and I would encourage everyone to Get On Board and be part of this exciting adventure. As the Clipper Race yachts have journeyed around the world we have been busy promoting the city and region in international markets, with our successful bursary programme and candidates and our schools education programme that started this month in local schools, as well as in our partnership promotion campaign with NI 2012.

“It’s a fantastic chance for local businesses to get involved and capitalise on the opportunities that exist through a range of initiatives and projects including the ‘Adopt a Boat’ initiative, ‘Welcome Kits’ and ‘Legenderry Welcome Packs’. All in all this is your chance to get involved and help us deliver a world class and successful event for the city.”

At the centre of the ten-day long festival will be the welcoming of the magnificent Clipper yachts – including our own Derry~Londonderry yacht which has been carrying the city story around the world in its year-long odyssey, with the crew including a number of local adventurers!

Jonathan Levy, Director of Business Development for race organisers Clipper Ventures, who attended the briefing at the City Hotel, said "The Clipper Race is looking forward to arriving in Derry-Londonderry at the end of June. The city has lined up an excellent programme of activity which I am confident Clipper Race crew and visitors alike will enjoy enormously."

During the festival visitors will have the opportunity to visit the Clipper yachts and meet the crews, however, that’s only the start! The event will include a programme of activities and maritime themed attractions and sights; from marine taster sessions that will bring the River Foyle alive with water based fun. Look out for the Viking boats too! As part of the arrival weekend, taste the exquisite Flavours of the Foyle Seafood Festival, enjoy the finest musicians from the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention, whet your creative appetite in our creative zone and be part of our official welcome event.

As the city shapes up for the fantastic finale weekend, why not join us from Thursday, July 5^th to Sunday July 8^th for a Legenderry Festival. Highlights include a marine environment zone with visiting boats, the thrilling and fearless Zapcats micro powerboats display, a heritage zone telling the story of the River Foyle, Northern Ireland’s largest continental market and sizzling musical entertainment and creative family events every day. Those long summer evenings will provide a perfect backdrop for our own Legenderry concert of Thursday, July 5^th. On July 6^th our Clipper Connections musical evening will be followed by a colourful River Foyle fireworks display – all in all, a wonderful start to summer in the city!

Town Clerk and Chief Executive with Derry City Council, Sharon O’Connor said Clipper was a unique opportunity to raise the profile of the city as a destination for world class events as well as providing local businesses with an opportunity to maximise this unique opportunity to link with other cities and showcase the city.

She said: “The city is physically changing thanks to investment in the public realm, the opening of Ebrington Square, the Peace Bridge and the significant investment in the Foyle Events Marina. The scale and pace of this investment is building real confidence and opportunity for local businesses and communities. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be a chance to showcase all of these developments to a worldwide audience, and will be one of the most exciting events the city will ever host. This world class event is an opportunity to attract visitors and investment, and promote our vibrant, innovative city in the lead up to City of Culture 2013. It is our chance to tell our story to a global audience and to reap the benefits of that exposure”.

For more information on how you get involved go to www.derrycity.gov.uk/clipper and like us on Facebook derrylondonderryclipper11-12.

B&B Ireland signs up to The Gathering 2013

2012-05-14T12:37:47Z

B&B Ireland have announced that they will be fully supporting The Gathering Ireland 2013 – the biggest tourism event ever held in Ireland, which aims to bring an extra 325,000 visitors here next year.

“Our members are based right around the island in city, urban and rural districts and so we are very well placed to take a co-ordinated response to this exciting tourism initiative,” says chief executive Helena Healy, who attended the launch by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in Dublin at the weekend.

At the launch, the Taoiseach said that The Gathering aims to engage with “our global Diaspora, to entice them to come home in 2013. It’s not just about encouraging anyone with Irish heritage – it is also addressed to those who love or have an interest in Ireland.”

“We welcome the Minister for Tourism’s comment that this initiative is not just for big cities but is for everyone,” says Helena Healy, “and we will harness our considerable online marketing power to promote the range of festivals and special events lined up for 2013.”

“Our website www.bandbireland.com and the websites of many of our members already promote a wide range of the activities and events which take place in B&Bs local areas. We also work closely with tour operators and the travel industry and have an international network of contacts which we can tap into.”

For more information on The Gathering 2013 click here

Coderdojo comes to Derry!

2012-05-11T08:24:55Z

A free club which teaches web, app and coding skills to 11-18 year olds is being set up in Derry and holds its first meeting from 2-4pm at the Nerve Centre on Magazine Street on Saturday 19^th May. Young people from Derry, Strabane, Inishowen and beyond are all invited to participate.

“The Coderdojo computer coding clubs are part of a global network, which were founded in Ireland by Bill Liao and James Whelton,” says volunteer and parent, Trish Hegarty. “We’ve had great support from Bill Liao in our efforts to get one set up in this region, and we’ve already got a small group of volunteers to mentor the young coders.”

The new club has been set up with in conjunction with Rosa McLaughlin from Foyle Learning Community and Digital Derry Champion Mark Nagurski who say its vital to encourage interest and skills in computer coding amongst young people if Derry is to develop and sustain digital industries to their full potential.

“Rosa has been liaising with the North West Regional College and the University of Ulster at Magee, who are keen to provide teaching and mentoring support.” Rosa and Trish will act as co-ordinators for Derry coderdojo.

“Inishowen web and app developer Michael Flanagan and Strabane teacher and ICT co-ordinator Damien McHugh have signed up to offer their support as mentors to the young coders”, adds Trish.

“I got involved after my 11-year-old set up his own blog and website, all from his interest in online construction game Minecraft, and developing “mods” or modifications for this game,” says Trish. “He is very keen now to learn more, and is already talking about wanting to develop his own apps.”

“Belfast is opening a coderdojo this month, and clubs are already up and running in Newry, and on Donegal’s Arainn Mór island – which we are planning to visit this week.”

Big thanks go to Pearse Moore and John Peto at The Nerve Centre who are providing the venue, says Trish. My own business, Inis Communications, will provide PR and volunteer support, working in co-operation with Foyle Learning Community and Digital Derry.

If you want to register your child, offer to mentor or help in any way with Coderdojo Derry then please contact Trish at trish@iniscommunications.com or call her on +35386 1740057. Please note: Parents of children aged 12 or under must accompany their children throughout coderdojo sessions.

Marketing Food is Good for Tourism - Hotel and Catering Review

2012-05-01T08:23:03Z

According to the latest issue of Hotel and Catering Review, close to 90% of Good Food Ireland members believe that the marketing of food tourism is important for driving growth in the sector, while 100% believe local Irish food should be an integral part of Ireland's international tourism marketing.

The articel in today's bulletin reveals that a survey of Good Food Ireland members undertaken by Grant Thornton found that four in five members believe that local food is a strong economic driver for their business. Over 90% had increased their purchasing of Irish food over the last three years.

Despite the continued challenges in the economy, two-thirds of members revealed they met their earning expectations in 2011 while four in five expect growth this year. The findings of 'Food: The Secret Ingredient to Irish Tourism & Export Growth' were published by Good Food Ireland to coincide with the group's workshops held across Ireland last week.

http://hotelandcateringreview.ie/index.html

Irish travel writer publishes Offbeat Paris eGuide

2012-04-24T10:10:39Z

Irish travel writer and journalist Hugh Oram has gone online with his latest Offbeat Paris guide, which was launched today as an eBook on Amazon. Like a spiral, the arrondissements wind around the heart of the French capital, and Offbeat Paris invites you to explore the iconic landmarks and the little-known venues of underground or historical interest, from Charvet shirts to artists’ squats.

Starting at Les Halles (1er) ending in the North East (20ème), the guide contains a comprehensive range of useful addresses and nearest Métro stations for museums, churches, famous hotels, galleries, restaurants, gardens, and parks. But more than this, it uncovers the soul of Paris by including sights like old passageways, markets, antique shops, bookshops, and weird and wonderful museums. Offbeat Paris encourages the visitor to explore all of the cultural sights of this famous city.

The historic passageways - known locally as Galeries or Passages - have retained all of Paris's charm of yesteryears. A few have been restored - like Passage du Grand Cerf - described as “the most stylish of all the tiny thoroughfares” by the author.

In Paris there is a museum for almost everything: Musée de la Publicité, Musée de la Monnaie and they capture the soul of Paris. And every arondissement has its own surprises. For example, Musée Zadine near the Luxembourg Garden in 6ème arrondissement is a pleasure for those who love sculpture and quiet gardens. This guide also lists well-known and historical restaurants and hotels. On foot from the Luxembourg Garden, don’t miss “Le Procope” - one of the oldest restaurants in the world.

Hugh Oram is an author, journalist and broadcaster living and working in Dublin. He has written many travel, historical and documentary books, and has contributed extensively to such international travel editions as Berlitz, Fodor's and Michelin. He has written extensively about almost every region of France and many aspects of French life and has been a frequent visitor to Paris over the past 30 years. Hugh has also broadcast on many diverse subjects for RTÉ Radio 1, and the BBC in Belfast. To buy his latest book, just click on: Offbeat Paris

Media enquiries to: Trish Hegarty 0035386 1740057 or trish@iniscommunications.com

Clipper Race fleet is tightly packed as the teams approach the Scoring Gate

2012-04-20T10:48:54Z

The Clipper 11-12 Race fleet is tightly packed as the teams approach the Scoring Gate, which is making for some thrilling racing. The more westerly boats are closest to the western end of the gate with less than 100 miles to run and, provided the wind holds up, should be able to reach it within the next 24 hours.

B&B welcome for international travel trade

2012-04-19T13:58:32Z

Over 300 Tour Operators from 23 countries around the world got a taste of real Irish B&B hospitality at the Meitheal 2012 event in Dublin’s RDS this week. A 12-strong B&B Ireland team travelled to Dublin for the 2-day event to showcase the food, welcome and hospitality given to customers when they stay in a bed and breakfast.

Clipper Race fleet starts 5,500 mile from California New York via the Panama Canal

2012-04-16T10:24:05Z

The ten strong fleet competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race left Jack London Square in Oakland today with hundreds of fans cheering them on in the warm spring sunshine, before heading out to San Francisco Bay for the start line escorted by US Coast Guard cutter Sockeye.

Friends, family members and supporters gathered to watch from the Golden Gate Yacht Club, home of the 34th America's Cup, which kindly provided facilities to start the race from their deck at 14.00 local (21.00 UTC).

There was a highly charged competitive atmosphere out on the water in the shadow of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. So much so that three boats crossed the line prematurely and were ordered to circle back to cross it again.

This gave Visit Finland an early lead, hotly pursued by the only US entry New York and the Chinese team from the Olympic sailing city of Qingdao as they jostled for position racing under the bridge, back out into the Pacific Ocean, and head south towards Panama.

Rest and recuperation

2012-04-12T15:21:43Z

After an action packed race from China to Oakland, San Francisco, the crews taking part in the Clipper 11-12 Race, the world’s longest race at 40,000 miles, are busy preparing for the next race to Panama.

Race 10 starts on Saturday at 1400 local time (2100 UTC) and several crew members have taken time out from general boat maintenance to get to know their temporary home, the city of Oakland.

Visit Oakland, treated a group of crew members from each of the ten ocean racing teams to a guided tour of the city which included a hike around the Redwood Regional Park, lunch at the Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill and a visit to Dashe Cellars for wine tasting.