Fresh, young, and full of enthusiasm, Ireland’s latest cooking sensation, Donal Skehan, is confirmed to attend this year’s Savour Kilkenny Food Festival and will showcase Irish craft as he cooks up a storm.

Often referred to as Ireland’s answer to Jamie Oliver, Donal is being brought to Kilkenny by Savour Kilkenny Food Festival and the Crafts Council of Ireland to mark Year of Craft 2011. He will be giving a cooking demonstration combined with showcasing the work of local craftspeople.

Not to be missed, this year’s Savour Kilkenny Food Festival takes place from October 28th to 31st and promises to be the best yet, with a packed programme of events and a food village on the Parade Plaza in front of Kilkenny Castle.


Donal Skehan is a champion of home cooking, a photographer and a food writer, and will give a cooking demonstration on Saturday 29th October. As someone with a deeply held interest and love for Irish craft, this session will perfectly combine the two disciplines. 
This demonstration will be jointly hosted by Savour Kilkenny and Year of Craft 2011 and spectators will not be disappointed with Donal’s enthusiasm for healthy home cooking.


This year the Crafts Council of Ireland is celebrating the very best of craft made on the island of Ireland with Year of Craft 2011. Year of Craft Project Manager, Maureen Kennelly, said the Crafts Council of Ireland is delighted to be partnering with Savour Kilkenny in bringing Donal Skehan to Kilkenny to mark the special year. “Donal is a huge enthusiast for Irish craft and we are thrilled that he has agreed to showcase the work of talented local craftspeople in this innovative and appealing way. Craft and food truly make for natural bedfellows and both sectors exemplify all that is currently positive about Ireland”, she said.

Savour Kilkenny Festival Director, Marian Flannery, commented “We are very excited to have Donal Skehan joining us for Savour Kilkenny in the Year of Craft 2011. People of all ages love Donal and we look forward to his demonstration using all the wonderful local produce.”


The 25-year-old cook is self taught and a passionate home cook who started his own blog thegoodmoodfoodblog.com in 2007 where he writes about his food adventures and recipes. After 6 months blogging, he was approached by Irish Publishing house, Mercier Press, to write a cookbook based around his recipes. The success of the book lead to TV and radio appearances including Ireland AM, The Afternoon Show, ICE, Nationwide, Market Kitchen in the UK, The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show and The Tubridy Show. This year he released a second cook book ‘Kitchen Hero’ and has a 13 part television series on RTÉ. He writes a regular column for the Irish Independent Weekend Magazine, a weekly column in The Cork News and regularly appears as a guest chef on ITV’s This Morning. For further information, visit www.donalskehan.com

The Savour Kilkenny Food Festival will also feature Kilkenny’s very own celebrity chefs, Edward Hayden and Ann Neary, who were a huge success at last year’s event. 


For more information on the festival go to www.savourkilkenny.com. Application forms for stall holders, volunteers and masterchef competition are now available to download on www.savourkilkenny.com

-End-

For more information contact:


Marian Flannery, Festival Director, at info@savourkilkenny.com /087 6863243

Siobhan Donohoe, MD Media, at siobhan@mdmedia.ie /086 1727972

Maureen Kennelly, Year of Craft 2011
Project Manager at 086 829 1179 


MEDIEVAL GRAIGUENAMANAGH, CO KILKENNY STEPS IN TO THE 21ST CENTURY SEPT 16-18, 2011

MEDIEVAL Graiguenamanagh will be catapulted into the technology age this coming weekend as Tweeters and non- tweeters alike gather for the Town of Books Festival and a chance to meet well-known poet, politician and presidential candidate, Michael D. Higgins.

The presidential candidate, who is an avid user of Twitter, will be in the Kilkenny town on Saturday, 17 September at 3pm, for a key Town Of Books Festival event. The reading provides festival goers with a chance to hear Mr. Higgins read his poems, and they can decide for themselves if the poems are as pithy as his tweets!

Avid social media fan and one of the festival’s organisers, Susan FitzGerald said ‘’I love poetry, and am looking forward to having Michael D Higgins read and sign some books here in Graig. His poems are very socially conscious, and I am not surprised he is embracing all these new ways of interacting with people; especially with Twitter being a bit like poetry in that you need to be concise.

“There will be a free Tweet Up (meet up for twitter users & non users alike) at 4.30 in Murray’s pub after Michael D’s talk- I’m not sure if he will make it, but we can always tweet him and tell him the fun he missed!’’

TV3 celebrity chef, author, and Graiguenamanagh resident Edward Hayden is also on Twitter (@EdwardHayden) and he will be doing a free cookery demonstration at 8.30 pm on Saturday the 17th at the Abbey Centre. There will be samples and a raffle, and Edward will also have a stall at the Book Festival’s local food and craft fair on Sunday the 18th.

Another Twitter using participant at the food and craft fair will be Knockdrinna Cheese (@Knockdrinna,) amongst others- so book, food, and craft lovers not yet on Twitter may want to go to the Tweet Up to find out what the tweeting fuss is about!

No Twitter is required to enjoy the festival and the over 20 booksellers selling all types of books on the festival book trail, just go to Graiguenamanagh on September 16th-18th, pick up a book & treasure trail map, and stroll the medieval streets.
The Town of Books Festival tweets at @TownOfBooksFest, and is on Facebook at Irelands Town of Books Festival. For the full festival programme, see www.booktownireland.com Email them at info@booktownireland.com .The festival is kindly supported by KLP, Leader, and is part of the Kilkenny Community Festival Network.

For more details contact Susan FitzGerald Su@vibrantireland.com 085 217 3223

· Consumers say it’s important to buy Guaranteed Irish, according to new Amárach Research

A MODEST increase in spend by households on Guaranteed Irish goods and services of only €4 a week could create over 6,200 new jobs in Ireland, it was revealed today. (Monday, September 5th)

Analysis by Amárach Research of the impact of Guaranteed Irish on the economy shows that the average Irish household spends just under €16 a week on Guaranteed Irish products and services.

“If Irish households simply increased their spending on Guaranteed Irish products to €20 per week, that would create an extra 6,200 jobs based on the turnover per job for existing Guaranteed Irish members. This figures show just how important it is that we support Guaranteed Irish services and products as much as possible during these tough economic times.” Executive Director of Guaranteed Irish, Tom Rea, said at the launch by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, T.D, of Amárach Research on attitudes to buying Irish.

The estimated annual turnover of Guaranteed Irish companies is €1.2 billion, with 23,700 employees, equalling €52,000 turnover per employee. “With the number of households in Ireland at 1.5 million we can estimate that the spend per household on Guaranteed Irish products a week is just under €16. A very modest increase to €20 a week would have a huge impact on the economy, creating over 6,200 jobs.” Mr Rea added. (See Appendix below)

The Amárach Research on attitudes to Guaranteed Irish show that the vast majority of Irish consumers (83%) believe it is more important today to buy Irish goods and services than it was five years ago, reflecting that at a time when Irish people feel powerless to make a personal difference, buying Guaranteed Irish makes them feel they are doing their bit for the country.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of people questioned say buying Guaranteed Irish helps them feel they are supporting Ireland, and the Irish, in some way. 41% of the 1,000 people surveyed say they buy Irish goods and services as often as they can.

Young people are very supportive of buying Irish for economic reasons, with 35% of 16-24 years olds doing so because it helps the economy. This compares to just 18% of those aged over 55 who buy Irish for economic reasons.

Interestingly, 40% of those over 55 buy Guaranteed Irish because it helps them to feel as if they are supporting jobs.

One in five (21%) of those surveyed say the Guaranteed Irish symbol provides peace of mind about where a product is produced or manufactured.

The vast majority of Irish consumers (86%) say Irish companies should highlight the fact that their products or services are Irish, according to the Amárach Research.

The survey found that:

41% of the public surveyed recognise the Guarantee Irish symbol today.
An overall 36% said buying products or services with the Guaranteed Irish symbol helps them feel like they are supporting Irish jobs and employment
Just over three-quarters of the Irish public consciously try to buy Irish products or services ’some of the time’ or ‘as often as I can’. Likelihood to purchase ‘as often as I can’ increases with age, and is higher among women and those who have children.
Given two similar products, four out of five consumers are likely to purchase a product with the Guaranteed Irish symbol rather than one that does not carry it
Those with children are more likely to buy Irish.

According to Tom Rea, it is imperative now to buy Irish where possible in order to nurture and encourage growth in Ireland.

“Guaranteed Irish is one of the most powerful and respected brands in the market, it is very much the tipping point for consumers who wish to support Irish products and services. The Guaranteed Irish Symbol not only identifies the products that are manufactured in this country, but it also differentiates products from competing imported products.”

He said the membership of Guaranteed Irish has increased by 40 per cent in the last year. “At a time when many Irish people feel powerless to make a personal difference, consumers recognise that buying Guaranteed Irish is something positive they can do to bolster the nation.

Guaranteed Irish would encourage all consumers to do what they can to contribute to the welfare of local enterprises by making deliberate choices to buy Guaranteed Irish goods and services.

He stressed that Guaranteed Irish members have a large portfolio of products and services extending to the pharmaceutical, building, recruitment and food industries.

Orla Murphy, Director of Amárach Research said: “Buying Guaranteed Irish can reinforce our sense of contribution in some small way each time we fill a shopping trolley. In its own way it can make us feel a little bit better about ourselves each time we shop.”

“In a period of global uncertainty, the one certainty is that buying Guaranteed Irish products supports Irish jobs.”

‘The Guaranteed Irish symbol is a flag that calls Irish consumers to rally in support of Irish products and services at a time when their help is most needed.”

The study of over 1,000 people across various age groups in Ireland was carried out to gauge spontaneous recognition of the Guaranteed Irish symbol and to identify the perceived benefits of and drivers behind buying products or services that carry the Guaranteed Irish symbol.

www.guaranteedirish.ie

- Ends-

For more information contact:

Miriam Donohoe, MD Media, 087 2393914
Or
Orla Murphy, Amárach Research, 087 6165822

Appendix:

· A separate survey of Guaranteed Irish members estimates their annual sales in Ireland to be approximately €1.2 billion, with total employment in Ireland close to 24,000.
· This gives a turnover per Guaranteed Irish employee of €52,038.
· Based on the 100 per cent member turnover, and on the fact that there are 1.5 million households in Ireland, the average Irish household spend on Guaranteed Irish products and services is €824 a year of €15.85 a week.
· An increase spend per week to €20 would result in a higher level of turnover to €1.56 billion, or a net increase in spending of €324,000,000 creating 6,226 extra jobs

About Guaranteed Irish:

The Guaranteed Irish program was established by the Irish Goods Council in 1975. Since then, it has become one of the most recognized brands in the country appearing on everything from children’s copy books to bags of sugar and even software packages.

In 1982 the European Court ruled against the operation of the scheme by a state funded agency. To continue with this valuable service to industry and the community, Guaranteed Irish Limited was formed in 1984 as an independent non-profit company to maintain and develop the program.

www.guaranteedirish.ie

· Come witness a crafted architectural feat at Irelands biggest music event

It is probably the first time that currachs have been launched in the Midlands – and the Electric Picnic is a most fitting place for their maiden voyage! Prepare to be amazed and astounded by Cruth Curach, a crafted architectural feat that has to be seen to be believed.

These are no ordinary currachs; the five land locked boats have been designed and specially hand crafted by architects Bucholz Mc Evoy and Jim Horgan of the Galway School of Boat Building to form an intriguing temporary pavilion at Electric Picnic 2011.

It was all hands on deck over the last few days as engineers, architects and boat builders arrived in Stradbally to erect the pavilion in the Global Green. Cruth Curach is not only unique because it is constructed using currachs, it also rotates, pivots and moves on horizontal and vertical axes. By day it will be a stunning venue and by night a closed sculptural form which will glow in the dark to help you to navigate your way through the festival site.

Over the weekend, Electric Picnic goers can visit to be wowed by the space or attend the many events scheduled. The exciting line-up includes something for everyone:

Are you fashion festival fit? Then the event with Irish fashion designers Joanne Hynes and Úna Burke in conversation with stylist and Off the Rails presenter Sonya Lennon is for you. Joanne Hynes collections at London Fashion Week are worn by Nicola Roberts, PJ Harvey, Claire Maguire, Daphne Guinness and have been photographed by Mario Testino for Vogue and Nick Knight, while Úna Burke’s unique leather artifacts are highly sought after by international style icons Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera and Rihanna.

Interested in guerilla tactics? Get involved in the yarn bombing extravaganza. Deirdre Harte will fix you up with giant knitting needles so you can become part of the team to wage woolly warfare throughout the festival.

Are you into wellie stomping action? Mick Minogue’s live DJ set with monsters and mayhem will get you going or Pipe Up for a Sunday morning wake up call with Na Píobiarí Uilleann.

These are only some of the delights to be experienced. Surprise guests and last minute additions to the schedule are expected over the weekend. For the very latest event details visit: www.electric picnic.ie/craftitecture

Louise Allen, Education and Innovation Manager with the Crafts Council of Ireland, said: “We are very excited about the pavilion which is a radically different departure representing a fusion of architecture and craft. After months of planning and a lot of hard work, it is great to see the pavilion erected here. Cruth Curach will provide a unique and engaging space at Electric Picnic and will contribute to the overall energy of this year’s festival.”

Irish Architecture Foundation director, Nathalie Weadick, said “The pavilion illustrates the very essence of crafitecture; to experiment with materials and ideas, to fuse architecture and craft, and to create an innovative and inspiring space that reflects the best of both worlds.”

Cruth Curach was the winning design in the “Craftitecture” competition organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland and the Irish Architecture Foundation, in association with the Electric Picnic, Greencrafts and Cultivate. It was specially commissioned to celebrate and highlight the Year of Craft 2011.

Those not lucky enough to be attending Electric Picnic will have an opportunity to experience Cruth Curach when it is installed in Merrion Square, Dublin as part of Open House, 7th – 9th October 2011.

For full details on the programme of events at the Craftitecture pavilion go to:

http://electricpicnic.ie/craftitecture12

http://www.craftinireland.com

http://www.architecturefoundation.ie/openhouse

-end-

About Year of Craft 2011:
This year the Crafts Council of Ireland and Craft Northern Ireland have designated 2011 as the Year of Craft. The year marks the 40th anniversary of the Crafts Council of Ireland and is being celebrated through a diverse range of dynamic events and programmes to showcase the very best of craft made on the island of Ireland. For further details, visit www.craftinireland.com .

For more information contact:
Miriam Donohoe, MD Media
087 2393914
or
Louise Allen, Crafts Council of Ireland
086 242 5569

The Vice Chairman of State Street, one of the world’s leading financial service providers, was today (Friday, September 2nd) awarded a civic honour to mark 10 years of the company in Kilkenny.
Joe Antonellis, who is responsible for State Street’s European and Asian-Pacific Global Services and Global Markets businesses, received the honour from the Kilkenny local authorities at a civic function hosted by the Mayor of Kilkenny, David Fitzgerald, and Chairman of Kilkenny County Council Paul Cuddihy.
Minister for Environment, Community, and Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D, and members of the local business community were in attendance for the reception in the Parade Tower to honour Mr Antonellis and to mark States Street’s important contribution to business and civic life in the city and county.
State Street employs 29,000 people in 26 countries world-wide. It is one of Ireland’s biggest financial services companies, employing over 2,200 staff at locations in Kilkenny, Naas, Drogheda and Dublin. State Street’s Kilkenny office commenced operations with 30 employees in 2001. Today, it celebrates 10 years in Kilkenny where it now employs 450 people, a number that has doubled since 2006.
Kilkenny is currently marketing itself as a place for international companies to establish and do business under the Invest Kilkenny campaign (www.investkilkenny.ie) launched last October.
Kilkenny City and County Manager, Mr Joe Crockett, said today that State Street is a shining example of a global business which has successfully established a base in Kilkenny, making a hugely important contribution to the economic and civic life of the city and county.
Congratulating State Street on ten years in Kilkenny Mr Crockett said: “State Street is the type of company Kilkenny hopes to attract in the future. Kilkenny has the access, high calibre workforce, and all the services needed for international companies such as State Street to operate. It also has a great quality of life, rich in culture and heritage.”
On receiving the civic honour Mr Antonellis said: “This is a proud day for State Street in Kilkenny. Over the past decade we have continued to grow and innovate, providing increasingly sophisticated services for global financial markets. Our clients put great value on the global accounting and distribution capabilities that we offer out of Kilkenny. Our growth is a testimony to the many talented individuals and teams, mostly third level graduates, who work in our Irish business.
“I want to reiterate our commitment to Kilkenny. We have forged a happy association with the city over the past decade, and we look forward to building on this success as we further expand our business in Europe. I want to thank you again for your support over the years, and for your work in ensuring that Kilkenny is such a great place to do business.”
Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr David Fitzgerald, welcomed Mr Antonellis on his first visit to Kilkenny.
“We are delighted that State Street, such a smart and successful company at the forefront of financial services and banking administration across the world, and the envy of it’s competitors, is here. It is innovative, lean, clever and an example of good corporate responsibility as it relates to this city and county and to the country generally.”
“State Street was the first International Financial Services to commence operation outside of the IFSC in Dublin and we are happy you chose to locate here.”
Chairman of Kilkenny County Council, Paul Cuddihy, said State Street’s contribution to the country generally, and to Kilkenny specifically, has been enormous, with 450 staff and supporting ancillary services.
“Economic performance has never been more important and we do our best to provide a good support infrastructure which is competitive.” he said.
Ends – Friday, September 2, 2011

For information on Invest Kilkenny, please contact:
Miriam Donohoe, MD Media
087 2393914
For information on State Street, please contact:
Pat Walsh, Murray Consultants Ltd.
087 2269345

About Joe Antonellis and State Street:
Joseph C. Antonellis is vice chairman of State Street and leads all Europe and Asia-Pacific Global Services, including Alternative Investment Solutions, and Global Markets. In this role, Mr. Antonellis oversees strategy, operations and business development for State Street’s investment servicing and investment research and trading outside of the Americas. He is also a member of State Street’s Management Committee, the company’s most senior strategy and policy-making team.
Previously, he was head of the North American global services business unit, and oversaw State Street’s investment manager operations outsourcing business unit and managed the Global Product Management division.
Since its entry into the European market in 1970, State Street has built a strong presence in the region. It has more than 9,700 employees throughout Europe, offering local investors a complete range of financial services across the investment spectrum, including investment servicing, investment research and trading, and investment management.
In Ireland State Street has grown to be one of the country’s largest fund administrators and custodians. The company employs over 2,200 staff at offices in Dublin, Drogheda, Kilkenny and Naas. Earlier this year SSgA, the investment management business of State Street Corporation, acquired Bank of Ireland Asset Management (BIAM) for a consideration of approximately €57 million.