The Reporter, The Ambassador and The Professor

Wednesday, May 12 (late due to computer problems!)

We started out on a sunny Dublin morning with coffee and pastries at a local coffee shop up the street and were graced by the presence of talented, red haired, and popular Irish Times feature reporter, Rosita Boland. We had tried to have a “phone” class with Rosita in Pittsburgh but our connection was poor so she agreed to meet with us in Dublin. What a much better connection! She talked with the students about the importance of finding a good story – no matter where you live or for whom you work. A hint is that where there is money involved....there's always a story. She noted that while she was spending a year at Harvard last year that she realized how American journalists depend and use a lot of data and statistics which she hasn't found to be true of Irish journalists. She's started to do a bit of that in her own reporting. She reminded the students that the most important quality they can possess is a keen sense of curiosity.

Next we hopped on a private coach with Vlad our driver for a ride to the US Embassy where we had an appointment with Ambassador Dan Rooney! What a memorable experience! We made our way through security and were met by Margot who kindly escorted us into the rotunda area where official receptions and greetings are held. Mr. Rooney was a bit delayed greeting us as he had just received a call from the president of Ireland! His Director of Public Affairs, Karyn Posner-Mullen talked with us about the role her office played in the Energy Conference that had taken place the previous two days in Dublin and Belfast. Some of the anticipated coverage was overshadowed by the events in the UK surrounding the government elections. The Irish Times environmental reporter did provide extensive coverage. The Ambassador then arrived as if out of nowhere and greeted us warmly saying seeing us made him feel like he was home. He told us about the conference and how he looking forward to a planned NFL game in Ireland on July 4. He gave each of us a unique pin with both the Irish and US flags and posed with us for a group photo. After he left, John Murphy, Communications Assistant, shared with us his career path, which at 23 is most impressive. He attended college starting at age 17, had worked for a year at the Embassy, then left to work for a radio station, and now is back at the Embassy with the promise he would stay for 5 years. He told us that the Irish are in love with radio......everyone listens in the morning and are very interested in the reading of death notices! He says that Mr. Rooney is well liked by the Irish people and that he plans to visit all 26 counties. So far he's been to 12. John is also the Embassy photographer and in charge of the Web site. He was delightful. Our entire experience was one for the memory book.

We then headed for DCU for a lecture by faculty member Helena Sheehan on Irish TV drama. She talked to us about how the dramas have mirrored and magnified Irish life over the decades. She does believe that she's never seen herself reflected in any of the dramas so she questions the completeness of the picture of Irish life as depicted in the dramas. She is saddened that there is currently very little drama production locally. It was an interesting perspective.

Our room became a press room when we got back after a lively hour discussion of what we'd all seen and heard the last couple of days. Three students worked on a story and photos to send back to Pittsburgh about our encounter with the Ambassador. We hope to see some coverage as a result!

Evening was spent having a delicious dinner with Helen, Dave and Bob.....followed by a stop a local pub for some traditional music and dancing.

What a day!