Hosted by:
Kilkenny Probus Club

Convener of organizing committee:
Patrick M Nolan,
Email: pnolan@iora.ie
Tel: (+ 353) (0) 56 772 1483
Kilkenny Probus Club

Rally Address:
Mr Michael Starrett, Chief Executive Officer, The Heritage Council

Hotel Kilkenny,
College Road,
Kilkenny,
May 21st - 23rd, 2008
Hotel Web Site http://www.hotelkilkenny.ie/

Over 400 delegates and accompanying persons attended the Rally and its accompanying programme of activities. In the words of Patrick M Nolan, President of Kilkenny Probus Club and Rally Director - they engaged in the 'Business of Probus'. I.e., enjoying, benefiting and taking part in the exchanges available to all who choose to travel once a year to gather together, to talk and establish new or strengthen existing friendships with others throughout the island.

Wednesday May 21st

• 6.00pm - Civic Reception in the Great Hall Kilkenny Castle by the Mayor of Kilkenny, Her Worship Cllr Marie Fitzpatrick
• 7.15pm - Concert featuring Kilkenny Unity Singers in The Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle
• 8.15pm - Free time for delegates to have dinner
• 9.30pm - Musical Evening "Songs you will remember" in Hotel Kilkenny

Thursday May 22nd - The Rally

• From 9.00am - Registration in Main Lobby, Hotel Kilkenny, with coffee and scones in the City Room
• 10.45am - Accompanying persons coach tours
• 11.45am - Call to order in the Skyline Suite, Hotel Kilkenny
• 12.15pm - Formal welcome by the Mayor of Kilkenny, Her Worship Cllr Marie Fitzpatrick, followed by the address from the Guest Speaker Mr Michael Starrett, Chief Executive Officer, The Heritage Council
• 1.00pm - Lunch in the Skyline Suite
• 2.30pm - Rally Business
  • Report on 2007 PROBUS Rally held in Londonderry
    Arnold Bloomfield, Limavady Probus Club
  • Presentation of the Edwin A. Dunlop Perpetual Cup, by Past District Governor Rotarian Edwin Dunlop, for the Probus Club with the best attendance combined with distance travelled to the Rally. This was won by Portadown Probus Club.
  • Reports by the Rotary District Liaison Officers
    North: Rotarian Mary Sinnamon
    South: Rotarian Jerry O'Mahony
  • Address by Rotary District Governor Ray Cosgrave
  • Votes of thanks and conclusion of the Rally Business 3.30pm
  • Musical recital led by Ms Barbara Stallard with audience participation
• 6.00 - 8.00pm - Brewery party & informal Irish Night in the 16th Century Rothe House

Friday May 23rd

• 10.30am - Guided Tour of Kilkenny Castle & National Craft Exhibition Centre with morning coffee courtesy of Kilkenny Design Centre