Tipp Is Top For Hungarians

Four Hungarian visitors were very impressed by their stay in the county last week. The four were agricultural engineering experts, representing three different universities and higher education institutes in Hungary. They chose Tipperary as the Irish stop on their European fact-finding mission. Renewable energy was the focus of their investigations, with Tipperary Institute their host for the week.Once Gabor, Istvan, Janos and Laszlo had unpacked their bags in a Thurles B&B, it was off for a walking tour of the town in the evening sunshine, escorted by Kevin Healion from TI.

Monday’s homecoming of the Tipp minor hurlers provided a joyful introduction to the county’s sporting heritage, followed by a drink in Hayes Hotel to discuss GAA history and the rules of hurling. Tuesday saw the group on TI’s Thurles campus, to get an overview of the Institute’s activities and an introduction to the Irish renewable energy scene. Off then to Cahir to visit the Tipperary Energy Agency, followed by an exploration of Cahir Castle, and a woodland walk.Wednesday’s agenda was equally busy, with a visit to TI’s Clonmel campus, a tour of a wood chip heating system, and a stop at Ballingarrane to view the lovely surroundings for TI’s future location in Clonmel. Back to Thurles then to hear how the Institute is assisting in rural development in other European countries, based on its experience of successfully running the Irish LEADER Support Unit for over two years. Music, chat and a drink in “Monk’s” was of course the conclusion to the day!On Thursday, the group got details of TI’s courses on renewable energy, domestic sustainable energy, and building energy rating. The Hungarians will use this information to assist them in further developing their own renewable energy courses.

In the past, TI staff have been privileged to be able to travel and learn from experts in other countries, and it was a source of pride for the Institute to now be able to host overseas visitors in return.A relaxed finish to the week was provided by visits to the Rock of Cashel and Holycross Abbey, further impressing the Hungarian delegation with the history, culture and hospitality of the Premier County. Even the weather put on a great show!

TI Partners With Setanta College

Following on his historic win in the Open Golf Championship, Padraig Harrington took time out to launch a new initiative in sports education in Ireland. There were Tipperary connections aplenty at the launch of Setanta College in the Berkely Court Hotel. This new college will offer accredited sports and coaching study programmes through distance learning and the internet.

Setanta College is headed by two of Ireland's most distinguished coaching and fitness experts, both with Tipperary connections. Liam Hennessy hails from Cappawhite and is a sports physiologist and National Fitness Director of the IRFU. He is fitness adviser and coach to Padraig Harrington on strength and conditioning. Liam trained the Tipperary hurling team for a number of years. Jim Kilty is Director of Speed, Agility, Quickness (SAQ) Ireland, former Coaching Director with Athletics Ireland and coach to a number of Ireland's leading international athletes including Derval O'Rourke and Eileen O'Keeffe. During Nicky English’s term as Tipperary hurling Manager, Jim was involved in training the team. Both men have worked extensively in both team and individual sports.

The third Tipperary connection with Setanta College is Tipperary Institute. The Institute is a major education partner with Setanta, providing its expertise in online learning as well as its campus facilities in Thurles. Students carry most of their studies online, with occasional weekend campus workshops. At the launch Padraig Harrington commented on how impressed he was with this “blended learning” model. The launch was also attended by Padraig Culbert, Chief Executive of Tipperary Institute, Professor Gary Prosser, Director of Development and Academic Affairs at Tipperary Institute, Tadhg Ó hÉalaithe, Secretary of the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, Irish hammer throw record holder Eileen O'Keeffe, Christine Keohane, Senior Brand Manager, Energise Sport, Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and Niall Woods, Chief Executive of the Irish Rugby Union Players Association (IRUPA).

The College will continue to broaden its range of nationally and internationally accredited practical coaching courses as well as related diploma courses for active and future coaches.Setanta College's courses are for all sports and aimed at team management personnel, trainers, coaches, players and athletes. Courses will range from weekend practical courses to the two year HETAC approved course. All courses will use the blended learning process which mixes lecture attendance at home on computer, participation at centrally located practical workshops, uploading of assignments, multiple choice questionnaires and projects directly from home. The content will consist of the most modern and relevant approaches, techniques and developments in relation to fitness, strength and conditioning, coaching and management of teams or individuals in the general area of sport. Full details of Setanta College and its programmes are at

www.setantacollege.com

TI & SISU Sign Agreement

Following three years of discussions, on Monday 9 July 2007 Tipperary Institute and Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) signed a Memorandum of Agreement at a signing ceremony in Shanghai, China. The agreement provides for a joint Foundation programme to be offered by SISU in China, with progression to degree programmes offered by TI in Ireland. Founded in 1949, SISU is one of the leading universities in China and attaches great importance to foreign language teaching and international academic exchange and cooperation.It has two campuses - in downtown Shanghai and a new 53 hectare campus in Songjiang New District. SISU has agreements with more than 100 universities in 30 countries but the link with Tipperary Institute is the first with an Irish institution.

Visit the SISU website, click here.

View a slide show of the signing ceremony, click here.