History of JCI Ireland
In the sixty years that have passed since its foundation, JCI Ireland has provided opportunities to many thousands of young Irish business people, entrepreneurs and leaders. Developing Leaders For A Changing World
JCI Ireland
JCI (Junior Chamber International) Ireland began on 14th May 1957 and was affiliated to Junior Chamber International in 1958, which has provided the international organisation with three World Presidents, Joe Murphy in 1984, Kevin Cullinnane in 2005 and Graham Hanlon in 2008.
In the fifty years that have passed since its foundation, JCI Ireland has provided opportunities to many thousands of young Irish business people, entrepreneurs and leaders. It’s alumni include Government Ministers, Judges, CEO’s of Semi-State bodies and captains of industry.
At its peak in the 1970’s and 1980’s, JCI Ireland had over sixty branches and 2,500 members all over the state and while it may be less influential now than it once was, the opportunities which it provides to its members remain the same and the national organisation remains committed to creating a better future by creating better leaders.
Brief History of Junior Chamber International
With over 150,000 members world-wide, across 5,000 local chapters and located in 100+ countries, JCI is the leading nonprofit organization of young active citizens age 18 to 40 who are engaged and committed to creating impact in their communities.
Founding a Movement
By the age of 18, Henry Giessenbier Jr. formed the Herculaneum Dance Club, a social outlet for the community’s youth. Unknown at the time, Giessenbier was laying the foundation for what would become a global movement. On October 13, 1915, the first JCI Movement was founded when 32 men joined to form the Young Men’s Progressive Association (YMPCA) at the Mission Inn located in their hometown of St. Louis, USA.
St. Louis Chamber of Commerce Emblem
The Young Men’s Progressive Association members received acknowledgement from the broader community, however on November 30, 1915 official recognition of the organization was granted after enrolling as a member of the Mayor’s Conference of Civic Organizations. One year later, the YMPCA became known as the Junior Citizens and soon the Junior Chamber of Commerce, after affiliating with the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce.
The First National Convention
In June 1920, with 41 cities present, the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce held their first official convention, where their first constitution was adopted and the first President, Henry Giessenbier Jr., was elected. Giessenbier closed the ceremony with his expressed goals for the organization: “We have definitely launched a great institution into the world of progress. Let us hope that from this institution will emerge citizens of loftier ideals, higher privileges, greater opportunities, purer patriotism, broader ideas of service and greater capacity for happiness.” — Founder, Henry Giessenbier, Jr.
Aviation Expansion and Voting Participation
In 1926, after gaining Charles A. Lindbergh, commercial aviation pioneer, as a member, the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce pursued to expand aviation throughout the United States by working to establish and promote airport construction, encourage air mail usage and mark towns for easy identification from the air. That same year, the Get Out the Vote campaign was initiated in which the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce became the first national organization to conduct a systematic campaign to educate citizens of their civic duty to vote. As a result, 12 million more individuals voted in the 1928 election than in 1924.
Inter-American Congress in Mexico City
On December 11, 1944, the Inter-American Congress was held in Mexico City. Representatives from the United States, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama gathered to officially establish Henry Giessenbier's 24-year-old civic association as an international organization, Junior Chamber International.
The First JCI World Congress
In 1946, with their new international presence recognized, the first JCI World Congress took place in Panama City, and included the adoption of a provisional Constitution.
Partnerships Connecting Young People
JCI members partnered with Pan American Airlines during the 14th JCI World Congress to connect young active citizens with JCI members from around the world.
JCI Creed Outlines Fundamental Values
Written by C. William Brownfield, the JCI Creed, a six-line statement of the beliefs and principles of the JCI Movement, was officially adopted in 1948 uniting individual members across the world.
Operation Brotherhood
Exemplifying the value of brotherhood, JCI’s first international campaign launched in 1954. Operation Brotherhood was developed through collaborating with the United Nations to support refugees fleeing communism in Vietnam. The campaign included large-scale fundraising efforts that raised US $1 million, assisted more than 730,000 individuals through health and wellness programs and created more than 350 community living spaces for refugees.
Project Concern
In 1965, Project Concern was started to administer dental and primary care to underprivileged individuals in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Mexico and the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. While the program grew internationally in 1965, it was started by JCI Hong Kong in 1962, spreading to other National Organizations before its international adoption.
Opportunities for Women
Throughout the 1970’s, membership growth among women soared and in 1971 the first female National President was elected in Nepal.
JCI and the United Nations
In 1954, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) granted JCI Special Consultative status, officially defining the supportive relationship between JCI and the UN. In the photo above, 1981 JCI President Gary Nagao visited with the UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim at the United Nations to discuss the long-standing partnership between the two organizations.
Peaceful Solutions led JCI
Starting in the 1980’s, organizational themes focused heavily on equality, internationalism and world peace in response to civil conflicts, assassination attempts and acts of terror as well as increasing global inflation and an oil and energy crisis. At the 1982 JCI World Congress in Seoul, South Korea, delegates skipped lunch to raise funds and support for disadvantaged populations on the North and South Korean border.
Peace and Literacy for Children
The first Earth Run at the 1986 JCI World Congress promoted UNICEF and “Global Peace for Children.” Later, in the 1990s JCI officially established a partnership with UNICEF based on the organizations’ mutual commitment to protect and support children. In another project dedicated to child development, members of JCI Hong Kong established the first children’s library and provided mobile libraries to the Social Welfare Office in 1986.
JCI Supports Fall of the Berlin Wall
In 1989, JCI Presidents signed "The Independent" describing the fall of the Berlin Wall and presented it to JCI Germany.
JCI Day at the United Nations
Throughout the 1990’s, JCI and its long-time partner the United Nations organized JCI Day annually on December 11th at the UN to educate young people on global challenges and how their history of cooperation can inspire local collaborations.
JCI Celebrates 50 Years of International Action
Half a century after the JCI Movement expanded internationally, JCI celebrated its 50th anniversary. JCI leadership blows out candles to celebrate this momentous occasion. Other celebrations included publishing a JCI Golden Anniversary Book to commemorate 50 years of history since founding internationally in 1944.
JCI World Headquarters Relocates to City of its Founding
On November 30, 2002, JCI stakeholders attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new location of the JCI World Headquarters. After nearly 50 years of being located in Tulsa, Miami or Coral Gables, USA, the headquarters relocated back to the city where the JCI Movement was founded, St. Louis, USA. The building was inaugurated on June 23, 2004.
JCI Adopts the Millennium Development Goals
First a resolution of the JCI-UN Leadership Summit, in 2004 JCI members committed to join leaders around the world to advance the Millennium Development Goals. Members globally continued to run national and local projects aimed to advance these eight global development goals, which ranged from eradicating extreme hunger and poverty to combating HIV/AIDS and malaria.
The Fight Against Malaria
To advance MDG #6, Combat Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other diseases, JCI formalized a partnership with the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign in 2008, which focused JCI members’ actions to raise global awareness, advocate for government funding and fundraise to support the fight against malaria through prevention. Over the next eight years, JCI raised over US $3.5 million for malaria prevention.
The JCI Active Citizen Framework
To increase the quantity of projects that result in sustainable solutions, the General Assembly of the 2010 JCI World Congress adopted the JCI Active Citizen Framework, a roadmap of actionable, results-driven steps to produce sustainable impact. This framework has been a guiding force behind grassroots projects around the world, resulting in sustainable solutions such as a medical camp in Bangladesh slums for expectant mothers lacking prenatal resources, community farming in the Dutch Caribbean, apprenticeships for unemployed youth in Europe and voter awareness campaigns across African nations.
100 Years of Impact
As JCI celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the JCI Movement, the moment presented itself for the organization to reflect upon and celebrate 100 Years of Impact. Celebrations included parties, 100th Anniversary documentary screenings and a commemorative monument and unveiling at the JCI World Headquarters. JCI members across the globe participated in Project Impact 100 with the goal of empowering young people and their communities to impact the lives of 100 individuals by taking grassroots action to create positive change; 467,540 individuals were impacted globally.
Ending Extreme Poverty, Inequality and Climate Change by 2030
2016 was the first year of implementation for the 15-year global development agenda—The Global Goals for Sustainable Development. These 17 ambitious goals aim at achieving three extraordinary tasks: end extreme poverty, fight inequality and injustice and combat climate change. During the 2015 JCI World Congress in Kanazawa, Japan, JCI leaders committed to advancing these goals by creating awareness, taking action on the goals most relevant in their communities and taking responsibility to hold JCI members as well as all sectors of society accountable to implement and monitor the progress of the Global Goals.
Brief History of JCI Ireland
Junior Chambers Cork and Dublin formed Junior Chamber Ireland on the 14th of May 1957 in 27, South Mall, Cork in the presence of the World President, Ira Kaye (USA) and R. Goldberg (Belgium) JCI VP. While the organisation was, at first, treated with great suspicion, after the opportunity given to its first members of explaining the ideals of the organisation it was fully accepted by the community.
JCI Ireland was affiliated to Junior Chamber International in 1958 and has provided the international organisation with three World Presidents, Joe Murphy in 1984, Kevin Cullinnane in 2005 and Graham Hanlon in 2008, a number of other international officers, hosted World Congress in Dublin in 1970, three European Conferences, in Dun Laoghaire in 1959, Killarney in 1975, Wexford in 1981 and European Presidents meeting in Wexford in 1990.
While Ireland has changed much since 1957 the ethos of the organisation, to provide opportunities in the areas of community, business, individual development and internationalism to young people between the ages of 18 and 40 remains the same.
JCI Ireland History Timeline
The following is a few highlights over the years of JCI Ireland, members and our contribution to the national community.
Junior Chamber
Cork Chamber of Commerce, Mr. B. Sinnott, Mr. C.F. Murphy, and Mr. J.C. O’Connor discussed the formation of a Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Junior Chamber Cork
The inaugural meeting of the Cork Junior Chamber of Commerce was held on the 30 th November 1954, a Constitution was passed and Mr. Edward J. Murphy was elected first president.
The meeting was held at the registered offices of the Cork Chamber of Commerce, 27 South Mall, Cork at 8pm and was attended by the Cork Chamber of Commerce President Mr. B. Sinnott. The meeting was also attended by the foundation committee listed above and a group of prospective members.
Mr. Sinnott spoke and expressed his great joy on the foundation of a Junior Chamber and said that for him, this new body fulfilled a long existing want in Cork life and he hoped that the fledgling Chapter would now take over some of the work which Cork Chamber of Commerce was now undertaking.
The Chapter Constitution, which had been ratified by the Cork Chamber of Commerce was proposed by Mr. J.F. O’Mahony, seconded by Mr. Dave Power and duly passed unanimously. Mr. Patrick C. Hickey was elected as Secretary of the Chapter.
Activities
On December 13 th 1955 the Chapter’s first A.G.M. was held at 27 South Mall, Cork and was attended by the Council and 22 ordinary Members. On the previous night the famed Cork Opera House had been destroyed by fire. Despite heavy initial financial outlay in the first year the financial position was quite sound.
The meeting fixed members’ subscriptions for the following year at one guinea by unanimous consent and Mr. J.C. O’Connor was unanimously approved as Hon. Auditor. The council for the following year 1955/56 comprising Messrs. M.A Bennett, M.A. Bradley, E.C. Daly, P.C. Hickey, E.J. Murphy, M. O’Neill, C. St. J. Nolan, J.F. O’Mahony, D.J. Power, W.M. St. Ledger and C. W. D. was duly elected.
JCI Ireland Begins to Form
On January 21 st 1956 the Chapter’s Inaugural Dinner was held at the Victoria Hotel, Cork. Early in 1956 the World President of J.C.I., A. de Oliviera (Sonny) Sales (H.K.) and the National President of JBCL, Leon Jessel visited Dublin and discussed the possibility of establishing a Junior Chamber with the then president of Dublin Chamber of Commerce Mr. A. O’D. Shiel. These two visiting delegates also visited the Cork Chapter.
On December 11 th 1956 Cork Junior Chamber of Commerce held its 2 nd Annual General Meeting at 27 South Mall, Cork. A total of 38 members were present. The Chapter had at that stage 48 members. The President in his address stated that the Dublin Junior Chamber was now inaugurated and that a foundation committee was active in Kilkenny. By this time negotiations had already commenced between Dublin and Cork to form a National Association. “A draft National Constitution had been prepared and was under consideration.” Mr. Murphy reported.
The membership subscription for the following year was passed at an increased figure of two guineas. During the meeting the council was instructed to discontinue the monthly lunches and to replace them with monthly teas instead, followed by a lecture.
The then President of the Cork Chamber of Commerce Dr. S. Fitzgerald addressed the meeting and commented that there were no differences between the two organisations and that their ideals were the same. He requested the continued support of Junior Chamber. Mr. Charles St. J. Nolan was elected President for the following year.
JCI Ireland - President, Jim Leeson
On Sunday, April 28 th 1957 and informal meeting was held between Dublin and Cork to pursue the possibility of setting up a National Body. On the evening of Monday May 13 th the then World President Ina. P. Kaye (USA) accompanied by Mr. R. Goldberg (Belgium) JCI VP from Europe visited Ireland and were entertained at Dinner at Dublin Airport.
On the following evening at 7pm in 27 South Mall, Cork, Junior Chamber Ireland was born under the title Associated Junior Chamber of Commerce of Ireland. Also in attendance with the World President and the JCI VP from Europe was Dr. Fitzgerald, President of Cork Chamber of Commerce, Mr. C. St. J. Nolan (Cork President) was in the chair. Telegrams were received from Belgium, Scotland and France. Mr. J.S. Leeson was elected the Association’s first President, proposed by C. St. J. Nolan, seconded by Mr. E. Daly. Mr. C. St. J. Nolan was elected Vice President, Mr. J.G. McMahon (Dublin) was elected Treasurer and Mr. D. Murphy (Cork) was elected Secretary. Mr. E.J. Murphy (Cork) was elected Asst. Treasurer and Miss. E.B. Gavin (Dublin) as Asst. Secretary. Four other Delegates, Messrs. Hegarty, Bennett, Le Bas and Ward were co-opted
The meeting was addressed by the newly elected President, the World President, the JCI VP for Europe and Dr. Fitzgerald. The next meeting was fixed for Sunday June 16 th 1957 at 2.30pm in Jurys Hotel, Dublin.
The next meeting of the organisation was held in Jurys Hotel, Dublin, on Sunday June 16 th 1957 at 2.30pm Mr. James Leeson (President) was in the Chair. One of the first items discussed was the Organisation’s Constitution. Junior Chamber Cork had set up a sub-committee to “look into all matters relevant to the setting up of the National Association and to examine a draft Constitution”. Primarily “the sub committee had been set up to safeguard the National Association from future difficulties”.
Mr. Charles St. J. Nolan (Vice President) requested input from the association’s members to this committee which was holding its first meeting on the following evening. At this time the President raised the objections of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, in that in time, control of the National Association might pass out of the hands of the Chapter of Commerce, and that some provision should be made in the constitution to prevent this. Mr. Leeson informed the meeting that a committee was also sitting in Dublin to examine the National Association and its Constitution.
The President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce had suggested that the organisation’s voting arrangements be based at the rate of 1 vote for every 10 members. Mr. C. Nolan (Vice President) objected on the grounds that this proviso if adopted would victimise the smaller chapters. Consequently the proposal was defeated.
In an effort to resolved the impasse, vis-à-vis Chamber of Commerce control of the National Association, it was unanimously agreed “that whereas we (the Association) are not bound to the Association of Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, our (chapter) obligations would be bound to our local Chambers of Commerce.
As a consequence a clause was included in the first Constitution which stated that “The provisions of this Constitution are subject to the regulations governing the relationships from time to time existing between each member Chapter and its respective Chamber of Commerce”. At the meeting these matters were also discussed.
Arising thereform it was decided to join Junior Chamber International but a decision on when to affiliate was deferred. It was also decided to defer a decision on the date and venue of a National Convention until the next meeting. Additionally it was decided to open a Bank A/c. in the M.&L., Grafton Street, in Dublin. The financial year was set to commence on May 1 st annually. Subscriptions were to be collected bi-annually and approval was given to purchase a minute book.
President, Charles St. John Nolan
During this year the organisation was “officially” acknowledged by Junior Chamber International. Junior Chamber Ireland was represented at the World Congress in Minneapolis. The organisation was presented with its first Chain of Office by the then President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. An organising committee was formed to host the 7 th European convention of Junior Chamber International which was held in 1959 in Dublin. Meetings were held in Birmingham and the European team with Charles Nolan, Tony Tynan and Miss E. B. Gavin attending.
President, John Hegarty
The second European Conference of Junior Chamber International was held in the Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, and hosted by the Dublin Chapter. A delegation from Junior Chamber Ireland attended the European Council Meeting in Geneva, and investigations started on the feasibility of holding an annual National Convention which caused the start of the extension of the movement throughout the country.
The first meetings were held regarding the possibility of starting Junior Chamber in Dun Laoghaire and Wexford. The President and a delegation attended the World Congress in Rio de Janeiro and an effort was made to have the Junior Chamber International Secretariat domiciled in Shannon.
President, Paul Rowan
Work continued on the promotion of Junior Chamber throughout the country. The Irish “Jaycee Award of the Year” was implemented and submissions were made to Radio Eireann for PR coverage of the organisation.
Wexford Junior Chamber was formed and admitted to membership of Junior Chamber Ireland. A delegation from Ireland was present at the European Convention in Stockholm and the World Convention in Paris. The 1 st National Convention of Junior Chamber Ireland was held in Cork and was an outstanding success.
President, Jim McNally
Discussions were held between the national bodies of England, Scotland and Ireland regarding the possibility of a multi-national meeting between these NOMS. World President, Peter Frankel, visited Ireland and complimented President Jim McNally and his team for the excellent work being done throughout the country.
Junior Chambers Limerick and Galway were formed, and a Junior Chamber newsletter was inaugurated. The President, with Mr. A. McCann and John Hegarty, attended the European Presidents’ meeting at the Hague and Junior Chamber Ireland was also represented at the European Convention in Amsterdam and the World Convention in Puerto Rico.
The National Convention was held in Wexford and the first senatorship of Junior Chamber Ireland was presented to Charlie Nolan.
President, Tom McDonagh
By the start of this year Junior Chamber was established in the major cities throughout Ireland. Junior Chamber Mallow and Cobh were in the process of formation.
The President and John Hegarty attended the European Convention in Naples where it was decided that Ireland would bid to host the European Convention in 1964. The Shannon Secretariat project was pursued further and receptions were held in Galway and Limerick for the visit of the World President of Junior Chamber International.
The National Convention was hosted by Waterford and held in the Majestic Hotel in Tramore, and the late Sean Lemass then Taoiseach was the guest of honour. John Hegarty was proposed by Junior Chamber Ireland as a candidate for a Junior Chamber International Vice-President nomination. A large delegation attended the Junior Chamber World Congress in Hong Kong and Ireland was also represented at the European Convention in Ghent.
Further meetings were held with members of Junior Chamber in Northern Ireland and representatives from the organisation were present at the British and Scottish Conferences. A Junior Chamber Ireland directory was implemented.
President, Denis Murphy
An auspicious start was made in 1963 and discussions took place on draft proposals for the re- organisation of Junior Chamber Ireland.
Junior Chamber Cork made a bid for the multi-national Conference at the European Presidents’ Meeting in Berlin. The “Exporter of the Year” awards was implemented and the commission system of Junior Chamber International was fully adopted throughout the country. A ”Buy Irish” week was inaugurated and discussions were held on the possibility of having a long- term planning committee.
The National Convention was held in Cork and the President and members of the organisation attended the British Convention in Swansea. A very large delegation attended the World Convention in Tel Aviv, Israel.
A very novel innovation was the Taoiseach’s Project of the Year Award. Meetings were held in London to consider the formation of a European Council and a European Liaison Officer was appointed. Delegates from Ireland at the London meeting were President Denis Murphy, Douglas Thornton, J. Sexton and John Hegarty.
President, Douglas Thornton
In 1964 the organisation extended with the formation of Chapters in Kilkenny, Sligo, Dun Laoghaire and Monaghan. An “Urban Improvement” project was implemented.
A new Constitution – more in line with the Constitution of Junior Chamber International – was passed and the Long Range Planning Committee was implemented. The “Exporter of the Year” Award was won by Erin Foods and this project in future will be handled by the Department of Industry and Commerce.
A delegation from Ireland attended the European Convention in Copenhagen, the British Junior Chamber and Scottish Federation of Junior Chambers Convention, and also the Junior Chamber International Economic Conference in Belfast. World President, John Rundle, visited Ireland and Douglas Thornton attended the World Congress in Oklahoma.
President, Pat Hickey
The 21 st Chapter of Junior Chamber Ireland was inaugurated this year. These Chapters included Dungarvan, Listowel, Newcastlewest and Skibbereen. International Vice-President, Tilt Kurtz from the United States, visited Ireland. Junior Chamber Ireland was represented at the BJC Convention in London and the Scottish Federation. Ian Hope from BJC and Gibson McDonald from the Scottish Federation were in attendance at the National Convention in Galway.
Pat Hickey and his team which included Trevor Morrow, Bill Murphy, Douglas Thornton and John Hegarty were actively pursuing Junior Chamber International to agree on the setting up of the Secretariat for the World organisation in Shannon. This was discussed at the European Convention in Amsterdam, and the World Convention in Sydney.
Junior Chambers Ireland was also present at the European Presidents’ Meeting. The theme for the 1965 year was “Growth”.
President, Trevor Morrow
The policy for 1966 was one of consolidation and improvement in administration systems. A permanent Secretariat was established in Cork under National Secretary, Bill Parfrey, and as the number of Chapters increased rapidly to twenty-three it was necessary to pick strategic locations for National Council Meetings which during the year were held in Sligo, Monaghan, Naas, Limerick, Dublin and Wexford.
The National President had been actively engaged in endeavouring to bring the World Headquarters to Shannon. Unfortunately, this was defeated.
A determined effort was made to build on the goodwill which had been established by the Irish team in Sydney, and in this connection the Irish President was Chairman of the European Presidents’ Meeting.
Very large delegations of Junior Chamber Ireland members attended the European Convention in Helsinki and the World Congress in Kyoto, Japan.
The attendance at the National Convention in Wexford was an all-time record, and Officers’ Training Courses were established and motivation of new members was the order of the day during this period in the history of the organisation. World President, Cliff Myatt, paid a visit to Ireland.
President, Bill Murphy
Coming from Thurles Junior Chamber, Bill Murphy was the first National President to break the big city connection and during his year of office the final bid for the world site of the JCI Secretariat in Shannon was inspected by World President Phillipe Abravanel and Secretary-General Warwick Kent, was held.
Six new Chapters were affiliated – Bray, Carlow, Dundalk, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Westport. The National Executive was restructured and the year of office of the President and National Council changed to the calendar year. Junior Chamber Ireland was represented at the European Convention in Southampton, and the World Congress in Toronto where a major Irish export stand was mounted in the Congress Hotel. International Vice-President Eugene Falk and Tilt Kurtz, JCI Executive Vice-President, paid a visit to Ireland.
President Declan Lennon
First Chapter Development Manual published. The theme for the year was Training, and new chapters were inaugurated in Youghal, Longford and Castlerea. The National Convention was held in Dun Laoghaire and a large international relationship project was implemented with Le Harve in France. 1968 was the year when Junior Chamber Ireland decided to bid for the World Convention for 1970.
At the invitation of Junior Chamber Ireland the Dublin Chapter set up a Committee which was headed by Douglas Thornton to prepare for this. Declan Lennon attended the European Convention Meeting in Monaco, and led a very large Irish delegation to the World Congress in Mar del Plata where the Dublin Charter were victorious in their bid for World Congress in 1970.
President Jack Harrington
This year saw a significant rise in the membership of Junior Chamber Ireland. Also very evident was the ‘internationalism’ of the organisation. On the homefront, the National Convention was held in Waterford and had a record registration of delegates which included visitors from Northern Ireland, BJCC, Scotland, Belgium, Netherlands, South Africa and JCI. Delegations attended the National Conventions of BJCC, Scotland the European Convention in Gothenburg.
At the World Congress in Port of Spain all European candidates were elected to office including Frank Carthy. A large amount of promotional work was carried out for the Dublin Congress, and there was a tremendous spirit among the entire Irish delegation.
The first National Training weekend was held in Kilkenny and was attended by 130 delegates. Speakers included Niall McConnell, Pat McCabe, Liam Keegan and Bill O’Toole. Subjects covered were National Organisation Project Assessment and Budgetary Control. Bandon, Youghal and Arklow were affiliated to the National organisation.
President Niall McConnell
In 1970 inroads were made into Management Training and courses were implemented. The first Leadership in Action course was inaugurated and the organisation travelled to Iceland where the National President conducted a Leadership in Action course. Junior Chamber Cavan was formed, and the World President Horsihi Meada paid a visit to Ireland in early Summer.
The European Convention which was held in Brussels was attended by a large delegation, and the organisation was again represented at the European Presidents’ Meeting which was also held in Belgium.
There were 2,000 delegates at the World Congress in Dublin which was an outstanding success both from the business and social viewpoints. Declan Lennon was appointed International Vice-President for 1971 and Frank Carthy was appointed International Treasurer. 1970 was a year when the activity rate throughout the organisation was at an all time high. A very interesting National Convention was hosted by Junior Chamber Dungarvan.
President Bill O’Toole
Drug Education Programme and Accent on Youth Programme were launched. The Long Range Planning Committee was formed and submitted its report at the end of the year. The organisation was represented at the European Convention in Barcelona where the National President chaired commission sessions.
The President attended the Conferences of BJCC and Scottish Junior Chamber, and also attended the European Presidents’ Meeting. The National Convention was held in Dundalk, and was attended by a large number of Jaycees from Northern Ireland. In this year the “Young Driver of the Year” project was launched and Donegal became a member of Junior Chamber.
The World Congress was held in Honolulu and the President reported that the standard was not up to that which Dublin provided during the previous year. Frank Carthy who was nominated as a candidate for World President was not successful, but his bid was of the highest calibre. Niall McConnell was made Senator of the Year and Junior Chamber Dun Laoghaire won the Chapter of the Year award, with Killarney winning an award for their Community Survey.
President, Liam Keegan
The National Programme this year included the “Select 200 Club” and the Young Driver of the Year project. A Committee was set up to prepare a report on Drug Abuse and Alcohol Addiction. These reports were submitted to the National Executive at the end of the year. The National Debating Competition Final was held at the National Convention in Tralee. The Jacobs Management Award was implemented.
Assigned International Vice-President, Jan Christiaens of Belgium visited Ireland and attended meetings in all nine regions. The organisation was represented at the European Presidents’ Meeting in Geneva, The BJCC National Convention and the European Convention in Edinburgh where the National President chaired the Education and Youth Commission. The Senate Godfather service was implemented.
The Northern Ireland Regional Group Chairman and the Chapter President and their wives attended a Junior Chamber Ireland National Council Meeting in Dundalk. The National Convention was hosted by Juniro Chamber Tralee, and the Convention Director was Jim Doyle.
At the World Congress in Taipei Junior Chamber Ireland won the Nebraska Memorial Award for the most active NOM, and Junior Chamber Dundalk won the Minneapolis Award as the best chapter throughout the world, together with the Dublin Silver Jubilee Award for membership extension. Junior Chamber Dublin won the JCI World Award for the best regular publication with their ‘Flashpoint’ magazine.
John Healy, JCI Development Officer, visited Ireland and conducted Management Seminars at Kilkenny, Longford and Galway.
President, Harvey Kenny
To meet the objectives and changing demands of Junior Chamber Ireland, the structure of the National Executive was changed. The National and Local organisations continued and improved their participation in local affairs. Junior Chamber Chapters in Athy, Leopardstown and Ballybofey were formed. The World President, Roy Barnarsee visited Ireland.
The organisation was represented at the European Convention in Naples, and at the BJCC and Scottish Federation Annual Conventions. Gerald Leissener, Assigned International Vice-President, visited Ireland and spoke at three Regional Meetings. At National Council topics of national interest were discussed – particularly the subject of farmers’ taxation.
Junior Chamber Killarney made a bid for the European Convention in 1975 and were successful. A joint pilot meeting between Northern Ireland Regional Group and Junior Chamber Ireland was held in Enniskillen and the attendance comprised many local Presidents from each region. The National Convention was held in Clonmel and the World Congress in Nice where Junior Chamber Dublin won an international award.
President Kevin O’Connell
This year Junior Chamber Ireland concentrated on the following areas:
(a) Growth in Chapter activity.
(b) Growth in Communication.
(c) Growth in Membership Extension.
(d) Growth in International Relations.
Junior Chamber Community Week was launched, and the National Programme Eucop was implemented. A combined North/South Training weekend was held in Dundalk.
International Vice-President, Mas Saito, visited Ireland and was very complementary in his report. The President attended a dinner with the late President Childers to discuss the purpose of Junior Chamber Ireland and its commitment to Community Development. The National magazine ‘Contact’ was launched under the editorship of Maura Mullen.
The National Convention was held in Galway which included 48 delegates from the Northern Ireland Regional Group.
Internationally the organisation was represented at the European Convention in Turku, Finland, the BJCC convention in Cardiff, and the Scottish Federations’ Convention in Rothesay. The World Congress was held in Auckland, New Zealand.
The concept of Metropolitanism was launched in the Dublin Area, and two new Chapters – Junior Chamber Clondalkin and Junior Chamber Malahide were inaugurated. Junior Chambers Roscommon, Ballincollig, Shannon and Kildare joined the National Organisation.
President T.J. Tyrell
Twelve Chapters were affiliated to Junior Chamber Ireland, namely Letterkenny, Ballinasloe, Portlaoise, Athenry, Portarlington, Athboy, Navan, Mallow, Castleknock, Buncrana, Gorey and Tipperary. With the assistance of Junior Chamber Scotland and BJCC a new Leadership Training Programme was drafted and adopted by the National Council for implementation in 1976. Two National Programmes “Community Week” and “Our Environment” were pursued. The National Shop Front Competition was included in the Community Week project.
International Vice-President, Peter Taylor, visited Ireland and attended various Regional meetings together with the Local Officers’ Training Weekend in Killiney Castle. The National Debating Competition rules were re-written, and the Golden voice project was inaugurated. Junior Chamber Dun Laoghaire organised the National Oratory Competition on a regional basis.
Junior Chamber Killarney hosted the European Convention Meeting which was attended by over 1,200 delegates. Prior to the European Convention Junior Chamber Dublin hosted a Metropolitan Chapters Meeting at which the charter for the development of Metropolitan Chapters was adopted, and subsequently adopted by Junior Chamber International at the World Congress in Amsterdam. The organisation was very well represented at the World Congress where Junior Chamber Dublin won the Minneapolis Award, and Junior Chamber Ireland the Presidential Award of Excellence in NOM management.
The National Convention was held in Wexford where the Tanaiste, Mr. B. Corish, T.D., was chief guest. Representatives from BJC and Scottish Junior Chambers were in attendance. The Chairman of the Northern Ireland Regional Group was also present.
President Peter Kelly
The overall membership of the organisation increased by 32% and for the first time membership exceeded 2,000. Leadership Training was implemented together with Accent on Youth as National Programmes.
In a move to make the participation at National Level more meaningful, the Local Officer Training Weekends were regionalised with very promising results. The objectives for 1976 included ambitious targets for the growth of the organisation and demanded a high level of membership participation. The keynote for the year was responsibility.
Junior Chambers Roscrea, Nenagh, Portumna joined and Junior Chamber Thurles was re-affiliated. Under Peter Kelly, the organisation attended the European Convention in Birmingham, the World Congress in St. Louis, the Scottish National Convention and the BJC Convention. The President and Deputy President attended the European Presidents’ Meeting in Klagenfurt and the International Training Seminar in Halmsted, Sweden. Peter Kelly was also present at the Northern Ireland Regional Group Conference in Portrush.
The National Convention was held in Cork with International Vice-President Viggo Hansen in attendance.
The World President, Sonny Belmonte, visited Ireland and was hosted by the metropolitan chapters in Dublin, and by Junior Chamber Mullingar.
Junior Chamber Ireland received the Jaycees International Extension Award and the Award for NOM Leadership. Chapter Awards were received by Newbridge, Macroom and three by Dublin. The following hopes were adopted for the future of the organisation:
(a) That the fellowship of Junior Chamber – the will to work together for the betterment of our communities – be always fostered.
(b) That Junior Chamber recognise that the business community is a vital part of the community life in our towns/cities.
(c) That Junior Chamber Ireland will always take an active part in the work of Jaycees International.
President Jim Doyle
The level of sponsorship achieved for our National Programmes – anti-Vandalism and Leadership Training – was at an all-time high. The Patrons Project success was maintained. National Council meetings held in Ballina, Wexford and Bray had outstanding attendances.
Calor Kosangas Ltd. and Allied Irish Banks are again involved with the organisation. Also provided for Chapter particiatpation are a number of competitions which include the National Debating Competition, National Schools Debating, Business Games, National Shop Front Competition and National Oratory Competition.
Junior Chambers in Nenagh and Bantry joined the organisation. The President and Members attended the European Presidents’ Meeting in Aberdeen, the Scottish Convention in Pitlochry, the European Conference in Lyon and the BJC conference in Sheffield.
In Lyon, Gerry Daly was appointed Project Europe Manager for 1977/78 and JCI selected the joint Danish and Irish Programme – “Europe – Bridge that Gap” – as the European programme for the ensuing year.
Our assigned International Vice-President, Roberto Cristia, visited Ireland and was hosted by Junior Chamber Dublin and Junior Chamber Portarlington. Other visitors to Ireland were Junior Chamber International Vice-President, Pauline Hester, the President of BJC – Derek Broderick, the President of Junior Chamber Scotland – Fred Delgano, the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Regional Group – Brian Brennan, and the President of Belfast Junior Chamber of Commerce, Douglas Simpson.
President Joe Murphy
Clonakilty was the venue for the first National Council Meeting and a number of administrative innovations were introduced to make National Council more relevant to the participants, including a Committee system for Officers’ reports.
Two National Programmes, Youth Development Action Programme (YDAP) and Enterprise Express, were successfully concluded during the year. In addition, the first ever Import Substitution Programme (IMPSUB) was run in conjunction with the Irish Goods Council.
Public Relations was given a priority for the year and a series of Press Conferences rather than Press Receptions were held to launch and conclude various National Activities.
Seven members of the National Executive were hosted by the European Parliament in Luxembourg for a three day briefing on the forthcoming elections to that body. These elections also provided the theme for the National Convention in Limerick, at which the Taoiseach, Mr. Jack Lynch T. D., was the principal guest.
Whilst a reasonable number of Irish delegates attended the European Convention in Antwerp, Belgium, a total of 97 Irish Jaycees and spouses attended the World Congress in Manilla, Phillipines, at which eight JCI Awards were won and the National President headed the poll in the election for JCI Vice President.
The year concluded at a well attended A.G.M. in Dun Laoghaire.
President John Cosgrove
1979 was the year of “opportunities for more people”. This was the year when we brought the Jaycee movement to a record number of new communities and we increased our membership to a record 2,172.
The year opened with enthusiasm, commitment and excitement. At our first National Council Meeting Joe Murphy set off on his travels as V. P. Jaycees International. We at home set out to succeed. This we did (in spite of a 26 week national postal strike).
Proinsias McMahon E.V.P. operations organised the most ambitious programme for international visitors which included Kumar Gera President Jaycees International, Bength Johannson, E.U.P. Takeo (Tak) Kimoto V.P. Jaycees International, Barry Kennedy President of US Jaycees (later to become World President). Some 20 Chapters were visted in 10 days in addition to visits to Northern Ireland.
We hosted the International Training Weekend in Dublin and 11 countries sent representatives. Development officers were appointed to promote operations and programmes at regional level. At International Conferences we participated in full at all levels. We were the major contributor at general assembly on Long Range Planning for Jaycees International. We secured 3 awards at the European Conference in Lausanne and 12 awards at the World Congress in Gothenburg. This was a record for Ireland and equalled the World Record.
Our National Convention in Galway had a record attendance and was by all accounts the best convention to date.
In spite of the records and successes our major disappointment was our failure to reach our achievable target of 2,500 new members. In spite of this it was a very exciting and rewarding year.
President Desmond Kennedy
1980 saw the beginning of a new decade and the beginning of a new era for the national organisation. Following two years of debate and preparation the structure of the national administration was reorganised to bring about a more effective service to members and chapters. The National Executive was reduced to nine persons all of whom had to carry increased responsibilities. Reporting to these were twenty national officers who together with the executive officers comprised the National Board. More emphasis was put on the regional structure with the election regionally of development officers and secretaries. A separate region was created for Donegal known as the North region.
The motto chosen by the National President for this year of change was “Involvement –Our Challenge” and during the course of the year members were encouraged to obtain full value from their membership by involving themselves in a wide ranging programme of activities. There were two national programmes on themes – Energy and Senior Citizens – Our Concern. The first was notable for a national competition on energy saving organised jointly with Macra na Feirme.
For the third year running Junior Chamber Ireland organised the import substitution programme with the co-operation of the Irish Goods Council and won both European and World Awards for its efforts. 1980 saw the last year of the National Schools Debating Competition which had over the years more than its fair share of controversy, but saw the first year of the National President being empowered to speak on and publicise the organisation’s views on matters of national importance.
This new dimension in national activity was administratively dealt with by the current affairs director and his committee who researched and prepared viewpoints on such matters as taxation, the budget, strike legislation, worker participation and Northern Ireland. The organisation was also successful in pressing the Government to appoint a Minister for Children.
Much emphasis was put on planned growth through more effective training and a comprehensive personal Development Training Programme was drawn up with specially devised courses for new and experienced members. The year also saw the setting up of our full time Secretariat in Grafton Street, Dublin.
The National Convention of 1980 was hosted by the Waterford Chapter with National Council Meetings in Wexford, Ballina and Limerick. The European Presidents’ Meeting was held in Reyjavik, Iceland, the European Conference in Tampere, Finland and the World Congress in Osaka, Japan. The World Congress was attended by over 30 delegates and Ireland maintained its international standing by winning eight world awards.
1980 was notable for many new developments but perhaps is best remembered by its National President for the commitment and dedication of the executive and national officers as well as the support and involvement of the many chapter presidents around the country.
President Joe Grant
1981 was the 25 th year of Junior Chamber Ireland. Elected as the 25 th President was Joe Grant, a 31 year old Assistant Manager with the Bank of Ireland in Cork.
The National Convention was hosted by Junior Chamber Cork in October and Jaycee Wexford were the hosts for the European Conference which was held in June. In excess of 1,100 people attended this event which was superbly organised by the Wexford Jaycees. The Wexford Conference was the first occasion on which a formal European Awards Programme was carried through.
Community Pride was the Major Emphasis Theme of the year and was an excellent success. Sponsorship for the theme was obtained from Allied Irish Banks and the theme won the Civic Involvement Award at the Berlin Congress in November.
Additionally, Junior Chamber Ireland continued its involvement with the Irish Goods Council in ‘Ireland 81’ and sponsorship was obtained from the Educational Building Society for the Schools Debating Competition.
Internationally, our involvement was very high. Joe Murphy (Ballina) served as General Legal Counsel of Jaycees International and was cleared Executive Vice-President of the International Organisation for 1982 at the Berlin Congress.
Ireland was honoured with a total of eleven awards, which included three Certificates of Merit. Ireland was also honoured in Berlin when Deputy President Feldman was appointed a Special Advisor to the Judging Panel.
Back home activity progressed at a high level. In the area of Training, five members of Junior Chamber Ireland – Joe Gunn, Alec Feldman, Bob O’Briain, Matt Moran and Seamus Cleere attended the Rosslare Training for Trainers Course which was attended by 47 people from Europe and Africa. Subsequently these five people held a course in Mullingar in August with the objective of imparting to the participants the communication services necessary to present courses effectively.
Three issues of contract were produced, a four page article on Junior Chamber Ireland was produced by JCI World and a Special Jaycee Week was held in September to honour the organisation’s Silver Jubilee Year. These celebrations were continued at the National Convention at which 19 of the 25 National Presidents were in attendance and which was attended by over 500 members.
The Major Theme of the Year was concentrated on the image and identity of the organisation. Consequently the precepts of Junior Chamber were constantly reiterated and discussed and a larger emphasis placed on exposing the highest possible number of members to the President and other officers. This policy was well rewarded when Junior Chamber Ireland carried off, one of the awards at the Berlin Congress, the coveted Springbok Trophy for “Furthering the Purposes of JCI”. This was the first time that the award had been won by Junior Chamber Ireland.
President Alex Feldman
The motto for the year was “Junior Chamber is Accepting Responsibility” and under this heading success was achieved in two notable areas. Our Major Emphasis Theme “Active Life” related to the uses and abuses of leisure time. Economic conditions have resulted in much enforced leisure time due to unemployment, and activity country wide was related in particular to this problem.
The Guaranteed Irish programme, renamed “Ireland First” achieved major success with larger community involvement than ever before and continued to promote the fight against unemployment.
On the international front, for only the second time in our history, we had a candidate for World President, and at the World Congress in Korea, Ireland “swept the board” in the area of International Awards.
To Be Continued...
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