Dennis Deery

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a dinner put together by Paul Walsh to discuss the need for a new non-profit organization representing the digital or interactive media industries in Ireland. The dinner, sponsored by Microsoft and Blacknight, was held at a restaurant co-owned by Walsh, Jaipur. The evening was off to a wonderful start with a sampling of dishes from Jaipur’s menu - this was the best Indian food I’ve found in Dublin. There was plenty of great conversation over dinner and drinks with the likes of Joe Drumgoole, Maryrose Lyons, Niall Larkin, Martha Rotter, and a number of other tech luminaries. It was a great chance to meet a number of people I’ve been following online.

Following way too much food and plenty of drink and chit-chat, Paul got the discussion rolling with his thoughts on what was needed. As with any new proposal, there was a fair bit of good discussion and some rock-throwing to dispute the need. All in all though I think the group was largely in agreement that there’s currently a gap in the market that leaves a lot of digital media companies and individuals unrepresented or unfulfilled. Discussion naturally (but prematurely) turned to potential names and mission statements for the group. I proposed that, with an apparent desire from the group to move forward, a future event be held either in person or online to do small-group brainstorming to come up with a list of short-term and long-term goals for such an organization, from which could follow a mission statement and name.

I have to commend Paul Walsh for getting this group together and getting the ball rolling. One of the things I’ve really come to love about Ireland is the small-community feel. It’s possible to organize an event and get a lot of the leading lights of an industry together around a table in a restaurant and have discussions like this. As a relative newcomer to this community, it also feels very open and inclusive, leaving me feeling like it’s possible to have an impact. Thanks to Paul for the invite, and I look forward to helping out with what’s to come.

See more comments on the night from:

• Paul Walsh
• Joe Drumgoole

• Maryrose Lyons (Maryrose has some great ideas about how such an association might work)

• Paul Campbell And check out pics from Paul Campbell. Great job Paul!