Tag Archive for: Neil Cowhey

Celebrating Yoshuku: An Inspiring Night of Ancient Japanese Wisdom with Azumi Uchitani

/in /by

We are overwhelmed and delighted by the wonderful response to ‘Manifesting the Future: Yoshuku (予祝) and the Role of Ancient Japanese Wisdom in Modern Life’, the book talk by Azumi Uchitani, held in Dublin on 22nd January.
.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this fully sold-out event, which brought together not only IJA members but also so many people with a deep passion for Japanese culture, philosophy, and wellbeing.

.


.
The evening opened with warm welcome remarks from Prof. Nathan Hill, Director of TCD Centre for Asian Studies, and Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson, followed by Azumi san’s insightful, thoughtful, and inspiring presentation, introducing her new book ‘Yoshuku – The Japanese Art of Manifesting’.
.
Her talk opened doors to ancient Japanese wisdom, exploring themes of gratitude, pre-celebration, inner balance, community, and how nurturing strong ‘roots’ can help our intentions blossom in modern life.
.
A huge thank you also goes to the TCAS team and Trinity Long Room Hub for being such wonderful hosts and for their care and support in making this event such a success.

.

Photos: TCAS

.

.

.

.

IJA Celebrates Bounenkai End of Year Party 2025

/in /by

Last week, the Ireland Japan Association celebrated its annual Bounenkai End of Year Party together with our members, friends and supporters. The event was organised in cooperation with our Patron Member Yamamori, who is proudly celebrating 30 years in business in 2025, and was hosted at Yamamori Tengu, located in the heart of Dublin city centre.

.

Welcome speech by Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

.

A warm welcome was extended to all guests by Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson, who, on behalf of the IJA Council, paid respects to former Ambassador Junji Shimada, who sadly passed away earlier this month, and reflected on the year’s highlights and achievements, including the Commendation awarded by the Japanese Foreign Minister to the IJA in recognition of its ongoing contribution to strengthening Ireland – Japan relations.

.

“It’s been a great year for the Ireland Japan Association, and great to share so many Ireland – Japan moments together. Looking forward to even better times next year. Cheers – and Kanpai!” – Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson.

.

We were honoured to welcome Mr. Koji Hirohata, Chargés d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan in Ireland, who addressed guests during the evening.

.

Speech by Koji Hirohata, Chargés d’Affaires, Embassy of Japan in Ireland

.

The evening brought together the IJA community for a relaxed and festive gathering, celebrating milestones, shared successes, and the strong connections between Ireland and Japan.

We would like to thank the IJA event team – Neil Cowhey, Graham Ryan and Miyu Ishikawa – for their work and support in organising the event.

A special thank you also goes to the Yamamori team for their warm welcome, hospitality, and excellent service throughout the night, making the celebration special for everyone.

.

.

.

Bank of Ireland Team Wins the IJA Ishikawa Golf Cup 2025

/in /by

The Ireland Japan Association’s Annual Golf Outing 2025 took place on Thursday, 25th September at the beautiful Foxrock Golf Club, Dublin, bringing together IJA members and friends for a fantastic day of golf, networking and celebration.

.

We are delighted to congratulate the Bank of Ireland team, winners of the IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025! The Ishikawa Cup and first prize were presented to the winning team by Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson, and Mr. Hirohata, Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan.

.

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 winners from Bank of Ireland Team – Casey Steele and Philip Healy together with Mr. Hirohata, Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan

.

Winners – Bank of Ireland Team
Philip Healy
Casey Steele
Patrick O’Connor
Devon Burns

2nd Place – NTT Data Team
3rd Place – SuMi TRUST (SMT Fund) Team

Spot Prizes
Nearest the Pin – Louise Mernagh, Mitsubishi Electric
Longest Drive – Adrian Gubbins, Mitsubishi Electric

.

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – 2nd place – NTT Data Team

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Nearest The Pin Spot Prize – Winner Louise Mernagh, Mitsubishi Electric with Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Longest Drive Spot Prize – Winner Adrian Gubbins, Mitsubishi Electric with Neil Cowhey, IJA Vice Chairperson

.

A big thank you to all the teams – Bank of Ireland, Dillon Eustace, ElectroRoute, Mitsubishi Electric, NTT Data, and SuMi TRUST – for taking part and making this year’s tournament such a success.

.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our wonderful hosts at Foxrock Golf Club for their warm hospitality, and to the IJA Council members and event team, especially Neil Cowhey and Raymond Hegarty, for their commitment and support in organising this event.

.

We look forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s tournament!

.

A very special thank you to our tournament prize sponsors for their generous support! 

.

Foxrock Golf Club

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025 – Foxrock Golf Club

IJA Ishikawa Cup 2025

.

.

.