Power Generation team captures 2006 Power Challenge trophy

THE 2006 ESB Power Challenge, which took place on April 7-8th in Killarney, proved again to be a truly international event - the only such event in all of ESB. Teams travelled from Uch and Rousch power stations in Pakistan, Amborebieta in the Basque region of Spain, Corby in the U.K., and of course our teams from the various business areas at home.

Out of 37 teams, the eventual winners were a team from Power Generation. Unlike last year, however, the weather on the Friday was not kind and the tasks on Friday night were all the more daunting due to atrocious conditions around Torc Waterfall. Undaunted, however, the teams arrived for another tough day on Saturday with the weather much improved and Kerry was once again bathed in sunshine, though somewhat cold.

Again the visiting teams from abroad were overwhelmed by the welcome they received from their colleagues here as we celebrated a multicultural night at the Glen Eagle on the Saturday.

Speaking on the night, John Campion, Executive Director HR & Corporate Affairs, thanked the organisers and participants and said it gave him great pleasure to be able to support the annual event, which brought so many people together from across the wider ESB. "The night time event where teams are split up gave participants an opportunity to meet new colleagues."

Worker Director Pat Smith said the event displayed partnership at its best as groups helped one another out with a common goal at the end - to enjoy the event and renew old friendships.

Tom Greene attended on behalf of ESB National Grid, as did Paraic Bergin, Finance & Administration Manager for ESBI FM in Pakistan, and Ciaran Power, General Manager, Amorebieta (who also joined the team). Many thanks to Gerry Whelan, Liam Deasy and Dan Lucey, who do trojan work on the ground locally with the organising committee of Mick O'Connor, Tony Fleming, Paul Newe, Sean Brophy, Joyce Farrell, Dave Walshe, Marguerite Sayers and Catherine Murphy. EM