Over 3,500 years of engineering expertise was celebrated recently in Clyde Road, as Engineers Ireland honoured 70 members who have demonstrated their longstanding commitment to the engineering profession. The organisation commisioned the design of a special pin to acknowledge those who are celebrating their Golden Jubilee as a member of Engineers Ireland. A reception took place in Engineers Ireland HQ on Tuesday, 8 July, where the guests of honour were presented with the ‘50 years a member’ pin and certificate by Regina Moran, president of the organisation. The event also allowed old friendships to be rekindled - some after over 30 years. [caption id="attachment_15839" align="aligncenter" width="4288"] Engineers who celebrated 50 years' membership of Engineers Ireland (click to enlarge)[/caption] “It’s a huge honour to be in the company of people who have paved the way in such a respected and vital profession. As Issac Newton once said, ‘If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.’ Through your enthusiasm for the profession and the work you’ve carried out, you’ve inspired younger generations to discover engineering, question the status quo and add further value to society. You are the giants of our engineering profession.” In 1964, she added, there were 1,120 members of what was then known as the Institution of Engineers in Ireland. Today, there are almost 23,500 members – with plans to double that number with the registration of the profession in time. And the price of a pint Guinness in 1964 cost theequivalent of just 20 cent today. John Power, director general of Engineers Ireland, said there had been an “overwhelming response” to the invitation and to the gesture of recognition of engineering peers. Almost 300 engineers have achieved 50 years’ membership and those who were unable to attend the reception will receive their pins in the post.