Look on The Harp Side

Northern Ireland's first Barley Art Installation - a pair of towering wings

Northern Ireland’s skyline took on a different shape today as Scrabo Tower was joined by another structure that soared high on the Ards Peninsula – a nine meter high pair of wings made from barley.

The barley art was commissioned by local lager brand Harp® as part of its ‘Look on the Harp Side’ campaign which champions Northern Ireland’s optimistic way of seeing things.

Belfast based bespoke artist and designer, Gareth Martin, handcrafted the wing structure. It took five days to build using 250 bales of barley, 440 meters of twine and 400 wooden stakes. Gareth, said: “It’s my first barley art installation and despite the mixed weather it was great fun to make. The design was inspired by the high quality barley ingredients and craftsmanship that goes in to the brewing of Harp and the formation of the wings are, of course, a nod to the brand evangelist, the Harp Angel.”

“Making hay while the sun shines – or in Northern Ireland while the rain pours down - sums up Harp’s values and reflects the Northern Ireland viewpoint on life”, said Harp Brand Manager, Lisa Ronayne. “August has been one of the wettest on record, making the summer harvest period difficult but in true Northern Irish form the weather hasn’t dampened spirits. We see the barley art as a fitting tribute to the upbeat viewpoint that people in Northern Ireland are known for.”

The art installation also helps launch a series of exciting competitions from the popular lager brand, entitled ‘Earn Your Wings’. To celebrate the optimistic, Northern Ireland way of seeing things, consumers will get the chance to win a free pint or experience a heli ride with friends to take in the local landscape from a different viewpoint. For more information on chances to win visit facebook.com/harp.

A brief hiatus...

Desert Island Digital

Don't worry, Digitology isn't going anywhere but it is on a break to allow me to spend time on a few other projects I have going on. Stay tuned though and it'll be back before you even know it.

Budweiser Dream Job Launches in Ireland

Kevin Dillon helps launch Budweiser Dream Job

Budweiser today announced details of their latest marketing campaign, Budweiser Dream Job. The new project offers Irish fans the opportunity to kick-start their dream career. Basically, Budweiser are offering someone a prize fund valued at €50,000. The Dream Job prize fund is made up from a €40,000 cash prize, a €5,000 equipment bursary and practical mentoring sessions with experts in the winner’s area of interest. 4 runner-up finalists will each receive an equipment bursary of €2,000.

Star of ‘Entourage’ Kevin Dillon was in Dublin to launch the project. Dillon explained, “Budweiser Dream Job is an amazing opportunity for someone in Ireland to kick-start the career they’ve always dreamed of. The reality is most people don’t get the chance due to lack of funds, support or encouragement. I say if you have a talent and you’re passionate, go for it!”

To get involved, members of the public over 18 years can apply for their Dream Job on the Budweiser Ireland Facebook page by uploading a creative CV from today until 9th August.

Budweiser Dream Job has some well-known judges from various backgrounds to help with the shortlisting of applicants, all of whom are inspiring figures who have been brave enough to follow their passions in life. Once the judges have narrowed it down to the best five applications, the public will decide on the overall winner that inspires them the most.

The judges include Dave Harris, a well-known music mogul in Ireland, is Marketing Director at Universal Music Ireland. He recently joined Rihanna on her famous 777 tour and is coined as the man responsible for singer Imelda May’s rise to fame. He also selects the music for RTE’s The Voice of Ireland.

Alongside Harris, Budweiser is excited to have successful fashion designer and business woman, Heidi Higgins. Heidi graduated from NCAD in 2008 and less than a year later she proudly introduced her own label to the Irish market. Heidi’s Spring/Summer 2013 Collection has taken to the rails of several exclusive boutiques across the country including leading department store, Brown Thomas. Two additional judges will be announced midway through the application period.

Speaking about the Dream Job campaign, Budweiser Senior Brand Manager, Colin Donnelly commented, “The winning applicant must convey real passion, belief and determination to succeed. Dream Job is part of Budweiser’s new campaign ‘Today Is The Day’, which is all about inspiring some of the hugely talented and passionate people living in Ireland today to fulfill their dreams.”

The Budweiser Dream Job campaign is supported by ATL, Digital, and PR. The campaign will use the twitter hash tag #DreamJob.

Budweiser Dream Job Promo

The Doritos Mariachi Band Add Mexican Flavour to Dublin

The Doritos Mariachi Band add Mexican Flavour to Dublin!

Dublin enjoyed a flavour of Mexico as the infamous Doritos Mariachi band conducted an impromptu concert of their classic covers with a Mexican twist on a recent visit to the city. The famous five amigos were in town to celebrate the launch of three exciting new Doritos flavours Hint of Lime, BBQ Rib and the limited edition flavour Jalapeno Fire.

The quintet of musicians brought all the excitement and fun of a Mexican fiesta to the city centre as they serenaded unsuspecting passer-by’s from a barge travelling along the Grand Canal. Hordes of people, commuting to and from the office on their lunch break, were met with the band’s unique versions of classic pops songs including ‘Don’t You want me Baby ’and ‘Love Machine’.

Katie Hanlon, Doritos Ireland brand manager, said: “We are delighted to have the Mariachis with us today to help the public try our new flavours that promise to add a little Mexican to their day. We are thrilled to add the new flavours – Hint of Lime, BBQ Rib and Jalapeno Fire to our already hugely popular range. Doritos is a household favourite here in Ireland, and even more so during the summer months. Doritos chips and dips are perfect for picnics, barbecues, summer parties and evenings in with friends.”

Those who didn’t manage to catch the Doritos Mariachis on their visit will soon be able to enjoy their unique take on classic hits as Doritios launches its first TV ad in Ireland. The fun and engaging TV ad features the Mariachi Doritos band playing inside the lights of a jukebox to the famous track, ‘I love Rock ‘n’ Roll’. Designed to increase consumer awareness and engagement with Doritos, a brand synonymous with sharing, the advert concludes as the Mariachi band rock and roll in a light hearted way, getting the party started.

Adtruism - The End of Slacktivism

Adtruism 'End of Slacktivism' Promo Video

Today sees the launch of social-tech start-up Adtruism. The new service allows anyone with a website or blog to effortlessly raise money for a worthy cause without asking for donations. An Adtruism widget, once placed on the website, displays commercial advertisements and Adtruism (a non-profit) transfers 100% of the ad-revenue to the chosen charity.

Student founder Brian McCormick hacked together a demo site in May of last year and got a great response from the online community. Developing the website and software in his spare time while studying law at UCD, he delayed launching the scalable platform until he had completed his finals.

Adtruism is being supported by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland through their Awards program and will receive between €33,000 and €200,000 worth of funding and support this October. Adtruism also receives pro bono support from companies including KPMG and ZEDO.

Worthy causes currently supported include the Make a Wish Foundation, UNICEF, and Doctors without Borders. Our growing network of socially responsible advertisers includes 123.ie and Horizon, and Adtruism is currently being run by a team of student volunteers from UCD and Trinity.