Paddy Power Backs Irish Polar Institute

9th December 2025

WM Nixon

Home sweet home. Scott Base during the Antarctic "summer"

One of 2025's more intriguing achievements has been the unveiling and development of the Irish Polar Institute

The IPI's inaugural dinner and the award of its first Medal will take place in the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire on 30th January 2026, but meanwhile, the steady spread of awareness of its existence has brought in this intriguing email from Antarctic via New Zealand:

"I was fascinated to hear that there is an Irish Polar Institute and was wondering if you would be able to put me in touch with Chair, Máire Breathnach? My name is Patrick "Paddy" Power, born in County Waterford back in 1988 but emigrated firstly to London and I'm now in New Zealand as a dual citizen".

ADULT LIFE ON ANTARCTIC OPERATIONS

"The reason I am intrigued by the Institute is that I have spent much of my adult life connected with Antarctic Operations. I am currently sitting at Scott Base, the Kiwi research facility next to the US station McMurdo, waiting for a weather window to fly to the Crary Ice Rise to support the SWAIS2C project".

"You'll find me on the team page as the projects Antarctic Operations Manager. This is I think my 15th summer season on ice and have also completed 3 over-winters. I have worked for various Polar organisations including the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust and have been lucky enough to visit all of the historic huts in the Ross Sea Region. I currently work for Earth Sciences New Zealand as their Antarctic Operations Manager, where my main focus is SWAIS2C."

Paddy Power of Waterford at the South Pole

Paddy Power is deployed on research at Crary Ice Rise until January 23rd, which surely rules out any possibility of his presence in Dun Laoghaire on January 30th, but this establishment of a direct link to the Irish-associated Antarctic community in New Zealand is a very welcome development for the progress of the IPI.

Published in Irish Polar Institute

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Irish Polar Institute

About The Author

WM Nixon

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William M Nixon has been writing about sailing in Ireland for many years in print and online, and his work has appeared internationally in magazines and books. His own experience ranges from club sailing to international offshore events, and he has cruised extensively under sail, often in his own boats which have ranged in size from an 11ft dinghy to a 35ft cruiser-racer. He has also been involved in the administration of several sailing organisations.

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About the Irish Polar Institute

Explore the Irish Polar Institute’s mission to recognise and celebrate historic and modern Irish contributions to polar exploration, from Arctic and Antarctic voyagers to forgotten adventurers.

Founded in 2025 by high-latitude sailors including Paddy Barry and Jarlath Cunnane, the Institute promotes polar history, honours remarkable explorers with annual medals, and fosters awareness of Ireland’s role in global polar achievement.

Read Afloat.ie’s in-depth coverage of the Institute’s founding, key figures, upcoming inaugural dinner, and initiatives highlighting Irish explorers past and present