On behalf of the team at BCO thank you to all on the forum for the kind words.
We are delighted to have joined the ranks of the MPC and take our place alongside the many great observatories from Ireland already on the MPC list.
We aim to contribute both scientifically and educationally by using our new found status within the MPC to inspire, publish and excite schools and astronomy enthusiasts wherever we can. While we have generally taken our data using 1-2m class telescopes abroad, it's important for us to develop new techniques here in Cork and to work with the growing band of astronomers who operate 10-16" telescopes as these have huge potential.
Congratulations also to Michael O'Connell (I87) on joining the MPC list and strengthening Ireland's already significant standing within the MPC community.
The amateur, with access to new technology at a reasonable price, can now participate in many astronomical fields and make valued contributions to science. In addition, this raises the profile of astronomy in the Public mind and can assist in encourange particularly the youngsters to consider science subjects as interesting.
Its great that you folks at BCO are going to inspire those youngesters to greater things - maybe in astronomy, maybe in another field. Well done again.
  