Ronan,
Remember AI is a supposed to be a nationwide society. Unfortunately AI don't do nearly enough for those not in the Dublin area. Just to be clear it has always been a goal of AI to do more for the large numbers of AI members who live outside Dublin. These talks are just part of that goal. I know for a fact that e-mail comes in almost on a dialy basis complaining that not enough is done for the members outside Dublin. There is already a strong AI branch in Cork with regular(ish) meetings.
There certainly is no intention to step on the toes of clubs arleady in these locations. In fact I would like to see AI work with local clubs if that is possible. The problem in doing this before has always been resources, specifically getting people on the ground at locations to help run the events. This is now been overcome by the appointment of a director who can work to solve these problems.
The free events you refer to are funded by other organisations, (Malin was sponsored by Armagh, if I remember correctly?). These talks have to stand on their own.
  